ACT III.

ACT III.Scene.—A market-place in a German town. Entrance to church on right of stage. A stone cross on the left.Bessie,Barbara, andAgathadiscovered, conversing. Three months have elapsed.Aga.Gottfried returned!Bess.Ay, and a captain, too;All steel and gold! I hear the people sayThat in the ranks of those who fought and bled,No braver soldier lives!Bar.(maliciously).Alas, poor Gottfried!Bess.Poor Gottfried! To have gained such povertyI’d given ten years—ay, though it made me thirty!Bar.Fool! He is head and ears in love with Gretchen!There’s but a bitter time in store for him.Bess.Ah, ’tis a sorry thing this love!Aga.For that,The world without it were a sorry thing!It’s meat and drink to me! (Sighing.)Bar.(toBessie).Thou foolish child,Revile not that of which thou knowest naught.Some day, maybe—observe, I saymaybe—Some one will lovethee—strange things come to pass—And then thou’lt change thy note.Bess.If so, I pray’Twill not be such a one as that gay knight,Who hath so wondrously bewitched our Gretchen!But three months since, no happier maiden lived;And now—kind Heaven help us all!—they sayShe will not live to see her twentieth year!EnterLisa, unobserved.Bar.Girls do not die of honest-hearted love.(Maliciously.) They sometimes die of shame and penitence,When love has carried them beyond themselves.Lisa(coming forward). Foul shame on thee, who darest couple shameWith the most pure and perfect heart on earth!May Heaven pardon thee thy bitter words!I’ll stake my soul upon her innocence!Bar.Thy stake is small—in that thou showest wisdom.Thou shouldst be an unerring judge of guilt.But as to innocence—leave innocenceTo those who know the meaning of the word.Lisa.Rail on at me—I heed a mocking tongueAs little as I heed a winter’s wind;For misery hath hardened me to both.But bow thy head, and stop thy shameless tongue,When others speak of that pure angel heart,Which, day by day, draws nearer to its heaven!Aga.(looking off). See, see, the soldiers![All look off.Bess.Marry, how they march!I love a soldier?Aga.(sighing). I love several!Enter theSoldiers, led byFriedrich, and accompanied byMenandGirls. They halt in line, in front of cathedral, atFriedrich’sword.Aga.There’s Karl!Bar.And Otto!Bess.Max!Aga.And Friedrich, too!Oh, what a beard!Gottfriedenters, dressed as an officer.Gott.Break off![They recover pikes and break off, mingling with the crowd.Whom have we here?Why, Agatha! and Bessie! Barbara![They crowd around him as he greets them.How fares it with you? Are you married yet?[They sigh and shake their heads.What, none of you? Well, there are plenty hereTo set that right!Aga.Sir, welcome home again!Bess.And you’re a captain!Gott.(laughing).Yes, unworthily!Fried.Nay, never credit that. There never livedA doughtier soldier!Bar.How came it to pass?Gott.My faith! I hardly know. ’Twas sheer good luck,We were at rest around a big camp fire,Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away,When came a sudden trumpet-call—To horse!Another moment saw us in the saddle,And tearing on—we knew not why nor whither.Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast—A clash of swords—a hurricane of blows—I on my back, half blind with blood and rage,A thousand devils dancing in my eyes,And friends and foes in wild entanglement,All tussling for my body—then, a wrench—A mighty shout—another rush, and lo,A panting dozen of us on a hill,Besmirched with blood and dust, and all agogTo grasp my hand and hail me as a hero! (Rises.)That’s all I know of it, except that IWent in a trooper, and came out a captain![SeveralSoldiersstroll off withGirls. ASoldierremains withBessie, another withBarbara,FriedrichwithAgatha.Gott.But there—enough of that! Come, tell me now.(Anxiously.) How fares my cousin Gretchen—is she well?Bess.(confused). Yes, yes—that is—— (Aside toSoldier.)How shall I answer him?Gott.Is aught amiss?Bess.How well thou carriestThy new-born rank!Gott.(impatiently). The devil take my rank!Tell me of Gretchen![Bessie, at fault, watches her opportunity, and exit withSoldier.Bar.Prithee, ask us not,We would not say a word to give thee painOn such a day.[Exit withSoldier.Gott.(amazed). Pain!Aga.Nay—be not distressed,All may be well.Gott.(with sudden eagerness). She lives?Aga.Yes, yes! she lives!