Give a good glass, and straight we'll praise you, one and all.
Only let not your samples be too small;
For if my judgment you desire,
Certes, an ample mouthful I require.
ALTMAYER _(aside)_
I guess, they're from the Rhenish land.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Fetch me a gimlet here!
BRANDER
Say, what therewith to bore?
You cannot have the wine-casks at the door?
ALTMAYER
Our landlord's tool-basket behind doth yonder stand.
MEPHISTOPHELES _(takes the gimlet_)
_(To_ FROSCH)
Now only say! what liquor will you take?
FROSCH
How mean you that? Have you of every sort?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Each may his own selection make.
ALTMAYER (_to_ FROSCH)
Ha! Ha! You lick your lips already at the thought.
FROSCH
Good, if I have my choice, the Rhenish I propose;
For still the fairest gifts the fatherland bestows.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_boring a hole in the edge of the table_
_opposite to where_ FROSCH _is sitting_)
Get me a little wax--and make some stoppers--quick!
ALTMAYER
Why, this is nothing but a juggler's trick!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ BRANDER)
And you?
BRANDER
Champagne's the wine for me;
Right brisk, and sparkling let it be!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _bores, one of the party has in the
meantime prepared the, wax-stoppers and stopped
the holes_.]
BRANDER
What foreign is one always can't decline,
What's good is often scatter'd far apart.
The French your genuine German hates with all his heart,
Yet has a relish for their wine.
SIEBEL (_as_ MEPHISTOPHELES _approaches him_)
I like not acid wine, I must allow,
Give me a glass of genuine sweet!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_bores_)
Tokay
Shall, if you wish it, flow without delay.
ALTMAYER
Come! look me in the face! no fooling now!
You are but making fun of us, I trow.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ah! ah! that would indeed be making free
With such distinguished guests. Come, no delay;
What liquor can I serve you with, I pray?
ALTMAYER
Only be quick, it matters not to me.
_[After the holes are all bored and, stopped.]_
MEPHISTOPHELES (_with strange gestures_)
Grapes the vine-stock bears,
Horns the buck-goat wears!
Wine is sap, the vine is wood,
The wooden board yields wine as good.
With a deeper glance and true
The mysteries of nature view!
Have faith and here's a miracle!
Your stoppers draw and drink your fill!
ALL (_as they draw the stoppers and the wine chosen by
each runs into his glass_)
Oh beauteous spring, which flows so far!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Spill not a single drop, of this beware!
[_They drink repeatedly_.]
ALL _(sing)_
Happy as cannibals are we,
Or as five hundred swine.
MEPHISTOPHELES
They're in their glory, mark their elevation!
FAUST
Let's hence, nor here our stay prolong.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Attend, of brutishness ere long
You'll see a glorious revelation.
SIEBEL _(drinks carelessly; the wine is spilt upon the ground,
and turns to fame)_
Help! fire! help! Hell is burning!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_addressing the flames_)
Stop,
Kind element, be still, I say!
(_To the Company_)
Of purgatorial fire as yet 'tis but a drop.
SIEBEL
What means the knave! For this you'll dearly pay!
Us, it appears, you do not know.
FROSCH
Such tricks a second time he'd better show!
ALTMAYER
Methinks 'twere well we pack'd him quietly away.
SIEBEL
What, sir! with us your hocus-pocus play!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Silence, old wine-cask!
SIEBEL
How! add insult, too!
Vile broomstick!
BRANDER
Hold! or blows shall rain on you!
ALTMAYER (_draws a stopper out of the table; fire springs
out against him_)
I burn! I burn!
SIEBEL
'Tis sorcery, I vow!
Strike home! The fellow is fair game, I trow!
[_They draw their knives and attack_ MEPHISTOPHELES.]
MEPHISTOPHELES (_with solemn gestures_)
Visionary scenes appear!
Words delusive cheat the ear!
Be ye there, and be ye here!
[_They stand amazed and gale at one another._]
ALTMAYER
Where am I? What a beauteous land!
FROSCH
Vineyards! unless my sight deceives?
SIEBEL
And clust'ring grapes too, close at hand!
BRANDER
And underneath the spreading leaves,
What stems there be! What grapes I see!
[_He seizes_ SIEBEL _by the nose. The others reciprocally
do the same, and raise, their knives._]
MEPHISTOPHELES (_as above_)
Delusion, from their eyes the bandage take!
Note how the devil loves a jest to break!
[_He disappears with_ FAUST; _the fellows draw back
from one another._]
SIEBEL
What was it?
ALTMAYER
How?
FROSCH
Was that your nose?
BRANDER (_to_ SIEBEL)
And look, my hand doth thine inclose!
ALTMAYER
I felt a shock, it went through every limb!
A chair! I'm fainting! All things swim!
FROSCH
Say! What has happened? What's it all about?
SIEBEL
Where is the fellow? Could I scent him out,
His body from his soul I'd soon divide!
ALTMAYER
With my own eyes, upon a cask astride,
Forth through the cellar-door I saw him ride--
Heavy as lead my feet are growing.
[_Turning to the table._]
I wonder is the wine still flowing!
SIEBEL
'Twas all delusion, cheat and lie.
FROSCH
'Twas wine I drank, most certainly.
BRANDER
But with the grapes how was it, pray?
ALTMAYER
That none may miracles believe, who now will say?
WITCHES' KITCHEN
_A large caldron hangs over the fire on a low hearth; various figures
appear in the vapor rising from it. A_ FEMALE MONKEY _sits beside
the caldron to skim it, and watch that it does not boil over. The_
MALE MONKEY _with the young ones is seated near, warming himself.
The walls and ceiling are adorned with the strangest articles of
witch-furniture.
FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES
FAUST
This senseless, juggling witchcraft I detest!
Dost promise that in this foul nest
Of madness I shall be restored?
Must I seek counsel from an ancient dame?
And can she, by these rites abhorred,
Take thirty winters from my frame?
Woe's me, if thou naught better canst suggest!
Hope has already fled my breast.
Has neither nature nor a noble mind
A balsam yet devis'd of any kind?
MEPHISTOPHELES
My friend, you now speak sensibly. In truth,
Nature a method giveth to renew thy youth:
But in another book the lesson's writ;--
It forms a curious chapter, I admit.
FAUST
I fain would know it.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Good! A remedy
Without physician, gold, or sorcery:
Away forthwith, and to the fields repair;
Begin to delve, to cultivate the ground;
Thy senses and thyself confine
Within the very narrowest round;
Support thyself upon the simplest fare;
Live like a very brute the brutes among;
Neither esteem it robbery
The acre thou dost reap, thyself to dung.
This the best method, credit me,
Again at eighty to grow hale and young.
FAUST
I am not used to it, nor can myself degrade
So far, as in my hand to take the spade.
This narrow life would suit me not at all.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Then we the witch must summon after all.
FAUST
Will none but this old beldame do?
Canst not thyself the potion brew?
MEPHISTOPHELES
A pretty play our leisure to beguile!
A thousand bridges I could build meanwhile.
Not science only and consummate art--
Patience must also bear her part.
A quiet spirit worketh whole years long;
Time only makes the subtle ferment strong.
And all things that belong thereto,
Are wondrous and exceeding rare!
The devil taught her, it is true;
But yet the draught the devil can't prepare.
[_Perceiving the beasts_.]
Look yonder, what a dainty pair!
Here is the maid! the knave is there!
(_To the beasts_)
It seems your dame is not at home?
THE MONKEYS
Gone to carouse,
Out of the house,
Thro' the chimney and away!
MEPHISTOPHELES
How long is it her wont to roam?
THE MONKEYS
While we can warm our paws she'll stay.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
What think you of the charming creatures?
FAUST
I loathe alike their form and features!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Nay, such discourse, be it confessed,
Is just the thing that pleases me the best.
(_To the_ MONKEYS)
Tell me, ye whelps, accursed crew!
What stir ye in the broth about?
MONKEYS
Coarse beggar's gruel here we stew.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of customers you'll have a rout.
THE HE-MONKEY (_approaching and fawning on_ MEPHISTOPHELES)
Quick! quick! throw the dice,
Make me rich in a trice,
Oh give me the prize!
Alas, for myself,
Had I plenty of pelf,
I then should be wise.
MEPHISTOPHELES
How blest the ape would think himself, if he
Could only put into the lottery!
[_In the meantime the young_ MONKEYS _have been playing
with a large globe, which they roll forward._]
THE HE-MONKEY
The world behold;
Unceasingly roll'd,
It riseth and falleth ever;
It ringeth like glass!
How brittle, alas!
'Tis hollow, and resteth never.
How bright the sphere,
Still brighter here!
Now living am I!
Dear son, beware!
Nor venture there!
Thou too must die!
It is of clay;
'Twill crumble away;
There fragments lie.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of what use is the sieve
THE HE-MONKEY (_taking it down_)
The sieve would show,
If thou wert a thief or no?
[_He runs to the_ SHE-MONKEY, _and makes her look through it._]
Look through the sieve!
Dost know him the thief,
And dar'st thou not call him so?
MEPHISTOPHELES (_approaching the fire_)
And then this pot?
THE MONKEYS
The half-witted sot!
He knows not the pot!
He knows not the kettle!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Unmannerly beast!
Be civil at least!
THE HE-MONKEY
Take the whisk and sit down in the settle!
[_He makes_ MEPHISTOPHELES _sit down._]
FAUST (_who all this time has been standing before a looking-glass,
now approaching, and now retiring front it_)
What do I see? What form, whose charms transcend
The loveliness of earth, is mirror'd here!
O Love, to waft me to her sphere,
To me the swiftest of thy pinions lend!
Alas! If I remain not rooted to this place,
If to approach more near I'm fondly lur'd,
Her image fades, in veiling mist obscur'd!--
Model of beauty both in form and face!
Is't possible? Hath woman charms so rare?
In this recumbent form, supremely fair,
The essence must I see of heavenly grace?
Can aught so exquisite on earth be found?
MEPHISTOPHELES
The six days' labor of a god, my friend,
Who doth himself cry bravo, at the end,
By something clever doubtless should be crown'd.
For this time gaze your fill, and when you please
just such a prize for you I can provide;
How blest is he to whom kind fate decrees,
To take her to his home, a lovely bride!
[FAUST _continues to gaze into the mirror._]
MEPHISTOPHELES
[_stretching himself on the settle and playing
with the whisk, continues to speak._]
Here sit I, like a king upon his throne;
My sceptre this;--the crown I want alone.
THE MONKEYS (_who have hitherto been making all sorts of
strange gestures, bring_ MEPHISTOPHELES _a crown, with
loud cries)
Oh, be so good,
With sweat and with blood
The crown to lime!
[_They handle the crown awkwardly and break it in two
pieces, with which they skip about._]
'Twas fate's decree!
We speak and see!
We hear and rhyme.
FAUST (_before the mirror_)
Woe's me! well-nigh distraught I feel!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_pointing to the beasts_)
And even my own head almost begins to reel.
THE MONKEYS
If good luck attend,
If fitly things blend,
Our jargon with thought
And with reason is fraught!
FAUST (_as above_)
A flame is kindled in my breast!
Let us begone! nor linger here!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_in the same position_)
It now at least must be confessed,
That poets sometimes are sincere.
