Chapter 7
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? 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 favour 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 neighbours, 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.
MEPHISTOPHELES
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.)
Who's there?
FAUST (stamping)
MEPHISTOPHELES
A friend!
FAUST
A brute!
MEPHISTOPHELES
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: Gayest 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 neighbour 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 labouring 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; Pull in her heart didst pour the sudden gush, Now has thy brookiet ceased to flow. Instead of sitting throned midst forests wild, It would become so great a lord To comfort the enamour'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 honourest not the sacraments, alas!
FAUST
I honour 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 bath 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. Towards 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! To-night 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 catechised, 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, does 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 to-night--
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 to-day! 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 towards 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
Enclosure 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 favourite lass, And in her honour 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--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 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 to-morrow 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 I 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