(ToFriedrich.) Oh, come away—I dare not tell him more!Gott.Why, how is this? A curse upon the fools!Where are their tongues? Is aught amiss with her?At the bare thought of it my heart stands still!Fried.Nay, never heed them—girls are all alike—Mere jealous jades! Thy first and foremost thoughtsWere for another. There’s the mischief of it.Hadst thou but spoken lightly of thy cousinA shower of praise would have been poured upon her!Gott.A plague upon their scurril serpent-tongues!In the old days they knew no jealousy.My blood is all a-chill! I shake with fear!I’ll to her house at once, and ere an hour,I’ll learn the best and worst![Exit.Aga.Alas, poor Gottfried!Fried.It’s a strange world! Here is a plain, shrewd fellow,With so much simple sense that when he hearsOf hearts and homes laid waste through misplaced faith,Uplifts his hands in wonderment to thinkThat men can be such fools; and, thanking HeavenThat he is not as blind as others are,He trusts a pretty woman to his friend!Aga.But see, she comes! Quick! take me hence away.EnterFaustusandGretchen, lovingly.Gretchen, seeingAgatha, advances to speak to her.Agathaturns about, and exit quickly withFriedrich.Gret.Oh, Faustus, didst thou see? She turned from me!Faus.Nay, nay, she saw thee not.Gret.She saw me well!They shun me, one and all. Where’er I go,My loved companions look at me askance,And then, with sidelong looks and pitying words,They whisper to each other of my shame!Faus.Nay, calm thy fears. They do not speak of thee.Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I know the purport of their whispered words,As though they had been spoken trumpet-tongued!Faus.Nay, never heed them, Gretchen.Gret.Never heed them!They were my world before thou cam’st to me.They loved me, Faustus, and they honoured me.And now they turn away from me, as thoughI bore a deadly poison in my glance!Faus.Dismiss them from thy thoughts. We will go henceTo some far-distant land where none shall know us,And there the bond of all-forgiving HeavenShall sanctify our love.Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I have thine heart?Faus.For ever, and for aye!Gret.Ah, Heaven is kind to me, for all my sin!For when my heart is more than common sad,I need but close my eyes—and all at once,I wander at my will amid the daysWhen thou and I may face the world again.And yet I am no fitting mate for thee.Thou, a great lord—rich, honoured, and beloved—I, a poor simple, untaught, peasant girl!Yet bear with me—my love shall plague thee little,Though ever and anon I come to thee,With faltering step and tearful downcast eyes,A timid suppliant for such alms of loveAs thou in thy good-will mayst grant to me.So, when thou seest, kneeling at thy feet,Thy poor, mad, love-sick, trusting, trembling wife,Throw her in charity one little flowerOut of the boundless garden of thy heart,That she may go rejoicing on her way.Faus.Thou art, indeed, no fitting mate for me—Thou, glorious in the sheen of innocence. (She covers her eyes.)I, devil-taught in all unholy art!Oh, Gretchen, dearly loving—dearly loved—Wronged beyond all repair, yet all-forgiving,The simple utterance of thy trusting heartIs terrible to my unhallowed soulAs the proclaimed doom of angered Heaven!Gret.Hush! hush!I will not suffer thee to utter treasonAgainst my lord. I am but his handmaiden,Yet I am jealous of my master’s honourAs of his love.Faus.Ah, Gretchen, if his honourWere trusty as his love, thy jealousyMight slumber unto death!Gret.(anxiously).But tell me, Faustus,When first thou camest to me in the vision,Hadst thou then loved?Faus.(sighing).Ay, Gretchen, verily!Gret.With all thy heart?Faus.Alas, with all my heart!Gret.(sadly). Would Heaven that I had been the first!Faus.Amen!Gret.And when she learnt that thou hadst love for me,Did her heart break?Faus.Nay, nay—her love had diedA year before. She fled from me, and I,In a mad frenzy, born of shattered hopes,Gave up the world, and sought forgetfulnessIn the cold cloisters of a monastery.For twelve long months, twelve weary, weary months,I strove to keep my ill-considered vows,Till, wearying of the sacrilegious lie,I broke my bonds, and cast my priesthood from me.Gret.