[_The caldron which the_ SHE-MONKEY _has neglected begins
to boil over; a great flame arises, which streams up the
chimney. The_ WITCH _comes down the chimney with
horrible cries._]
THE WITCH
Ough! ough! ough! ough!
Accursed brute! accursed sow!
The caldron dost neglect, for shame!
Accursed brute to scorch the dame!
(_Perceiving_ FAUST _and_
MEPHISTOPHELES._)
Whom have we here?
Who's sneaking here?
Whence are ye come?
With what desire?
The plague of fire
Your bones consume!
[_She dips the skimming-ladle into the caldron and throws
flames at_ FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES, _and the_ MONKEYS.
_The_ MONKEYS _whimper._]
MEPHISTOPHELES (_twirling the whisk which he holds in his
hand, and striking among the glasses and pots_)
Dash! Smash!
There lies the glass!
There lies the slime!
'Tis but a jest;
I but keep time,
Thou hellish pest,
To thine own chime!
[_While the_ WITCH _steps back in rage and astonishment_.]
Dost know me! Skeleton! Vile scarecrow, thou!
Thy lord and master dost thou know?
What holds me, that I deal not now
Thee and thine apes a stunning blow?
No more respect to my red vest dost pay?
Does my cock's feather no allegiance claim?
Have I my visage masked today?
Must I be forced myself to name?
THE WITCH
Master, forgive this rude salute!
But I perceive no cloven foot.
And your two ravens, where are they?
MEPHISTOPHELES
This once I must admit your plea;--
For truly I must own that we
Each other have not seen for many a day.
The culture, too, that shapes the world, at last
Hath e'en the devil in its sphere embraced;
The northern phantom from the scene hath pass'd;
Tail, talons, horns, are nowhere to be traced!
As for the foot, with which I can't dispense,
'Twould injure me in company, and hence,
Like many a youthful cavalier,
False calves I now have worn for many a year.
THE WITCH (_dancing_)
I am beside myself with joy,
To see once more the gallant Satan here!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Woman, no more that name employ!
THE WITCH
But why? what mischief hath it done?
MEPHISTOPHELES
To fable-books it now doth appertain;
But people from the change have nothing won.
Rid of the evil one, the evil ones remain.
Lord Baron call thou me, so is the matter good;
Of other cavaliers the mien I wear.
Dost make no question of my gentle blood;
See here, this is the scutcheon that I bear!
[_He makes an unseemly gesture._]
THE WITCH (_laughing immoderately_)
Ha! Ha! Just like yourself! You are, I ween,
The same mad wag that you have ever been!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
My friend, learn this to understand, I pray!
To deal with witches this is still the way.
THE WITCH
Now tell me, gentlemen, what you desire?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of your known juice a goblet we require.
But for the very oldest let me ask;
Double its strength with years doth grow.
THE WITCH
Most willingly! And here I have a flask,
From which I've sipp'd myself ere now;
What's more, it doth no longer stink;
To you a glass I joyfully will give.
(_Aside._)
If unprepar'd, however, this man drink,
He hath not, as you know, an hour to live.
MEPHISTOPHELES
He's my good friend, with whom 'twill prosper well;
I grudge him not the choicest of thy store.
Now draw thy circle, speak thy spell,
And straight a bumper for him pour!
[_The_ WITCH, _with extraordinary gestures, describes a
circle, and places strange things within it. The
glasses meanwhile begin to ring, and the caldron
to sound and make music. Lastly, she brings a
great book; places the_ MONKEYS _in the circle to
serve her as a desk, and to hold the torches. She
beckons_ FAUST _to approach._]
FAUST (_to_ MEPHISTOPHELES)
Tell me, to what doth all this tend?
Where will these frantic gestures end?
This loathsome cheat, this senseless stuff
I've known and hated long enough.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Mere mummery, a laugh to raise!
Pray don't be so fastidious! She
But as a leech, her hocus-pocus plays,
That well with you her potion may agree.
[_He compels_ FAUST _to enter the circle._]
[_The,_ WITCH, _with great emphasis, begins to declaim from
the book._]
This must thou ken:
Of one make ten,
Pass two, and then
Make square the three,
So rich thou'lt be.
Drop out the four!
From five and six,
Thus says the witch,
Make seven and eight.
So all is straight!
And nine is one,
And ten is none,
This is the witch's one-time-one!
FAUST
The hag doth as in fever rave.
MEPHISTOPHELES
To these will follow many a stave.
I know it well, so rings the book throughout;
Much time I've lost in puzzling o'er its pages,
For downright paradox, no doubt,
A mystery remains alike to fools and sages.
Ancient the art and modern too, my friend.
'Tis still the fashion as it used to be,
Error instead of truth abroad to send
By means of three and one, and one and three.
'Tis ever taught and babbled in the schools.
Who'd take the trouble to dispute with fools?
When words men hear, in sooth, they usually believe,
That there must needs therein be something to conceive.
THE WITCH (_continues_)
The lofty power
Of wisdom's dower,
From all the world conceal'd!
Who thinketh not,
To him I wot,
Unsought it is reveal'd.
FAUST
What nonsense doth the hag propound?
My brain it doth well-nigh confound.
A hundred thousand fools or more,
Methinks I hear in chorus roar.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Incomparable Sibyl cease, I pray!
Hand us thy liquor without more delay.
And to the very brim the goblet crown!
My friend he is, and need not be afraid;
Besides, he is a man of many a grade,
Who hath drunk deep already.
[_The_ WITCH, _with many ceremonies, pours the liquor
into a cup; as_ FAUST _lifts it to his mouth, a light
flame arises._]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Gulp it down!
No hesitation! It will prove
A cordial, and your heart inspire!
What! with the devil hand and glove,
And yet shrink back afraid of fire?
[_The_ WITCH _dissolves the circle._ FAUST _steps out._]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now forth at once! thou dar'st not rest.
WITCH
And much, sir, may the liquor profit you!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to the_ WITCH)
And if to pleasure thee I aught can do,
Pray on Walpurgis mention thy request.
WITCH
Here is a song, sung o'er, sometimes you'll see,
That 'twill a singular effect produce.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
Come, quick, and let thyself be led by me;
Thou must perspire, in order that the juice
Thy frame may penetrate through every part.
Then noble idleness I thee will teach to prize,
And soon with ecstasy thou'lt recognize
How Cupid stirs and gambols in thy heart.
FAUST
Let me but gaze one moment in the glass!
Too lovely was that female form!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Nay! nay!
A model which all women shall surpass,
In flesh and blood ere long thou shalt survey.
(_Aside._)
As works the draught, thou presently shalt greet
A Helen in each woman thou dost meet.
A STREET
FAUST (MARGARET _passing by_).
FAUST
Fair lady, may I thus make free
To offer you my arm and company?
MARGARET
I am no lady, am not fair,
Can without escort home repair.
_[She disengages herself and exit._]
FAUST
By heaven! This girl is fair indeed!
No form like hers can I recall.
Virtue she hath, and modest heed,
Is piquant too, and sharp withal.
Her cheek's soft light, her rosy lips,
No length of time will e'er eclipse!
Her downward glance in passing by,
Deep in my heart is stamp'd for aye;
How curt and sharp her answer too,
To ecstasy the feeling grew!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _enters._]
FAUST
This girl must win for me! Dost hear?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Which?
FAUST
She who but now passed.
MEPHISTOPHELES
What! She?
She from confession cometh here,
From every sin absolved and free;
I crept near the confessor's chair.
All innocence her virgin soul,
For next to nothing went she there;
O'er such as she I've no control!
[Illustration: MARGARET _From the Painting by Wilhelm von Kaulbach_]
FAUST
She's past fourteen.
MEPHISTOPHELES
You really talk
Like any gay Lothario,
Who every floweret from its stalk
Would pluck, and deems nor grace, nor truth,
Secure against his arts, forsooth!
This ne'er the less won't always do.
FAUST
Sir Moralizer, prithee, pause;
Nor plague me with your tiresome laws!
To cut the matter short, my friend,
She must this very night be mine,--
And if to help me you decline,
Midnight shall see our compact end.
MEPHISTOPHELES
What may occur just bear in mind!
A fortnight's space, at least, I need,
A fit occasion but to find.
FAUST
With but seven hours I could succeed;
Nor should I want the devil's wile,
So young a creature to beguile.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Like any Frenchman now you speak,
But do not fret, I pray; why seek
To hurry to enjoyment straight?
The pleasure is not half so great,
As when at first, around, above,
With all the fooleries of love,
The puppet you can knead and mold
As in Italian story oft is told.
FAUST
No such incentives, do I need.
MEPHISTOPHELES
But now, without offence or jest!
You cannot quickly, I protest,
In winning this sweet child succeed.
By storm we cannot take the fort,
To stratagem we must resort.
FAUST
Conduct me to her place of rest!
Some token of the angel bring!
A kerchief from her snowy breast,
A garter bring me--any thing!
MEPHISTOPHELES
That I my anxious zeal may prove,
Your pangs to soothe and aid your love,
A single moment will we not delay,
Will lead you to her room this very day.
FAUST
And shall I see her?--Have her?
MEPHISTOPHELES
No!
She to a neighbor's house will go;
But in her atmosphere alone
The tedious hours meanwhile you may employ
In blissful dreams of future joy.
FAUST
Can we go now?
MEPHISTOPHELES
'Tis yet too soon.
FAUST
Some present for my love procure! [_Exit._]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Presents so soon! 'tis well! success is sure!
Full many a goodly place I know,
And treasures buried long ago;
I must a bit o'erlook them now. [_Exit._]
EVENING. A SMALL AND NEAT ROOM
MARGARET (_braiding and binding up her hair_)
I would give something now to know
Who yonder gentleman could be!
He had a gallant air, I trow,
And doubtless was of high degree:
That written on his brow was seen--
Nor else would he so bold have been.
[_Exit_]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Come in! tread softly! be discreet!
FAUST (_after a pause_)
_Begone and leave me, I entreat!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_looking round_)
Not every maiden is so neat.
[_Exit_]
FAUST (_gazing round_)
Welcome sweet twilight, calm and blest,
That in this hallow'd precinct reigns!
Fond yearning love, inspire my breast,
Feeding on hope's sweet dew thy blissful pains!
What stillness here environs me!
Content and order brood around.
What fulness in this poverty!
In this small cell what bliss profound!
[_He throws himself on the leather arm-chair beside
the bed_.]
Receive me thou, who hast in thine embrace,
Welcom'd in joy and grief the ages flown!
How oft the children of a by-gone race
Have cluster'd round this patriarchal throne!
Haply she, also, whom I hold so dear,
For Christmas gift, with grateful joy possess'd,
Hath with the full round cheek of childhood, here,
Her grandsire's wither'd hand devoutly press'd.
Maiden! I feel thy spirit haunt the place,
Breathing of order and abounding grace.
As with a mother's voice it prompteth thee
The pure white cover o'er the board to spread,
To stew the crisping sand beneath thy tread.
Dear hand! so godlike in its ministry!
The hut becomes a paradise through thee!
And here--
[_He raises the bed curtain_.]
How thrills my pulse with strange delight!
