The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 65

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 cl.u.s.ter'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 G.o.dlike 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 G.o.dlike 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 pa.s.sion would not brook delay!

Now in a pure love-dream I melt away.

Are we the sport of every pa.s.sing 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!