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FAUST
Why thou shouldst ask, I don't perceive.
Though our acquaintance is so recent, For further visits thou hast leave.
The window's here, the door is yonder; A chimney, also, you behold.
MEPHISTOPHELES
I must confess that forth I may not wander, My steps by one slight obstacle controlled,- The wizard's-foot, that on your threshold made is.
FAUST
The pentagram prohibits thee?
Why, tell me now, thou Son of Hades, If that prevents, how cam'st thou in to me?
Could such a spirit be so cheated?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Inspect the thing: the drawing's not completed.
The outer angle, you may see, Is open left-the lines don't fit it.
FAUST
Well,-Chance, this time, has fairly hit it!
And thus, thou'rt prisoner to me?
It seems the business has succeeded.
MEPHISTOPHELES
The poodle naught remarked, as after thee he speeded; But other aspects now obtain: The Devil can't get out again.
FAUST
Try, then, the open window-pane!
MEPHISTOPHELES
For Devils and for spectres this is law: Where they have entered in, there also they withdraw.
The first is free to us; we're governed by the second.
FAUST
In h.e.l.l itself, then, laws are reckoned?
That's well! So might a compact be Made with you gentlemen-and binding,-surely?
MEPHISTOPHELES
All that is promised shall delight thee purely; No skinflint bargain shalt thou see.
But this is not of swift conclusion; We'll talk about the matter soon.
And now, I do entreat this boon- Leave to withdraw from my intrusion.
FAUST
One moment more I ask thee to remain, Some pleasant news, at least, to tell me.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Release me, now! I soon shall come again; Then thou, at will, mayst question and compel me.
FAUST
I have not snares around thee cast; Thyself hast led thyself into the meshes.
Who traps the Devil, hold him fast!
Not soon a second time he'll catch a prey so precious.
MEPHISTOPHELES
An't please thee, also I'm content to stay, And serve thee in a social station; But stipulating, that I may With arts of mine afford thee recreation.
FAUST
Thereto I willingly agree, If the diversion pleasant be.
MEPHISTOPHELES
My friend, thou'lt win, past all pretences, More in this hour to soothe thy senses, Than in the year's monotony.
That which the dainty spirits sing thee, The lovely pictures they shall bring thee, Are more than magic's empty show.
Thy scent will be to bliss invited; Thy palate then with taste delighted, Thy nerves of touch ecstatic glow!
All unprepared, the charm I spin: We're here together, so begin!
SPIRITS
Vanish, ye darking Arches above him!
Loveliest weather, Born of blue ether, Break from the sky!
O that the darkling Clouds had departed!
Starlight is sparkling, Tranquiller-hearted Suns are on high.
Heaven's own children In beauty bewildering, Waveringly bending, Pa.s.s as they hover; Longing unending Follows them over.
They, with their glowing Garments, out-flowing, Cover, in going, Landscape and bower, Where, in seclusion, Lovers are plighted, Lost in illusion.
Bower on bower!
Tendrils unblighted!
Lo! in a shower Grapes that o'ercl.u.s.ter Gush into must, or Flow into rivers Of foaming and flashing Wine, that is dashing Gems, as it boundeth Down the high places, And spreading, surroundeth With crystalline s.p.a.ces, In happy embraces, Blossoming forelands, Emerald sh.o.r.e-lands!
And the winged races Drink, and fly onward- Fly ever sunward To the enticing Islands, that flatter, Dipping and rising Light on the water!
Hark, the inspiring Sound of their quiring!
See, the entrancing Whirl of their dancing!
All in the air are Freer and fairer.
Some of them scaling Boldly the highlands, Others are sailing, Circling the islands; Others are flying; Life-ward all hieing,- All for the distant Star of existent Rapture and Love!
MEPHISTOPHELES
He sleeps! Enough, ye fays! your airy number Have sung him truly into slumber: For this performance I your debtor prove.- Not yet art thou the man, to catch the Fiend and hold him!- With fairest images of dreams infold him, Plunge him in seas of sweet untruth!
Yet, for the threshold's magic which controlled him, The Devil needs a rat's quick tooth.
