Part 6
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, the caldron to sound, and to 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 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 bath 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 recognise 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. 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!
(MEPHISTOPHZLES enters.)
FAUST
This girl must win for me! Dost hear?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Which?
FAUST
She who but now passed.
MEPHISTOPHELES
She from confession coineth 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!
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 mould 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 sooth 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 neighbour'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 lie 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.
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 strew 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 grey!-- 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 ball 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 hi 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 ear-rings only mine! Thus one has quite another air. What hoots it to be young and fair? It doubtless may be very flue; 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's 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 bath 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 NEIGHBOUR'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 to-day, 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 any where.
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,)
MARTHA (peering through the blind)
'Tis a strange gentleman, I see. Come in!
(MEPHISTOPHELES enters)
MEPHISTOPHELES
I've ventur'd to intrude to-day. 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 bath 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 bath 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
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 favour crowned; We took a Turkish vessel which conveyed Rich store of treasure for the Sultan's court; It's 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 bath 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!
MEPHISTOPIIELES (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