Here could I linger hours untold;
Thou, Nature, didst in vision bright,
The embryo angel here unfold.
Here lay the child, her bosom warm
With life; while steeped in slumber's dew,
To perfect grace, her godlike form,
With pure and hallow'd weavings grew!
And thou! ah here what seekest thou?
How quails mine inmost being now!
What wouldst thou here? what makes thy heart so sore?
Unhappy Faust! I know thee now no more.
Do I a magic atmosphere inhale?
Erewhile, my passion would not brook delay!
Now in a pure love-dream I melt away.
Are we the sport of every passing gale?
Should she return and enter now,
How wouldst thou rue thy guilty flame!
Proud vaunter--thou wouldst hide thy brow--
And at her feet sink down with shame.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Quick! quick! below I see her there.
FAUST
Away! I will return no more!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Here is a casket, with a store
Of jewels, which I got elsewhere.
Just lay it in the press; make haste!
I swear to you, 'twill turn her brain;
Therein some trifles I have placed,
Wherewith another to obtain.
But child is child, and play is play.
FAUST
I know not--shall I?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Do you ask?
Perchance you would retain the treasure?
If such your wish, why then, I say,
Henceforth absolve me from my task,
Nor longer waste your hours of leisure.
I trust you're not by avarice led!
I rub my hands, I scratch my head,--
[_He places the casket in the press and closes the lock._]
Now quick! Away!
That soon the sweet young creature may
The wish and purpose of your heart obey;
Yet stand you there
As would you to the lecture-room repair,
As if before you stood,
Arrayed in flesh and blood,
Physics and metaphysics weird and gray!--
Away!
[_Exeunt_.]
MARGARET (_with a lamp_)
Here 'tis so close, so sultry now,
[_She opens the window._]
Yet out of doors 'tis not so warm.
I feel so strange, I know not how--
I wish my mother would come home.
Through me there runs a shuddering--
I'm but a foolish timid thing!
[_While undressing herself she begins to sing._]
There was a king in Thule,
True even to the grave;
To whom his dying mistress
A golden beaker gave.
At every feast he drained it,
Naught was to him so dear,
And often as he drained it,
Gush'd from his eyes the tear.
When death came, unrepining
His cities o'er he told;
All to his heir resigning,
Except his cup of gold.
With many a knightly vassal
At a royal feast sat he,
In yon proud hall ancestral,
In his castle o'er the sea.
Up stood the jovial monarch,
And quaff'd his last life's glow,
Then hurled the hallow'd goblet
Into the flood below.
He saw it splashing, drinking,
And plunging in the sea;
His eyes meanwhile were sinking,
And never again drank he.
[_She opens the press to put away her clothes, and perceives
the casket_.]
How comes this lovely casket here? The press
I locked, of that I'm confident.
'Tis very wonderful! What's in it I can't guess;
Perhaps 'twas brought by some one in distress,
And left in pledge for loan my mother lent.
Here by a ribbon hangs a little key!
I have a mind to open it and see!
Heavens! only look! what have we here!
In all my days ne'er saw I such a sight!
Jewels! which any noble dame might wear,
For some high pageant richly dight
This chain--how would it look on me!
These splendid gems, whose may they be?
[_She puts them on and steps before the glass._]
Were but the earrings only mine!
Thus one has quite another air.
What boots it to be young and fair?
It doubtless may be very fine;
But then, alas, none cares for you,
And praise sounds half like pity too.
Gold all doth lure,
Gold doth secure
All things. Alas, we poor!
PROMENADE
_FAUST walking thoughtfully up and down. To him_ MEPHISTOPHELES
MEPHISTOPHELES
By all rejected love! By hellish fire I curse,
Would I knew aught to make my imprecation worse!
FAUST
What aileth thee? what chafes thee now so sore?
A face like that I never saw before!
MEPHISTOPHELES
I'd yield me to the devil instantly,
Did it not happen that myself am he!
FAUST
There must be some disorder in thy wit!
To rave thus like a madman, is it fit?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Think! only think! The gems for Gretchen brought,
Them hath a priest now made his own!--
A glimpse of them the mother caught,
And 'gan with secret fear to groan.
The woman's scent is keen enough;
Doth ever in the prayer-book snuff;
Smells every article to ascertain
Whether the thing is holy or profane,
And scented in the jewels rare,
That there was not much blessing there.
"My child," she cries; "ill-gotten good
Ensnares the soul, consumes the blood;
With them we'll deck our Lady shrine,
She'll cheer our souls with bread divine!"
At this poor Gretchen 'gan to pout;
'Tis a gift-horse, at least, she thought,
And sure, he godless cannot be,
Who brought them here so cleverly.
Straight for a priest the mother sent,
Who, when he understood the jest,
With what he saw was well content.
"This shows a pious mind!" Quoth he:
"Self-conquest is true victory.
The Church hath a good stomach, she, with zest,
Whole countries hath swallow'd down,
And never yet a surfeit known.
The Church alone, be it confessed,
Daughters, can ill-got wealth digest."
FAUST
It is a general custom, too,
Practised alike by king and jew.
MEPHISTOPHELES
With that, clasp, chain, and ring, he swept
As they were mushrooms; and the casket,
Without one word of thanks, he kept,
As if of nuts it were a basket.
Promised reward in heaven, then forth he hied--
And greatly they were edified.
FAUST
And Gretchen!
MEPHISTOPHELES
In unquiet mood
Knows neither what she would or should;
The trinkets night and day thinks o'er;
On him who brought them, dwells still more.
FAUST
The darling's sorrow grieves me, bring
Another set without delay!
The first, methinks, was no great thing.
MEPHISTOPHELES
All's to my gentleman child's play!
FAUST
Plan all things to achieve my end!
Engage the attention of her friend!
No milk-and-water devil be,
And bring fresh jewels instantly!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ay, sir! Most gladly I'll obey.
[FAUST _exit_.]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Your doting love-sick fool, with ease,
Merely his lady-love to please,
Sun, moon, and stars in sport would puff away.
[_Exit._]
THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE
MARTHA (_alone_)
God pardon my dear husband, he
Doth not in truth act well by me!
Forth in the world abroad to roam,
And leave me on the straw at home.
And yet his will I ne'er did thwart,
God knows, I lov'd him from my heart.
[_She weeps._]
Perchance he's dead!--oh wretched state!--
Had I but a certificate!
(MARGARET _comes_.)
MARGARET
Dame Martha!
MARTHA
Gretchen?
MARGARET
Only think!
My knees beneath me well-nigh sink!
Within my press I've found today
Another case, of ebony.
And things--magnificent they are,
More costly than the first, by far.
MARTHA
You must not name it to your mother!
It would to shrift, just like the other.
MARGARET
Nay look at them! now only see!
MARTHA (_dresses her up_)
Thou happy creature!
MARGARET
Woe is me!
Them in the street I cannot wear,
Or in the church, or anywhere.
MARTHA
Come often over here to me,
The gems put on quite privately;
And then before the mirror walk an hour or so,
Thus we shall have our pleasure too.
Then suitable occasions we must seize,
As at a feast, to show them by degrees:
A chain at first, pearl ear-drops then,--your mother
Won't see them, or we'll coin some tale or other.
MARGARET
But, who, I wonder, could the caskets bring?
I fear there's something wrong about the thing!
[_A knock._]
Good heavens! can that my mother be?
MARTHA (_peering through the blind_)
'Tis a strange gentleman, I see.
Come in!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _enters_.]
MEPHISTOPHELES
I've ventur'd to intrude today.
Ladies, excuse the liberty, I pray.
[_He steps back respectfully before_ MARGARET.]
After dame Martha Schwerdtlein I inquire!
MARTHA
'Tis I. Pray what have you to say to me?
MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside to her_)
I know you now,--and therefore will retire;
At present you've distinguished company.
Pardon the freedom, Madam, with your leave,
I will make free to call again at eve.
MARTHA (_aloud_)
Why, child, of all strange notions, he
For some grand lady taketh thee!
MARGARET
I am, in truth, of humble blood--
The gentleman is far too good--
Nor gems nor trinkets are my own.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Oh 'tis not the mere ornaments alone;
Her glance and mien far more betray.
Rejoiced I am that I may stay.
MARTHA
Your business, Sir? I long to know--
MEPHISTOPHELES
Would I could happier tidings show!
I trust mine errand you'll not let me rue;
Your husband's dead, and greeteth you.
MARTHA
Is dead? True heart! Oh misery!
My husband dead! Oh, I shall die!
MARGARET
Alas! good Martha! don't despair!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now listen to the sad affair!
MARGARET
I for this cause should fear to love.
The loss my certain death would prove.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Joy still must sorrow, sorrow joy attend.
MARTHA
Proceed, and tell the story of his end!
MEPHISTOPHELES
At Padua, in St. Anthony's,
In holy ground his body lies;
Quiet and cool his place of rest,
With pious ceremonials blest.
MARTHA
And had you naught besides to bring?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Oh yes! one grave and solemn prayer;
Let them for him three hundred masses sing!
But in my pockets, I have nothing there.
MARTHA
No trinket! no love-token did he send!
What every journeyman safe in his pouch will hoard
There for remembrance fondly stored,
And rather hungers, rather begs than spend!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Madam, in truth, it grieves me sore,
But he his gold not lavishly hath spent.
His failings too he deeply did repent,
Ay! and his evil plight bewail'd still more.
MARGARET
Alas! That men should thus be doomed to woe!
I for his soul will many a requiem pray.
MEPHISTOPHELES
A husband you deserve this very day;
A child so worthy to be loved.
MARGARET
Ah no,
That time hath not yet come for me.
MEPHISTOPHELES
If not a spouse, a gallant let it be.
Among heaven's choicest gifts, I place,
So sweet a darling to embrace.
MARGARET
Our land doth no such usage know.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Usage or not, it happens so.
MARTHA
Go on, I pray!
MEPHISTOPHELES
I stood by his bedside.
Something less foul it was than dung;
'Twas straw half rotten; yet, he as a Christian died.
And sorely hath remorse his conscience wrung.
"Wretch that I was," quoth he, with parting breath,
"So to forsake my business and my wife!
Ah! the remembrance is my death.
Could I but have her pardon in this life!"--
MARTHA (_weeping_)
Dear soul! I've long forgiven him, indeed!
MEPHISTOPHELES
"Though she, God knows, was more to blame than I."
MARTHA
He lied! What, on the brink of death to lie!
MEPHISTOPHELES
If I am skill'd the countenance to read,
He doubtless fabled as he parted hence.--
"No time had I to gape, or take my ease," he said,
"First to get children, and then get them bread;
And bread, too, in the very widest sense;
Nor could I eat in peace even my proper share."
MARTHA
What, all my truth, my love forgotten quite?
My weary drudgery by day and night!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Not so! He thought of you with tender care.
Quoth he: "Heaven knows how fervently I prayed,
For wife and children when from Malta bound;--
The prayer hath heaven with favor crowned;
We took a Turkish vessel which conveyed
Rich store of treasure for the Sultan's court;
Its own reward our gallant action brought;
The captur'd prize was shared among the crew,
And of the treasure I received my due."
MARTHA
How? Where? The treasure hath he buried, pray?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Where the four winds have blown it, who can say?