(aghast). Faustus! thou art a priest? No, no! no, no!My senses cheat me, or thou mockest me!Faus.If the mere letter of a reckless vowCould make me priest, I was a priest indeed.If vows cast off and scattered to the windCan free me from my priesthood, I am free.Gret.(dazed).Thou art a priest! and vowed to Heaven! (Suddenly.) Why then—!Oh, God preserve me! I am lost indeed!Oh, grace of Heaven, have mercy on me now!Oh, take me hence! oh, free me from my life!What have I done! (Crossing and falling at foot of cross, and clinging to it.) Oh, Heaven, pity me!I knew it not! thou knowest I knew it not!Faus.(kneeling over her). Gretchen, in Heaven’s eyes I am no priest—Apostate, if thou wilt; but still no priest.If there be power in boundless love to healThe wound that I have opened in thy heart,That boundless love is thine.Gret.(clinging to cross, and shrinking from him). Thou art a priest;Thou hast a Bride—thy Church! Thy vows are plighted,And thou hast cheated her! Away! away!Lose not a moment—get thee hence to her—Upon thy knees confess thy faithlessness,That she may take thee to her heart again!Be brave—go thou from my unhallowed armsBack to the heavenly Bride from whom thou camest!Faus.Gretchen, be merciful—have pity on me—Think of our love—I know thou lovest me.Think of the shame that must await thee here,If thou art left, unfriended and alone,To bear the burden I have placed on thee!Gret.Think not of me—thy wrong to me is naught—Thy wrong to injured Heaven is all in all!Go, make thy peace with her while yet thou mayst.In the rich plenitude of her great heartThy Bride may pardon thee! Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Thou lovest my body, and I love thy soul!Oh, be thou brave as I! If I can goFrom the enduring heaven of thy loveTo shame and misery unspeakable,Canst thou not yield such mortal heart as mine,For the pure love of an eternal Bride?Faus.Too late—my love for thee is all-supreme—And while thou livest, as Heaven hears me now,I’ll leave thee not!Gret.Faustus, be not deceived.I love thee with my heart—my heart of hearts—My very death prayer shall be breathed for thee;But, though it rend my heart to keep my vow,As there is pardon for a penitent,I will not meet thine eyes on earth again!Nay, touch me not! God pardon thee! Farewell! [Exit.Faus.My doom is spoken and I bow my head.So, Gretchen, let it be! At thy just biddingI go to death in life. There is a tombIn which a living, loving man may buryAll but his aching heart. I go to it!Mephistohas entered and overheard this.Meph.Why, how is this? does not the good work prosper?Come, come, take heart—’tis but a summer storm—A day, alone, will bring her to her senses.Faus.Fiend, I renounce thee! Give me back myself.Let me go hence; our bond is at an end!Meph.Nay, that’s ungenerous—it is indeed.You are a Churchman—my profound respectFor all your cloth induced me to foregoThe customary writing. SatisfiedThat I was dealing with a holy man,I asked no bond—I trusted to your honour.And now, to take advantage of my weakness,And turn my much—misplaced credulityAgainst myself—nay, ’tis unworthy of you!Faus.Poor mocker, hold thy peace—let me go hence,Back to my cloister, back to the old blank life!My eyes are open and I see the gulf,The broad, black gulf, deep as the nether hell,To which thou leadest me! Release thy grasp—My heart is changed. Thou hast no hold on me—Accursed of God—our bond is at an end!(Breaks from him and rushes into the church.)Meph.(moving after him, but drawing back at sight of the church).The blight of hell upon thy head, false priest!False priest? True priest! true to the lying tradeThat I have taught thy smug-faced brotherhood!The old, old doom! My sword against myself!As once it was, so ever must it be!Well, go thy ways!Go to thy kennel, dog Dominican,[A]And gnaw the fleshless bones of thy dead joy!The end has yet to come, and Time’s my friend.But, oh! just Heaven,Is the fight fair, when this mine enemyMay traffic with me till his end is gained,Then steep his chicken-soul in penitence,And cheat damnation? So it comes to passI gather fools, blind fools, and only fools!Oh, for the soul of one wise man—but one—To show, in triumph, at the Reckoning![A]The Dominicans were stigmatized as “Domini Canes”—dogs of the Lord.EnterGottfried.Gott.My search is vain—she is not at her home.Well, patience, patience! I must wait for herAs best I may! (SeesMephisto.) So, so; whom have we here?Surely I know this worthy gentleman?Meph.Your humble servant, sir!Gott.’Tis Faustus’ friend.Meph.His very loving friend. But welcome home—Fame has been busy with your worship’s valour.Gott.