Mr. Faust Part 15

FAUST

This is very charming.

Now I remember perfectly, of course, Dear Mrs. Brander! I shall hope to see Brander himself to-morrow. Give him, please, My warmest wishes.

MIDGE

We shall hope to see you In our apartment soon. It's very tiny And in a quite unfashionable street; But it looks out across a bit of park To westward, as I've always hoped it would.

Some days the sunset lights are lovely there.

You must come look at them.

FAUST

Thank you--indeed I shall be very glad to!

MIDGE

And I know-- How shall I say it?--that you'll think me strange, And that I cannot ever be your friend As Mr. Brander is. I know so little--

FAUST

Dear Mrs. Brander!

MIDGE

But I am so eager That you should give me just a little trial-- I want so much to know you, and so much He should not lose you....

FAUST

Why, you make me feel Quite like a monster!

MIDGE

Then you'll come?

FAUST

I'll come!

MIDGE

Good-bye--and don't forget me.

[_Midge gives him her hand, and moves away smiling._

FAUST Well, of all Impossible, grotesque, outrageous tricks That Brander could have played upon himself!

Married--the fool, the fool!--And yet she is Curiously sweet and fresh, that kitchen-maid.

SATAN

Are you quite through?

FAUST Quite, thank you.... It is strange....

But I forget; you are not interested.

What is it you would say now?

SATAN

I have things Graver to speak of than admiring ladies Or Gothic architecture. Here, to-day, Unto your doubting eyes there shall be made A revelation of profounder scope Than aught that life has brought you.

FAUST

The hour strikes Tardily; I am wearier than I was When on this trial we entered.

SATAN

You have looked Askance at me these many days, perplexed To reconcile the fountains of my will With my strange acts, and with the dark report That you have heard concerning me. Dear friend, Be you not angry, now I say to you In full confession, that from day to day I have deceived you: I have hid my face Even from my friend: I have with doubtful mask In alien guises tempted you, to try Your metal. But the hour of trial is past; The event is sure; and now I ope my heart And show to you what few of living men Have guessed--my final secret.

FAUST

Play no tricks.

Before me, Satan; try no mumming game.

If you speak truth, let riddles cloak it not.

SATAN

Listen, and be truth's judge. I am not such As men esteem me; and my spirit's springs Rise not from buried and infernal realms, But like your own, out of the fount of G.o.d They have their being. I, though lowliest far, Yet am a servant of the House of G.o.d-- Deputed to mine office by His hand, And on His mission.

FAUST

You are trifling with me.

SATAN

I speak the gospel of the living G.o.d.

FAUST

Are you not Lord of Evil? G.o.d doubtless asks That service of you?

SATAN

G.o.d is infinite, Likewise His wisdom. His omniscience wills That I go forth among the haunts of men And offer evil to their touch. Thereby, Some spurn me--and the force whereby they spurn Lifts them up nearer to His arms. Some take The sin I offer, fall from grace, go down-- And lost in fathomless gulfs of wickedness, Cry out with utter yearning to His love That it may save them, and repentant turn Their prodigal faces toward His doors again, Never to wander more. But some few souls, Who neither spurn temptation nor repent After their fall--these unregenerate It is mine office wholly to destroy And cleanse the universe for the praise of G.o.d.

Thus does all evil serve His mighty throne, And all return to Him.

FAUST

I have no power To take the measure of the words you speak.

Why tell me such things?