In Naples as he stroll'd, a stranger there,--
A comely maid took pity on my friend:
And gave such tokens of her love and care,
That he retained them to his blessed end.
MARTHA
Scoundrel! to rob his children of their bread!
And all this misery, this bitter need,
Could not his course of recklessness impede!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Well, he hath paid the forfeit, and is dead.
Now were I in your place, my counsel hear;
My weeds I'd wear for one chaste year,
And for another lover meanwhile would look out.
MARTHA
Alas, I might search far and near,
Not quickly should I find another like my first!
There could not be a fonder fool than mine,
Only he loved too well abroad to roam;
Loved foreign women too, and foreign wine,
And loved besides the dice accurs'd.
MEPHISTOPHELES
All had gone swimmingly, no doubt,
Had he but given you at home,
On his side, just as wide a range.
Upon such terms, to you I swear,
Myself with you would gladly rings exchange!
MARTHA
The gentleman is surely pleas'd to jest!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside_)
Now to be off in time, were best!
She'd make the very devil marry her.
(_To_ MARGARET)
How fares it with your heart?
MARGARET
How mean you, Sir?
MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside_)
The sweet young innocent!
(_aloud_)
Ladies, farewell!
MARGARET
Farewell!
MARTHA
But ere you leave us, quickly tell!
I from a witness fain had heard,
Where, how, and when my husband died and was interr'd.
To forms I've always been attached indeed,
His death I fain would in the journals read.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ay, madam, what two witnesses declare
Is held as valid everywhere;
A gallant friend I have, not far from here,
Who will for you before the judge appear.
I'll bring him straight.
MARTHA
I pray you do!
MEPHISTOPHELES
And this young lady, we shall find her too?
A noble youth, far traveled, he
Shows to the sex all courtesy.
MARGARET
I in his presence needs must blush for shame.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Not in the presence of a crownèd king!
MARTHA
The garden, then, behind my house, we'll name,
There we'll await you both this evening.
A STREET
FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES
FAUST
How is it now? How speeds it? Is't in train?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Bravo! I find you all aflame!
Gretchen full soon your own you'll name.
This eve, at neighbor Martha's, her you'll meet again;
The woman seems expressly made
To drive the pimp and gipsy's trade.
FAUST
Good!
MEPHISTOPHELES
But from us she something would request.
FAUST
A favor claims return, as this world goes.
MEPHISTOPHELES
We have on oath but duly to attest
That her dead husband's limbs, outstretch'd, repose
In holy ground at Padua.
FAUST
Sage indeed!
So I suppose we straight must journey there!
MEPHISTOPHELES
_Sancta simplicitas!_ For that no need!
Without much knowledge we have but to swear.
FAUST
If you have nothing better to suggest,
Against your plan I must at once protest.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Oh, holy man! methinks I have you there!
In all your life, say, have you ne'er
False witness borne, until this hour?
Have you of God, the world, and all it doth contain,
Of man, and that which worketh in his heart and brain,
Not definitions given, in words of weight and power,
With front unblushing, and a dauntless breast?
Yet, if into the depth of things you go,
Touching these matters, it must be confess'd,
As much as of Herr Schwerdtlein's death you know!
FAUST
Thou art and dost remain liar and sophist too.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ay, if one did not take a somewhat deeper view!
Tomorrow, in all honor, thou
Poor Gretchen wilt befool, and vow
Thy soul's deep love, in lover's fashion.
FAUST
And from my heart.
MEPHISTOPHELES
All good and fair!
Then deathless constancy thou'lt swear;
Speak of one all o'ermastering passion--
Will that too issue from the heart?
FAUST
Forbear!
When passion sways me, and I seek to frame
Fit utterance for feeling, deep, intense,
And for my frenzy finding no fit name,
Sweep round the ample world with every sense,
Grasp at the loftiest words to speak my flame,
And call the glow, wherewith I burn,
Quenchless, eternal, yea, eterne--
Is that of sophistry a devilish play?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Yet am I right!
FAUST
Mark this, my friend,
And spare my lungs; who would the right maintain,
And hath a tongue wherewith his point to gain,
Will gain it in the end.
But come, of gossip I am weary quite;
Because I've no resource, thou'rt in the right.
GARDEN
MARGARET _on_ FAUST's _arm_. MARTHA _with_ MEPHISTOPHELES _walking up
and down_.
MARGARET
I feel it, you but spare my ignorance,
The gentleman to blame me stoops thus low.
[Illustration: FAUST AND MARGARET _From the Painting by Carl Becker_]
A traveler from complaisance
Still makes the best of things; I know
Too well, my humble prattle never can
Have power to entertain so wise a man.
FAUST
One glance, one word from thee doth charm me more
Than the world's wisdom or the sage's lore.
[_He kisses her hand._]
MARGARET
Nay! trouble not yourself! A hand so coarse,
So rude as mine, how can you kiss!
What constant work at home must I not do perforce!
My mother too exacting is.
[_They pass on._]
MARTHA
Thus, sir, unceasing travel is your lot?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Traffic and duty urge us! With what pain
Are we compelled to leave full many a spot,
Where yet we dare not once remain!
MARTHA
In youth's wild years, with vigor crown'd,
'Tis not amiss thus through the world to sweep;
But ah, the evil days come round!
And to a lonely grave as bachelor to creep
A pleasant thing has no one found.
MEPHISTOPHELES
The prospect fills me with dismay.
MARTHA
Therefore in time, dear sir, reflect, I pray.
[_They pass on._]
MARGARET
Ay, out of sight is out of mind!
Politeness easy is to you;
Friends everywhere, and not a few,
Wiser than I am, you will find.
FAUST
O dearest, trust me, what doth pass for sense
Full oft is self-conceit and blindness!
MARGARET
How?
FAUST
Simplicity and holy innocence--
When will ye learn your hallow'd worth to know!
Ah, when will meekness and humility,
Kind and all-bounteous nature's loftiest dower--
MARGARET
Only one little moment think of me!
To think of you I shall have many an hour.
FAUST
You are perhaps much alone?
MARGARET
Yes, small our household is, I own,
Yet must I see to it. No maid we keep,
And I must cook, sew, knit, and sweep,
Still early on my feet and late;
My mother is in all things, great and small,
So accurate!
Not that for thrift there is such pressing need,
Than others we might make more show indeed;
My father left behind a small estate,
A house and garden near the city-wall.
But fairly quiet now my days, I own;
As soldier is my brother gone;
My little sister's dead; the babe to rear
Occasion'd me some care and fond annoy;
But I would go through all again with joy,
The darling was to me so dear.
FAUST
An angel, sweet, if it resembled thee!
MARGARET
I reared it up, and it grew fond of me.
After my father's death it saw the day;
We gave my mother up for lost, she lay
In such a wretched plight, and then at length
So very slowly she regain'd her strength.
Weak as she was, 'twas vain for her to try
Herself to suckle the poor babe, so I
Reared it on milk and water all alone;
And thus the child became as 'twere my own;
Within my arms it stretched itself and grew,
And smiling, nestled in my bosom too.
FAUST
Doubtless the purest happiness was thine.
MARGARET
But many weary hours, in sooth, were also mine.
At night its little cradle stood
Close to my bed; so was I wide awake
If it but stirred;
One while I was obliged to give it food,
Or to my arms the darling take;
From bed full oft must rise, whene'er its cry I heard,
And, dancing it, must pace the chamber to and fro;
Stand at the wash-tub early; forthwith go
To market, and then mind the cooking too--
Tomorrow like today, the whole year through.
Ah, sir, thus living, it must be confess'd
One's spirits are not always of the best;
Yet it a relish gives to food and rest.
[_They pass on._]
MARTHA
Poor women! we are badly off, I own;
A bachelor's conversion's hard, indeed!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Madam, with one like you it rests alone,
To tutor me a better course to lead.
MARTHA
Speak frankly, sir, none is there you have met?
Has your heart ne'er attach'd itself as yet?
MEPHISTOPHELES
One's own fire-side and a good wife are gold
And pearls of price, so says the proverb old.
MARTHA
I mean, has passion never stirred your breast?
MEPHISTOPHELES
I've everywhere been well received, I own.
MARTHA
Yet hath your heart no earnest preference known?
MEPHISTOPHELES
With ladies one should ne'er presume to jest.
MARTHA
Ah! you mistake!
MEPHISTOPHELES
I'm sorry I'm so blind!
But this I know--that you are very kind.
[_They pass on._]
FAUST
Me, little angel, didst thou recognize,
When in the garden first I came?
MARGARET
Did you not see it? I cast down my eyes.
FAUST
Thou dost forgive my boldness, dost not blame
The liberty I took that day,
When thou from church didst lately wend thy way?
MARGARET
I was confused. So had it never been;
No one of me could any evil say.
Alas, thought I, he doubtless in thy mien,
Something unmaidenly or bold hath seen?
[Illustration: FAUST AND MARGARET IN THE GARDEN Liezen-Mayer]
It seemed as if it struck him suddenly,
Here's just a girl with whom one may make free!
Yet I must own that then I scarcely knew
What in your favor here began at once to plead;
Yet I was angry with myself indeed
That I more angry could not feel with you.
FAUST
Sweet love!
MARGARET
Just wait awhile!
[_She gathers a star-flower and plucks off the leaves
one after another._]
FAUST
A nosegay may that be?
MARGARET
No! It is but a game.
FAUST
How?
MARGARET
Go, you'll laugh at me!
[_She plucks off the leaves and murmurs to herself._]
FAUST
What murmurest thou?
MARGARET (_half aloud_)
He loves me--loves me not.
FAUST
Sweet angel, with thy face of heavenly bliss!
MARGARET (_continues_)
He loves me--not--he loves me--not--
[_plucking off the last leaf with fond joy_.]
He loves me!
FAUST
Yes!
And this flower-language, darling, let it be
A heavenly oracle! He loveth thee!
Know'st thou the meaning of, He loveth thee?
[_He seizes both her hands._]
MARGARET
I tremble so!
FAUST
Nay! do not tremble, love!
Let this hand-pressure, let this glance reveal
Feelings, all power of speech above;
To give oneself up wholly and to feel
A joy that must eternal prove!
Eternal!--Yes, its end would be despair,
No end!--It cannot end!
[MARGARET _presses his hand, extricates herself, and
runs away. He stands a moment in thought, and
then follows her_.]
MARTHA (_approaching_)
Night's closing.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Yes, we'll presently away.
MARTHA
I would entreat you longer yet to stay;
But 'tis a wicked place, just here about;
It is as if the folk had nothing else to do,
Nothing to think of too,
But gaping watch their neighbors, who goes in and out;
And scandal's busy still, do whatsoe'er one may.
And our young couple?
MEPHISTOPHELES
They have flown up there,
The wanton butterflies!
MARTHA
He seems to take to her.
And she to him. 'Tis of the world the way!
A SUMMER-HOUSE
[MARGARET _runs in, hides behind the door, holds the tip
of her finger to her lip, and peeps through the
crevice_.]
MARGARET
He comes!
FAUST
Ah, little rogue, so thou
Think'st to provoke me! I have caught thee now!
[_He kisses her._]
MARGARET (_embracing him, and returning the kiss_)
Dearest of men! I love thee from my heart!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _knocks_.]