(anxiously). Sir, you can give me news of cousin Gretchen.Is the maid safe and well?Meph.Why, as to “well,”What loving maid is ever in rude health,When he who has her heart is far afield?But as to “safe”—why, have you not a friendWho’s sworn to keep a watch upon her safety?And is not that friend Faustus? Have more faith!Gott.True, true. He has watched over her?Meph.He has,Most conscientiously. He never leaves her.Gott.I breathe again! My heart had sunk within me.I asked some village girls an hour agoFor news of her. Well, this one shook her head,And that one sighed; a third looked dubious,Uncertain whether she should shake or sigh,Then finally did both. I breathe again.Meph.The maid is well—a little pale, perhaps.But then, poor child—her lover at the wars!’Twas hardly fair to leave her as you did,With a mere cold “good-bye.”Gott.Why, as for that,I have no claim, alas! to rank as lover.Meph.Ah, pardon me—I know the maiden’s heart.Gott.Sir, you are jesting!Meph.Jesting? Not at all.For two months past, the town, from end to end,Has known no topic but your worship’s valour;And while she trembled for your well-being,Her bosom swelled with pride when brave men toldOf Gottfried’s chivalry. Oh, mark my words,You have gained more promotion than you wot of!Gott.Can this be true?Meph.Quite true—but see, she comes.With your permission, and no doubt you’ll grant it,I will withdraw—but ere I take my leave,Allow me to congratulate you bothOn the great happiness in store for you.Gott.You’re more than good!Meph.Some people seem to think so.But then they flatter me—ha! ha! Good day![Exit.Gott.At last! at last! Why, how I tremble! Strange!I am but little moved at thought of death.I’ve stared his kingship out of countenanceA dozen times a day.But, in the presence of this gentle child,My well-beloved and loving kinswoman,I am no better than a shaking coward!EnterGretchen.Gott.Gretchen! At last!Gret.(amazed).Gottfried!Gott.Ay, home again!Hale, sound, and whole, with money in my purse,And a good-sounding title to my name,So give me joy of it. Why, how is this?Hast thou no welcome for me, cousin Gretchen?Gret.(with an effort). Ay, welcome home, dear Gottfried! welcome home!Gott.But wherefore dost thou sigh?Gret.Nay, heed me not,But tell me of thyself—the country sideRings with the tidings of thy valour.Gott.Bah!I am no hero, Gretchen, in myself—A plain, rude man, with just so much of senseAs to go gladly two leagues round aboutTo save a broken crown; who loves not blood—Unless, indeed, it be his own, and thatHe loves too well to lose it willingly!So, cousin Gretchen,If there be aught of valour in my deeds,The merit of it is thine own, not mine.Gret.Mine, Gottfried? mine?Gott.Ay, for it came from thee!It lives for thee, and it will die with thee!Gretchen, my dearly loved——Gret.Oh, Gottfried! Gottfried!Gott.For many a year, at home and far away,I’ve had thee at my heart, but did not dareTo speak to thee of love. Misjudge me not—I do not blush that I have loved thee, Gretchen.God sent such truth and virgin innocenceTo teach rough men how holy love may be.Let that man blush (if such a one there live)Who knows thy maiden heart and loves thee not.I would not be that man!But if, in giving tongue to my dumb love,I overstep the bounds of reverence,Look down in pity on my poor mad heart;And tell me gently that for man to hopeFor more than sister-love from such as thouIs more than man should dare—and I’ll believe it!Gret.Gottfried, have mercy on me and be silent!Dear Gottfried—brother, be my brother still!Oh, be my brother—I have need of thee!Such need! Oh, Heaven pity me, such need!Gott.Gretchen, my sister, if no more than brother,Then always brother, now as heretofore!Why dost thou weep? Nay, nay, take heart again.Tell me thy sorrow.Gret.