FAUST (_stamping_)
Who's there?
MEPHISTOPHELES
A friend!
FAUST
A brute!
MEPHISTOPHELES
'Tis time to part.
MARTHA (_comes_)
Ay, it is late, good sir.
FAUST
Mayn't I attend you, then?
MARGARET
Oh no--my mother would--adieu, adieu!
FAUST
And must I really then take leave of you?
Farewell!
MARTHA
Good-bye!
MARGARET
Ere long to meet again!
[_Exeunt_ FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES.]
MARGARET
Good heavens! how all things far and near
Must fill his mind--a man like this!
Abash'd before him I appear,
And say to all things only, yes.
Poor simple child, I cannot see
What 'tis that he can find in me.
[_Exit._]
FOREST AND CAVERN
FAUST (_alone_)
Spirit sublime! Thou gav'st me, gav'st me all
For which I prayed! Not vainly hast thou turn'd
To me thy countenance in flaming fire:
Gavest me glorious nature for my realm,
And also power to feel her and enjoy;
Not merely with a cold and wondering glance,
Thou dost permit me in her depths profound,
As in the bosom of a friend to gaze.
Before me thou dost lead her living tribes,
And dost in silent grove, in air and stream
Teach me to know my kindred. And when roars
The howling storm-blast through the groaning wood,
Wrenching the giant pine, which in its fall
Crashing sweeps down its neighbor trunks and boughs,
While hollow thunder from the hill resounds:
Then thou dost lead me to some shelter'd cave,
Dost there reveal me to myself, and show
Of my own bosom the mysterious depths.
And when with soothing beam, the moon's pale orb
Full in my view climbs up the pathless sky,
From crag and dewy grove, the silvery forms
Of by-gone ages hover, and assuage
The joy austere of contemplative thought.
Oh, that naught perfect is assign'd to man,
I feel, alas! With this exalted joy,
Which lifts me near, and nearer to the gods,
Thou gav'st me this companion, unto whom
I needs must cling, though cold and insolent,
He still degrades me to myself, and turns
Thy glorious gifts to nothing, with a breath.
He in my bosom with malicious zeal
For that fair image fans a raging fire;
From craving to enjoyment thus I reel,
And in enjoyment languish for desire.
[MEPHISTOPHELES _enters_.]
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of this lone life have you not had your fill?
How for so long can it have charms for you?
'Tis well enough to try it if you will;
But then away again to something new!
FAUST
Would you could better occupy your leisure,
Than in disturbing thus my hours of joy.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Well! Well! I'll leave you to yourself with pleasure,
A serious tone you hardly dare employ.
To part from one so crazy, harsh, and cross,
Were not in truth a grievous loss.
The live-long day, for you I toil and fret;
Ne'er from his worship's face a hint I get,
What pleases him, or what to let alone.
FAUST
Ay truly! that is just the proper tone!
He wearies me, and would with thanks be paid!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Poor Son of Earth, without my aid,
How would thy weary days have flown?
Thee of thy foolish whims I've cured,
Thy vain imaginations banished.
And but for me, be well assured,
Thou from this sphere must soon have vanished.
In rocky hollows and in caverns drear,
Why like an owl sit moping here?
Wherefore from dripping stones and moss with ooze embued,
Dost suck, like any toad, thy food?
A rare, sweet pastime. Verily!
The doctor cleaveth still to thee.
FAUST
Dost comprehend what bliss without alloy
From this wild wand'ring in the desert springs?--
Couldst thou but guess the new life-power it brings,
Thou wouldst be fiend enough to envy me my joy.
MEPHISTOPHELES
What super-earthly ecstasy! at night,
To lie in darkness on the dewy height,
Embracing heaven and earth in rapture high,
The soul dilating to a deity;
With prescient yearnings pierce the core of earth,
Feel in your laboring breast the six-days' birth,
Enjoy, in proud delight what no one knows,
While your love-rapture o'er creation flows--
The earthly lost in beatific vision,
And then the lofty intuition--
(_with a gesture_)
I need not tell you how--to close!
FAUST
Fie on you!
MEPHISTOPHELES
This displeases you? "For shame!"
You are forsooth entitled to exclaim;
We to chaste ears it seems must not pronounce
What, nathless, the chaste heart cannot renounce.
Well, to be brief, the joy as fit occasions rise,
I grudge you not, of specious lies.
But long this mood thou'lt not retain.
Already thou'rt again outworn,
And should this last, thou wilt be torn
By frenzy or remorse and pain.
Enough of this! Thy true love dwells apart,
And all to her seems flat and tame;
Alone thine image fills her heart,
She loves thee with an all-devouring flame.
First came thy passion with o'erpowering rush,
Like mountain torrent, swollen by the melted snow;
Full in her heart didst pour the sudden gush,
Now has thy brooklet ceased to flow.
Instead of sitting throned midst forests wild,
It would become so great a lord
To comfort the enamor'd child,
And the young monkey for her love reward.
To her the hours seem miserably long;
She from the window sees the clouds float by
As o'er the lofty city-walls they fly.
"If I a birdie were!" so runs her song,
Half through the night and all day long.
Cheerful sometimes, more oft at heart full sore;
Fairly outwept seem now her tears,
Anon she tranquil is, or so appears,
And love-sick evermore.
FAUST
Snake! Serpent vile!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside_)
Good! If I catch thee with my guile!
FAUST
Vile reprobate! go get thee hence;
Forbear the lovely girl to name!
Nor in my half-distracted sense
Kindle anew the smouldering flame!
MEPHISTOPHELES
What wouldest thou! She thinks you've taken flight;
It seems, she's partly in the right.
FAUST
I'm near her still--and should I distant rove,
Her I can ne'er forget, ne'er lose her love;
And all things touch'd by those sweet lips of hers,
Even the very Host, my envy stirs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
'Tis well! I oft have envied you indeed,
The twin-pair that among the roses feed.
FAUST
Pander, avaunt!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Go to! I laugh, the while you rail;
The power which fashion'd youth and maid
Well understood the noble trade;
So neither shall occasion fail.
But hence!--A mighty grief I trow!
Unto thy lov'd one's chamber thou
And not to death shouldst go.
FAUST
What is to me heaven's joy within her arms?
What though my life her bosom warms!--
Do I not ever feel her woe?
The outcast am I not, unhoused, unblest,
Inhuman monster, without aim or rest,
Who, like the greedy surge, from rock to rock,
Sweeps down the dread abyss with desperate shock?
While she, within her lowly cot, which graced
The Alpine slope, beside the waters wild,
Her homely cares in that small world embraced,
Secluded lived, a simple artless child.
Was't not enough, in thy delirious whirl
To blast the stedfast rocks!
Her, and her peace as well,
Must I, God-hated one, to ruin hurl!
Dost claim this holocaust, remorseless Hell!
Fiend, help me to cut short the hours of dread!
Let what must happen, happen speedily!
Her direful doom fall crushing on my head,
And into ruin let her plunge with me!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Why how again it seethes and glows!
Away, thou fool! Her torment ease!
When such a head no issue sees,
It pictures straight the final close.
Long life to him who boldly dares!
A devil's pluck thou'rt wont to show;
As for a devil who despairs--
Nothing I find so mawkish here below.
MARGARET'S ROOM
MARGARET (_alone at her spinning wheel_)
My peace is gone,
My heart is sore,
I find it never,
And nevermore!
Where him I have not,
Is the grave; and all
The world to me
Is turned to gall.
My wilder'd brain
Is overwrought;
My feeble senses
Are distraught.
My peace is gone,
My heart is sore,
I find it never,
And nevermore!
For him from the window
I gaze, at home;
For him and him only
Abroad I roam.
His lofty step,
His bearing high,
The smile of his lip,
The power of his eye,
His witching words,
Their tones of bliss,
His hand's fond pressure,
And ah--his kiss!
My peace is gone,
My heart is sore,
I find it never,
And nevermore.
My bosom aches
To feel him near;
Ah, could I clasp
And fold him here!
Kiss him and kiss him
Again would I,
And on his kisses
I fain would die.
MARTHA'S GARDEN
MARGARET _and_ FAUST
MARGARET
Promise me, Henry!
FAUST
What I can!
MARGARET
How thy religion fares, I fain would hear.
Thou art a good kind-hearted man,
Only that way not well-disposed, I fear.
FAUST
Forbear, my child! Thou feelest thee I love;
My heart, my blood I'd give, my love to prove,
And none would of their faith or church bereave.
MARGARET
That's not enough, we must ourselves believe!
FAUST
Must we?
MARGARET
Ah, could I but thy soul inspire!
Thou honorest not the sacraments, alas!
FAUST
I honor them.
MARGARET
But yet without desire;
'Tis long since thou hast been either to shrift or mass.
Dost thou believe in God?
FAUST
My darling, who dares say?
Yes, I in God believe.
Question or priest or sage, and they
Seem, in the answer you receive,
To mock the questioner.
MARGARET
Then thou dost not believe?
FAUST
Sweet one! my meaning do not misconceive!
Him who dare name,
And who proclaim--
Him I believe?
Who that can feel,
His heart can steel,
To say: I believe him not?
The All-embracer,
All-sustainer,
Holds and sustains he not
Thee, me, himself?
Lifts not the Heaven its dome above?
Doth not the firm-set earth beneath us lie?
And, beaming tenderly with looks of love,
Climb not the everlasting stars on high?
Do we not gaze into each other's eyes?
Nature's impenetrable agencies,
Are they not thronging on thy heart and brain,
Viewless, or visible to mortal ken,
Around thee weaving their mysterious chain?
Fill thence thy heart, how large soe'er it be;
And in the feeling when thou utterly art blest,
Then call it, what thou wilt--
Call it Bliss! Heart! Love! God!
I have no name for it!
'Tis feeling all;
Name is but sound and smoke
Shrouding the glow of heaven.
MARGARET
All this is doubtless good and fair;
Almost the same the parson says,
Only in slightly different phrase.
FAUST
Beneath Heaven's sunshine, everywhere,
This is the utterance of the human heart;
Each in his language doth the like impart;
Then why not I in mine?
MARGARET
What thus I hear
Sounds plausible, yet I'm not reconciled;
There's something wrong about it; much I fear
That thou art not a Christian.
FAUST
My sweet child!
MARGARET
Alas! it long hath sorely troubled me,
To see thee in such odious company.
FAUST
How so?
MARGARET
The man who comes with thee, I hate,
Yea, in my spirit's inmost depths abhor;
As his loath'd visage, in my life before,
Naught to my heart e'er gave a pang so great.
FAUST
Him fear not, my sweet love!
MARGARET
His presence chills my blood.
Toward all beside I have a kindly mood;
Yet, though I yearn to gaze on thee, I feel
At sight of him strange horror o'er me steal;
That he's a villain my conviction's strong.
May Heaven forgive me, if I do him wrong!
FAUST
Yet such strange fellows in the world must be!
MARGARET
I would not live with such an one as he.
If for a moment he but enter here,
He looks around him with a mocking sneer,
And malice ill-conceal'd;
That he with naught on earth can sympathize is clear;
Upon his brow 'tis legibly revealed
That to his heart no living soul is dear.
So blest I feel, within thine arms,
So warm and happy--free from all alarms;
And still my heart doth close when he comes near.
FAUST
Foreboding angel! check thy fear!
MARGARET
It so o'ermasters me that when,
Or wheresoe'er, his step I hear,
I almost think, no more I love thee then.
Besides, when he is near, I ne'er could pray.
This eats into my heart; with thee
The same, my Henry, it must be.
FAUST
This is antipathy!
MARGARET
I must away.
FAUST
For one brief hour then may I never rest,
And heart to heart, and soul to soul be pressed?
MARGARET
Ah, if I slept alone! Tonight
The bolt I fain would leave undrawn for thee;
But then my mother's sleep is light,
Were we surprised by her, ah me!
Upon the spot I should be dead.
FAUST
Dear angel! there's no cause for dread.
Here is a little phial--if she take
Mixed in her drink three drops, 'twill steep
Her nature in a deep and soothing sleep.
MARGARET
What do I not for thy dear sake!
To her it will not harmful prove?
FAUST
Should I advise it else, sweet love?
MARGARET
I know not, dearest, when thy face I see,
What doth my spirit to thy will constrain;
Already I have done so much for thee,
That scarcely more to do doth now remain. [_Exit._]
(MEPHISTOPHELES _enters_)
MEPHISTOPHELES
The monkey! Is she gone?
FAUST
Again hast played the spy?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of all that pass'd I'm well apprized,
I heard the doctor catechized,
And trust he'll profit much thereby!
Fain would the girls inquire indeed
Touching their lover's faith and creed,
And whether pious in the good old way;
They think, if pliant there, us too he will obey.
FAUST
Thou monster, dost not see that this
Pure soul, possessed by ardent love,
Full of the living faith,
To her of bliss
The only pledge, must holy anguish prove,
Holding the man she loves fore-doomed to endless death!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Most sensual, supersensualist! The while
A damsel leads thee by the nose!
FAUST
Of filth and fire abortion vile!
MEPHISTOPHELES
In physiognomy strange skill she shows;
She in my presence feels she knows not how;
My mask it seems a hidden sense reveals;
That I'm a genius she must needs allow,
That I'm the very devil perhaps she feels.
So then tonight--
FAUST
What's that to you?
MEPHISTOPHELES
I've my amusement in it too!
AT THE WELL
MARGARET _and_ BESSY, _with pitchers_
BESSY
Of Barbara hast nothing heard?
MARGARET
I rarely go from home--no, not a word.
BESSY
'Tis true: Sybilla told me so today!
That comes of being proud, methinks;
She played the fool at last.
MARGARET
How so?
BESSY
They say
That two she feedeth when she eats and drinks.
MARGARET
Alas!
BESSY
She's rightly served, in sooth.
How long she hung upon the youth!
What promenades, what jaunts there were
To dancing booth and village fair!
The first she everywhere must shine,
He always treating her to pastry and to wine.
Of her good looks she was so vain,
So shameless too, that to retain
His presents, she did not disdain;
Sweet words and kisses came anon--
And then the virgin flower was gone.
MARGARET
Poor thing!
BESSY
Forsooth dost pity her?
At night, when at our wheels we sat,
Abroad our mothers ne'er would let us stir.
Then with her lover she must chat,
Or on the bench, or in the dusky walk,
Thinking the hours too brief for their sweet talk;
Her proud head she will have to bow,
And in white sheet do penance now!
MARGARET
But he will surely marry her?
BESSY
Not he!
He won't be such a fool! a gallant lad
Like him can roam o'er land and sea;
Besides, he's off.
MARGARET
That is not fair!
BESSY
If she should get him, 'twere almost as bad!
Her myrtle wreath the boys would tear;
And then we girls would plague her too,
For we chopp'd straw before her door would strew!
[_Exit._]
MARGARET (_walking toward home_)
How stoutly once I could inveigh,
If a poor maiden went astray;
Not words enough my tongue could find,
'Gainst others' sin to speak my mind!
Black as it seemed, I blacken'd it still more,
And strove to make it blacker than before.
And did myself securely bless--
Now my own trespass doth appear!
Yet ah!--what urg'd me to transgress,
God knows, it was so sweet, so dear!
ZWINGER
_Inclosure between the City-wall and the Gate. (In the niche of the wall a
devotional image of the Mater dolorosa, with flower-pots before it.)_
MARGARET (_putting fresh flowers in the pots_)
Ah, rich in sorrow, thou,
Stoop thy maternal brow,
And mark with pitying eye my misery!
The sword in thy pierced heart,
Thou dost with bitter smart
Gaze upwards on thy Son's death agony.
To the dear God on high
Ascends thy piteous sigh,
Pleading for his and thy sore misery.
Ah, who can know
The torturing woe,
The pangs that rack me to the bone?
How my poor heart, without relief,
Trembles and throbs, its yearning grief
Thou knowest, thou alone!
Ah, wheresoe'er I go,
With woe, with woe, with woe,
My anguish'd breast is aching!
When all alone I creep,
I weep, I weep, I weep,
Alas! my heart is breaking!
The flower-pots at my window
Were wet with tears of mine,
The while I pluck'd these blossoms
At dawn to deck thy shrine!
When early in my chamber
Shone bright the rising morn,
I sat there on my pallet,
My heart with anguish torn.
Help! from disgrace and death deliver me!
Ah! rich in sorrow, thou,
Stoop thy maternal brow,
And mark with pitying eye my misery!
NIGHT. STREET BEFORE MARGARET'S DOOR
VALENTINE (_a soldier_, MARGARET's _brother_)
When seated 'mong the jovial crowd,
Where merry comrades boasting loud
Each named with pride his favorite lass,
And in her honor drain'd his glass;
Upon my elbows I would lean,
With easy quiet view the scene,
Nor give my tongue the rein, until
Each swaggering blade had talked his fill.
Then smiling I my beard would stroke,
The while, with brimming glass, I spoke;
"Each to his taste!--but to my mind,
Where in the country will you find,
A maid, as my dear Gretchen fair,
Who with my sister can compare?"
Cling! clang! so rang the jovial sound!
Shouts of assent went circling round;
Pride of her sex is she!--cried some;
Then were the noisy boasters dumb.
And now!--I could tear out my hair,
Or dash my brains out in despair!--
Me every scurvy knave may twit,
With stinging jest and taunting sneer!
Like skulking debtor I must sit,
And sweat each casual word to hear!
And though I smash'd them one and all,--
Yet them I could not liars call.
Who comes this way? who's sneaking here?
If I mistake not, two draw near.
If he be one, have at him;--well I wot
Alive he shall not leave this spot!
FAUST. MEPHISTOPHELES
FAUST
How far from yon sacristy, athwart the night,
Its beams the ever-burning taper throws,
While ever waning, fades the glimmering light,
As gathering darkness doth around it close!
So night like gloom doth in my bosom reign.
MEPHISTOPHELES
I'm like a tom-cat in a thievish vein
That up fire-ladders tall and steep
And round the walls doth slyly creep;
Virtuous withal I feel, with, I confess.
A touch of thievish joy and wantonness.
Thus through my limbs already burns
The glorious Walpurgis night!
After tomorrow it returns;
Then why one wakes, one knows aright!
FAUST
Meanwhile, the treasure I see glimmering there.
Will it ascend into the open air?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ere long thou wilt proceed with pleasure
To raise the casket with its treasure;
I took a peep, therein are stored
Of lion-dollars a rich hoard.
FAUST
And not a trinket? not a ring?
Wherewith my lovely girl to deck?
MEPHISTOPHELES
I saw among them some such thing,
A string of pearls to grace her neck.
FAUST
'Tis well! I'm always loath to go,
Without some gift my love to show.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Some pleasures gratis to enjoy
Should surely cause you no annoy.
While bright with stars the heavens appear,
I'll sing a masterpiece of art:
A moral song shall charm her ear,
More surely to beguile her heart.
(_Sings to the guitar._)
Kathrina, say,
Why lingering stay
At dawn of day
Before your lover's door?
Maiden, beware,
Nor enter there,
Lest forth you fare,
A maiden never more.
Maiden take heed!
Reck well my rede!
Is't done, the deed?
Good night, you poor, poor thing!
The spoiler's lies,
His arts despise,
Nor yield your prize,
Without the marriage ring!
VALENTINE (_steps forward_)
Whom are you luring here? I'll give it you!
Accursed rat-catchers, your strains I'll end!
First, to the devil the guitar I'll send!
Then to the devil with the singer too!
MEPHISTOPHELES
The poor guitar! 'tis done for now.
VALENTINE
Your skull shall follow next, I trow!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
Doctor, stand fast! your strength collect!
Be prompt, and do as I direct.
Out with your whisk! keep close, I pray,
I'll parry! do you thrust away!
VALENTINE
Then parry that!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Why not?
VALENTINE
That too!
MEPHISTOPHELES
With ease!
VALENTINE
The devil fights for you!
Why how is this? my hand's already lamed!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
Thrust home!
VALENTINE (_falls_)
Alas!
MEPHISTOPHELES
There! Now the lubber's tamed!
But quick, away! We must at once take wing;
A cry of murder strikes upon the ear;
With the police I know my course to steer,
But with the blood-ban 'tis another thing.
MARTHA (_at the window_)
Without! without!
MARGARET (_at the window_)
Quick, bring a light!
MARTHA (_as above_)
They rail and scuffle, scream and fight!
PEOPLE
One lieth here already dead!
MARTHA (_coming out_)
Where are the murderers? are they fled?
MARGARET (_coming out_)
Who lieth here?
PEOPLE
Thy mother's son.
MARGARET
Almighty God! I am undone!
VALENTINE
I'm dying--'tis a soon-told tale,
And sooner done the deed.
Why, women, do ye howl and wail?
To my last words give heed!
[_All gather round him._]
My Gretchen, see! still young art thou,
Art not discreet enough, I trow,
Thou dost thy matters ill;
Let this in confidence be said:
Since thou the path of shame dost tread,
Tread it with right good will!
MARGARET
My brother! God! what can this mean?
VALENTINE
Abstain,
Nor dare God's holy name profane!
What's done, alas, is done and past!
Matters will take their course at last;
By stealth thou dost begin with one,
Others will follow him anon;
And when a dozen thee have known,
Thou'lt common be to all the town.
When infamy is newly born,
In secret she is brought to light,
And the mysterious veil of night
O'er head and ears is drawn;
The loathsome birth men fain would slay;
But soon, full grown, she waxes bold,
And though not fairer to behold,
With brazen front insults the day:
The more abhorrent to the sight,
The more she courts the day's pure light,
The time already I discern,
When thee all honest folk will spurn,
And shun thy hated form to meet,
As when a corpse infects the street.
Thy heart will sink in blank despair,
When they shall look thee in the face!
A golden chain no more thou'lt wear!
Nor near the altar take in church thy place!
In fair lace collar simply dight
Thou'lt dance no more with spirits light!
In darksome corners thou wilt bide,
Where beggars vile and cripples hide,
And e'en though God thy crime forgive,
On earth, a thing accursed, thou'lt live!
MARTHA
Your parting soul to God commend!
Your dying breath in slander will you spend?
VALENTINE
Could I but reach thy wither'd frame,
Thou wretched beldame, void of shame!
Full measure I might hope to win
Of pardon then for every sin.
MARGARET
Brother! what agonizing pain!
VALENTINE
I tell thee, from vain tears abstain!
'Twas thy dishonor pierced my heart,
Thy fall the fatal death-stab gave.
Through the death-sleep I now depart
To God, a soldier true and brave.
[_Dies._]
CATHEDRAL
_Service, Organ, and Anthem._
MARGARET _amongst a number of people_
EVIL-SPIRIT _behind_ MARGARET
EVIL-SPIRIT
[Illustration: VALENTINE'S DEATH Franz Simm]
How different, Gretchen, was it once with thee,
When thou, still full of innocence,
Here to the altar camest,
And from the small and well-con'd book
Didst lisp thy prayer,
Half childish sport,
Half God in thy young heart!
Gretchen!
What thoughts are thine?
What deed of shame
Lurks in thy sinful heart?
Is thy prayer utter'd for thy mother's soul,
Who into long, long torment slept through thee?
Whose blood is on thy threshold?--
And stirs there not already 'neath thy heart
Another quick'ning pulse, that even now
Tortures itself and thee
With its foreboding presence?
MARGARET
Woe! Woe!
Oh, could I free me from the thoughts
That hither, thither, crowd upon my brain,
Against my will!
CHORUS
_Dies irae, dies illa,
Solvet sæclum in favilla._
[_The organ sounds._]
EVIL-SPIRIT
Grim horror seizes thee!
The trumpet sounds!
The graves are shaken!
And thy heart
From ashy rest
For torturing flames
Anew created,
Trembles into life!
MARGARET
Would I were hence!
It is as if the organ
Choked my breath,
As if the choir
Melted my inmost heart!
CHORUS
_Judex ergo cum sedebit,
Quidquid latet adparebit,
Nil inultum remanebit._
MARGARET
I feel oppressed!
The pillars of the wall
Imprison me!
The vaulted roof
Weighs down upon me!--air!
EVIL-SPIRIT
Wouldst hide thee? sin and shame
Remain not hidden!
Air! light!
Woe's thee!
CHORUS
_Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus!
Cum vix justus sit securus._
EVIL-SPIRIT
The glorified their faces turn
Away from thee!
Shudder the pure to reach
Their hands to thee!
Woe!
CHORUS
_Quid sum miser tunc dicturus_--
MARGARET
Neighbor! your smelling bottle!
[_She swoons away._]
[Illustration: MARGARET'S DOWNFALL _From the Painting by Wilhelm von
Kaulbach_]
WALPURGIS-NIGHT
THE HARTZ MOUNTAINS. DISTRICT OF
SCHIERKE AND ELEND
FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES
MEPHISTOPHELES
A broomstick dost thou not at least desire?
The roughest he-goat fain would I bestride,
By this road from our goal we're still far wide.
FAUST
While fresh upon my legs, so long I naught require,
Except this knotty staff. Beside,
What boots it to abridge a pleasant way?
Along the labyrinth of these vales to creep,
Then scale these rocks, whence, in eternal spray,
Adown the cliffs the silvery fountains leap:
Such is the joy that seasons paths like these!
Spring weaves already in the birchen trees;
E'en the late pine-grove feels her quickening powers;
Should she not work within these limbs of ours?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Naught of this genial influence do I know!
Within me all is wintry. Frost and snow
I should prefer my dismal path to bound.
How sadly, yonder, with belated glow
Rises the ruddy moon's imperfect round,
Shedding so faint a light, at every tread
One's sure to stumble 'gainst a rock or tree!
An Ignis Fatuus I must call instead.
Yonder one burning merrily, I see.
Holla! my friend! may I request your light?
Why should you flare away so uselessly?
Be kind enough to show us up the height!
IGNIS FATUUS
Through reverence, I hope I may subdue
The lightness of my nature; true,
Our course is but a zigzag one.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ho! ho!
So men, forsooth, he thinks to imitate!
Now, in the devil's name, for once go straight!
Or out at once your flickering life I'll blow.
IGNIS FATUUS
That you are master here is obvious quite;
To do your will, I'll cordially essay;
Only reflect! The hill is magic-mad tonight;
And if to show the path you choose a meteor's light,
You must not wonder should we go astray.
FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES, IGNIS FATUUS (_in alternate song_)
Through the dream and magic-sphere,
As it seems, we now are speeding;
Honor win, us rightly leading,
That betimes we may appear
In yon wide and desert region!
Trees on trees, a stalwart legion,
Swiftly past us are retreating,
And the cliffs with lowly greeting;
Rocks long-snouted, row on row,
How they snort, and how they blow!
Through the stones and heather springing,
Brook and brooklet haste below;
Hark the rustling! Hark the singing!
Hearken to love's plaintive lays;
Voices of those heavenly days--
What we hope, and what we love!
Like a tale of olden time,
Echo's voice prolongs the chime.
To-whit! To-who! It sounds more near;
Plover, owl, and jay appear,
All awake, around, above?
Paunchy salamanders too
Peer, long-limbed, the bushes through!
And, like snakes, the roots of trees
Coil themselves from rock and sand,
Stretching many a wondrous band,
Us to frighten, us to seize;
From rude knots with life embued,
Polyp-fangs abroad they spread,
To snare the wanderer! 'Neath our tread,
Mice, in myriads, thousand-hued,
Through the heath and through the moss!
And the fire-flies' glittering throng,
Wildering escort, whirls along,
Here and there, our path across.
Tell me, stand we motionless,
Or still forward do we press?
All things round us whirl and fly,
Rocks and trees make strange grimaces,
Dazzling meteors change their places--
How they puff and multiply!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now grasp my doublet--we at last
A central peak have reached, which shows,
If round a wondering glance we cast,
How in the mountain Mammon glows.
FAUST
How through the chasms strangely gleams,
A lurid light, like dawn's red glow,
Pervading with its quivering beams,
The gorges of the gulf below!
Here vapors rise, there clouds float by,
Here through the mist the light doth shine;
Now, like a fount, it bursts on high,
Meanders now, a slender line;
Far reaching, with a hundred veins,
Here through the valley see it glide;
Here, where its force the gorge restrains,
At once it scatters, far and wide;
Anear, like showers of golden sand
Strewn broadcast, sputter sparks of light:
And mark yon rocky walls that stand
Ablaze, in all their towering height!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Doth not Sir Mammon for this fête
Grandly illume his palace! Thou
Art lucky to have seen it; now,
The boisterous guests, I feel, are coming straight.
FAUST
How through the air the storm doth whirl!
Upon my neck it strikes with sudden shock.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Cling to these ancient ribs of granite rock,
Else to yon depths profound it you will hurl.
A murky vapor thickens night.
Hark! Through the woods the tempests roar!
The owlets flit in wild affright.
Hark! Splinter'd are the columns that upbore
The leafy palace, green for aye:
The shivered branches whirr and sigh,
Yawn the huge trunks with mighty groan,
The roots, upriven, creak and moan!
In fearful and entangled fall,
One crashing ruin whelms them all,
While through the desolate abyss,
Sweeping the wreck-strewn precipice,
The raging storm-blasts howl and hiss!
Aloft strange voices dost thou hear?
Distant now and now more near?
Hark! the mountain ridge along,
Streameth a raving magic-song!
WITCHES (_in chorus_)
Now to the Brocken the witches hie,
The stubble is yellow, the corn is green;
Thither the gathering legions fly,
And sitting aloft is Sir Urian seen:
O'er stick and o'er stone they go whirling along,
Witches and he-goats, a motley throng.
VOICES
Alone old Baubo's coming now;
She rides upon a farrow sow.
CHORUS
Honor to her, to whom honor is due!
Forward, Dame Baubo! Honor to you!
A goodly sow and mother thereon,
The whole witch chorus follows anon.
VOICE
Which way didst come?
VOICE
O'er Ilsenstein!
There I peep'd in an owlet's nest.
With her broad eye she gazed in mine!
VOICE
Drive to the devil, thou hellish pest!
Why ride so hard?
VOICE
She has graz'd my side,
Look at the wounds, how deep and how wide!
WITCHES (_in chorus_)
The way is broad, the way is long;
What mad pursuit! What tumult wild!
Scratches the besom and sticks the prong;
Crush'd is the mother, and stifled the child.
WIZARDS (_half chorus_)
Like house-encumber'd snail we creep;
While far ahead the women keep,
For when to the devil's house we speed,
By a thousand steps they take the lead.
THE OTHER HALF
Not so, precisely do we view it;
They with a thousand steps may do it;
But let them hasten as they can,
With one long bound 'tis clear'd by man.
VOICES (_above_)
Come with us, come with us from Felsensee.
VOICES (_from below_)
Aloft to you we would mount with glee!
We wash, and free from all stain are we,
Yet barren evermore must be!
BOTH CHORUSES
The wind is hushed, the stars grow pale,
The pensive moon her light doth veil;
And whirling on, the magic choir
Sputters forth sparks of drizzling fire.
VOICE (_from below_)
Stay! stay!
VOICE (_from above_)
What voice of woe
Calls from the cavern'd depths below?
VOICE (_from below_)
Take me with you! Oh take me too!
Three centuries I climb in vain,
And yet can ne'er the summit gain!
To be with my kindred I am fain.
BOTH CHORUSES
Broom and pitch-fork, goat and prong,
Mounted on these we whirl along;
Who vainly strives to climb tonight,
Is evermore a luckless wight!
DEMI-WITCH (_below_)
I hobble after, many a day;
Already the others are far away!
No rest at home can I obtain--
Here too my efforts are in vain!
CHORUS OF WITCHES
Salve gives the witches strength to rise;
A rag for a sail does well enough;
A goodly ship is every trough;
Tonight who flies not, never flies.
BOTH CHORUSES
And when the topmost peak we round,
Then alight ye on the ground;
The heath's wide regions cover ye
With your mad swarms of witchery!
[_They let themselves down._]
MEPHISTOPHELES
They crowd and jostle, whirl and flutter!
They whisper, babble, twirl, and splutter!
They glimmer, sparkle, stink and flare--
A true witch-element! Beware!
Stick close! else we shall severed be.
Where art thou?
FAUST (_in the distance_)
Here!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Already, whirl'd so far away!
The master then indeed I needs must play.
Give ground! Squire Voland comes! Sweet folk, give ground!
Here, doctor, grasp me! With a single bound
Let us escape this ceaseless jar;
Even for me too mad these people are.
Hard by there shineth something with peculiar glare,
Yon brake allureth me; it is not far;
Come, come along with me! we'll slip in there.
FAUST
Spirit of contradiction! Lead! I'll follow straight!
'Twas wisely done, however, to repair
On May-night to the Brocken, and when there,
By our own choice ourselves to isolate!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Mark, of those flames the motley glare!
A merry club assembles there.
In a small circle one is not alone.
FAUST
I'd rather be above, though, I must own!
Already fire and eddying smoke I view;
The impetuous millions to the devil ride;
Full many a riddle will be there untied.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ay! and full many a riddle tied anew.
But let the great world rave and riot!
Here will we house ourselves in quiet.
A custom 'tis of ancient date,
Our lesser worlds within the great world to create!
Young witches there I see, naked and bare,
And old ones, veil'd more prudently.
For my sake only courteous be!
The trouble small, the sport is rare.
Of instruments I hear the cursed din--
One must get used to it. Come in! come in!
There's now no help for it. I'll step before,
And introducing you as my good friend,
Confer on you one obligation more.
How say you now? 'Tis no such paltry room;
Why only look, you scarce can see the end.
A hundred fires in rows disperse the gloom;
They dance, they talk, they cook, make love, and drink:
Where could we find aught better, do you think?
FAUST
To introduce us, do you purpose here
As devil or as wizard to appear?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Though I am wont indeed to strict incognito,
Yet upon gala-days one must one's orders show.
No garter have I to distinguish me,
Nathless the cloven foot doth here give dignity.
Seest thou yonder snail? Crawling this way she hies;
With searching feelers, she, no doubt,
Hath me already scented out;
Here, even if I would, for me there's no disguise.
From fire to fire, we'll saunter at our leisure,
The gallant you, I'll cater for your pleasure.
(_To a party seated round, some expiring embers_)
Old gentleman, apart, why sit ye moping here?
Ye in the midst should be of all this jovial cheer,
Girt round with noise and youthful riot;
At home one surely has enough of quiet.
GENERAL
In nations put his trust, who may,
Whate'er for them one may have done;
For with the people, as with women, they
Honor your rising stars alone!
MINISTER
Now all too far they wander from the right;
I praise the good old ways, to them I hold,
Then was the genuine age of gold,
When we ourselves were foremost in men's sight.
PARVENU
Ne'er were we 'mong your dullards found,
And what we ought not, that to do were fair;
Yet now are all things turning round and round,
When on firm basis we would them maintain.
AUTHOR
Who, as a rule, a treatise now would care
To read, of even moderate sense?
As for the rising generation, ne'er
Has youth displayed such arrogant pretense.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_suddenly appearing very old_)
Since for the last time I the Brocken scale,
That folk are ripe for doomsday, now one sees;
And just because my cask begins to fail,
So the whole world is also on the lees.
HUCKSTER-WITCH
Stop, gentlemen, nor pass me by,
Of wares I have a choice collection:
Pray honor them with your inspection.
Lose not this opportunity!
Yet nothing in my booth you'll find
Without its counterpart on earth; there's naught,
Which to the world, and to mankind,
Hath not some direful mischief wrought.
No dagger here, which hath not flow'd with blood,
No chalice, whence, into some healthy frame
Hath not been poured hot poison's wasting flood.
No trinket, but hath wrought some woman's shame,
No weapon but hath cut some sacred tie,
Or from behind hath stabb'd an enemy.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Gossip! For wares like these the time's gone by,
What's done is past! what's past is done!
With novelties your booth supply;
Us novelties attract alone.
FAUST
May this wild scene my senses spare!
This, may in truth be called a fair!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Upward the eddying concourse throng;
Thinking to push, thyself art push'd along.
FAUST
Who's that, pray?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Mark her well! That's Lilith.
FAUST
Who?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Adam's first wife. Of her rich locks beware!
That charm in which she's parallel'd by few,
When in its toils a youth she doth ensnare
He will not soon escape, I promise you.
FAUST
There sit a pair, the old one with the young;
Already they have bravely danced and sprung!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Here there is no repose today.
Another dance begins; we'll join it, come away!
FAUST (_dancing with the young one_)
Once a fair vision came to me;
Therein I saw an apple-tree,
Two beauteous apples charmed mine eyes;
I climb'd forthwith to reach the prize.
THE FAIR ONE
Apples still fondly ye desire,
From paradise it hath been so.
Feelings of joy my breast inspire
That such too in my garden grow.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_with the old one_)
Once a weird vision came to me;
Therein I saw a rifted tree.
It had a.....;
But as it was it pleased me too.
THE OLD ONE
I beg most humbly to salute
The gallant with the cloven foot!
Let him ... have ready here,
If he a ... does not fear.
PROCTOPHANTASMIST
Accursed mob! How dare ye thus to meet?
Have I not shown and demonstrated too,
That ghosts stand not on ordinary feet?
Yet here ye dance, as other mortals do!
THE FAIR ONE (_dancing_)
Then at our ball, what doth he here?
FAUST (_dancing_)
Oh! He must everywhere appear.
He must adjudge, when others dance;
If on each step his say's not said,
So is that step as good as never made.
He's most annoyed, so soon as we advance;
If ye would circle in one narrow round.
As he in his old mill, then doubtless he
Your dancing would approve,--especially
If ye forthwith salute him with respect profound!
PROCTOPHANTASMIST
Still here! what arrogance! unheard of quite!
Vanish; we now have fill'd the world with light!
Laws are unheeded by the devil's host;
Wise as we are, yet Tegel hath its ghost!
How long at this conceit I've swept with all my might,
Lost is the labor: 'tis unheard of quite!
THE FAIR ONE
Cease here to tease us any more, I pray.
PROCTOPHANTASMIST
Spirits, I plainly to your face declare:
No spiritual control myself will bear,
Since my own spirit can exert no sway.
[_The dancing continues._]
Tonight, I see, I shall in naught succeed;
But I'm prepar'd my travels to pursue,
And hope, before my final step indeed,
To triumph over bards and devils too.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now in some puddle will he take his station,
Such is his mode of seeking consolation;
Where leeches, feasting on his rump, will drain
Spirits alike and spirit from his brain.
(_To_ FAUST, _who has left the dance_)
But why the charming damsel leave, I pray,
Who to you in the dance so sweetly sang?
FAUST
Ah! in the very middle of her lay,
Out of her mouth a small red mouse there sprang.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Suppose there did! One must not be too nice.
'Twas well it was not gray, let that suffice.
Who 'mid his pleasures for a trifle cares?
FAUST
Then saw I--
MEPHISTOPHELES
What?
FAUST
Mephisto, seest thou there
Standing far off, a lone child, pale and fair!
Slow from the spot her drooping form she tears,
And seems with shackled feet to move along;
I own, within me the delusion's strong,
That she the likeness of my Gretchen wears.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Gaze not upon her! 'Tis not good! Forbear!
'Tis lifeless, magical, a shape of air,
An idol. Such to meet with, bodes no good;
That rigid look of hers doth freeze man's blood,
And well-nigh petrifies his heart to stone:--
The story of Medusa thou hast known.
FAUST
Ay, verily! a corpse's eyes are those,
Which there was no fond loving hand to close.
That is the bosom I so fondly press'd,
That my sweet Gretchen's form, so oft caress'd!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Deluded fool! 'Tis magic, I declare!
To each she doth his lov'd one's image wear.
FAUST
What bliss! what torture! vainly I essay
To turn me from that piteous look away.
How strangely doth a single crimson line
Around that lovely neck its coil entwine,
It shows no broader than a knife's blunt edge!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Quite right. I see it also, and allege
That she beneath her arm her head can bear,
Since Perseus cut it off.--But you I swear
Are craving for illusions still!
Come then, ascend yon little hill!
As on the Prater all is gay,
And if my senses are not gone,
I see a theatre,--what's going on?
SERVIBILIS
They are about to recommence;--the play,
Will be the last of seven, and spick-span new--
'Tis usual here that number to present.
A dilettante did the piece invent,
And dilettanti will enact it too.
Excuse me, gentlemen; to me's assign'd,
As dilettante to uplift the curtain.
MEPHISTOPHELES
You on the Blocksberg I'm rejoiced to find,
That 'tis your most appropriate sphere is certain.
WALPURGIS-NIGHT'S DREAM; OR, OBERON AND
TITANIA'S GOLDEN WEDDING-FEAST
INTERMEZZO
* * * * *
THEATRE
MANAGER
Vales, where mists still shift and play,
To ancient hill succeeding,--
These our scenes;--so we, today,
May rest, brave sons of Mieding.
HERALD
That the marriage golden be,
Must fifty years be ended;
More dear this feast of gold to me,
Contention now suspended.
OBERON
Spirits, if present, grace the scene,
And if with me united,
Then gratulate the king and queen,
Their troth thus newly plighted!
PUCK
Puck draws near and wheels about,
In mazy circles dancing!
Hundreds swell his joyous shout,
Behind him still advancing.
ARIEL
Ariel wakes his dainty air,
His lyre celestial stringing.--
Fools he lureth, and the fair,
With his celestial singing.
OBERON
Wedded ones, would ye agree,
We court your imitation:
Would ye fondly love as we,
We counsel separation.
TITANIA
If husband scold and wife retort,
Then bear them far asunder;
Her to the burning south transport,
And him the North Pole under.
THE WHOLE ORCHESTRA (_fortissimo_)
Flies and midges all unite
With frog and chirping cricket,
Our orchestra throughout the night,
Resounding in the thicket!
(_Solo_)
Yonder doth the bagpipe come!
Its sack an airy bubble.
Schnick, schnick, schnack, with nasal hum,
Its notes it doth redouble.
EMBRYO SPIRIT
Spider's foot and midge's wing,
A toad in form and feature;
Together verses it can string,
Though scarce a living creature.
A LITTLE PAIR
Tiny step and lofty bound,
Through dew and exhalation;
Ye trip it deftly on the ground,
But gain no elevation.
INQUISITIVE TRAVELLER
Can I indeed believe my eyes?
Is't not mere masquerading?
What! Oberon in beauteous guise,
Among the groups parading!
ORTHODOX
No claws, no tail to whisk about,
To fright us at our revel;
Yet like the gods of Greece, no doubt,
He too's a genuine devil.
NORTHERN ARTIST
These that I'm hitting off today
Are sketches unpretending;
Toward Italy without delay,
My steps I think of bending.
PURIST
Alas! ill-fortune leads me here,
Where riot still grows louder;
And 'mong the witches gather'd here,
But two alone wear powder!
YOUNG WITCH
Your powder and your petticoat,
Suit hags, there's no gainsaying;
Hence I sit fearless on my goat,
My naked charms displaying.
MATRON
We're too well-bred to squabble here,
Or insult back to render;
But may you wither soon, my dear,
Although so young and tender.
LEADER OF THE BAND
Nose of fly and gnat's proboscis,
Throng not the naked beauty!
Frogs and crickets in the mosses,
Keep time and do your duty!
WEATHERCOCK (_toward one side_)
What charming company I view
Together here collected!
Gay bachelors, a hopeful crew,
And brides so unaffected!
WEATHERCOCK (_toward the other side_)
Unless indeed the yawning ground
Should open to receive them,
From this vile crew, with sudden bound,
To Hell I'd jump and leave them.
XENIEN
With small sharp shears, in insect guise,
Behold us at your revel!
That we may tender, filial-wise,
Our homage to the devil.
HENNINGS
Look now at yonder eager crew,
How naïvely they're jesting!
That they have tender hearts and true,
They stoutly keep protesting!
MUSAGET
Oneself amid this witchery
How pleasantly one loses;
For witches easier are to me
To govern than the Muses!
CI-DEVANT GENIUS OF THE AGE
With proper folks when we appear,
No one can then surpass us!
Keep close, wide is the Blocksberg here
As Germany's Parnassus.
INQUISITIVE TRAVELLER