(aghast).Tell it untothee?No, not to thee! I have my punishment.If thou hast love for me—I know thou hast—Go, pray with all thy heart for such as I.If thou hast pity—and I know thou hast—Ask me no more, but go and pray for me!Gott.Well, be it so. Enough that thou hast causeTo hide thy grief. May Heaven lighten it!I seek to know no more. My love for theeIs deathless as the faith it feeds upon!Gret.Thy love for me comes of thy faith in me? Gottfried!Let thy love die! Uproot it from thine heart;It feeds on falsehood! Oh, uproot the weed;It hath no place amid the God-grown flowers—Truth, steadfast honour, simple manliness—That blossom in that goodly garden-land.Let thy love die, brave heart; I am unworthy!Gott.(horror-struck). Gretchen! what sayest thou?Unworthy? And of what? Of such as I?(After a pause.) God help me if I read thy words aright!Thou, Gretchen, thou? No, no—it could not be!Thou, Gretchen? Oh, mankind is not so base!Gret.Oh, Gottfried, pity me—my heart is broken!Gott.Oh, my poor love—my gentle angel-heart!Oh, death, kind death—that thou canst surely strike,Hadst thou no pity on this poor fair flower?Oh, death, kind death,Would Heaven’s mercythouhadst been at hand,To fold my darling in thy sheltering wings!(With sudden fury.) His name? Quick! quick! His name!Gret.(wildly). Nay, ask me not!In this have mercy!Gott.(drawing his sword). Quick—his name, I say!Gret.No, no—ah, Gottfried, spare him!Gott.Quick—his name!Gret.He loved me, Gottfried—spare him—he is gone.Oh, Gottfried, Gottfried—I—— (Falls senseless at his feet.)Gott.Come hither, all![During these lines theSoldiers,Friedrich, andGirlshave entered.His name, give me his name! (They turn away.) Why, how is this?—Why turn you from me, comrades? Have you heard?Fried.Ay, Gottfried, we have heard.Gott.A curse on you!Why hold you back his name?Fried.In mercy to thee.Gott.(seizing him and threatening him). Have mercy on thyself! Am I in moodTo play with words? I charge thee on thy life,Give me his name.Fried.Then steel thy heart to hear it.They say it was thy friend!Gott.My friend?Fried.Ay, Faustus!Gott.Faustus? My friend? They lie!Bar.Alas, alas!She hath confessed the truth!Gott.Oh, earth and heaven!Are there no bounds to human devil-hood?Are heaven’s weapons sheathed? Is honour dead?Has innocence cast off her majesty?(Unhooks his scabbard and breaks it.)Away! away! I have no need of thee!Good, trusty sword, henceforth sheathless thouUntil I home thee to the very hiltIn the foul slough of his accursed heart—His heart, and then—mine own!

Scene.—A market-place in a German town. Entrance to church on right of stage. A stone cross on the left.Bessie,Barbara, andAgathadiscovered, conversing. Three months have elapsed.Aga.Gottfried returned!Bess.Ay, and a captain, too;All steel and gold! I hear the people sayThat in the ranks of those who fought and bled,No braver soldier lives!Bar.(maliciously).Alas, poor Gottfried!Bess.Poor Gottfried! To have gained such povertyI’d given ten years—ay, though it made me thirty!Bar.Fool! He is head and ears in love with Gretchen!There’s but a bitter time in store for him.Bess.Ah, ’tis a sorry thing this love!Aga.For that,The world without it were a sorry thing!It’s meat and drink to me! (Sighing.)Bar.(toBessie).Thou foolish child,Revile not that of which thou knowest naught.Some day, maybe—observe, I saymaybe—Some one will lovethee—strange things come to pass—And then thou’lt change thy note.Bess.If so, I pray’Twill not be such a one as that gay knight,Who hath so wondrously bewitched our Gretchen!But three months since, no happier maiden lived;And now—kind Heaven help us all!—they sayShe will not live to see her twentieth year!EnterLisa, unobserved.Bar.Girls do not die of honest-hearted love.(Maliciously.) They sometimes die of shame and penitence,When love has carried them beyond themselves.Lisa(coming forward). Foul shame on thee, who darest couple shameWith the most pure and perfect heart on earth!May Heaven pardon thee thy bitter words!I’ll stake my soul upon her innocence!Bar.Thy stake is small—in that thou showest wisdom.Thou shouldst be an unerring judge of guilt.But as to innocence—leave innocenceTo those who know the meaning of the word.Lisa.Rail on at me—I heed a mocking tongueAs little as I heed a winter’s wind;For misery hath hardened me to both.But bow thy head, and stop thy shameless tongue,When others speak of that pure angel heart,Which, day by day, draws nearer to its heaven!Aga.(looking off). See, see, the soldiers![All look off.Bess.Marry, how they march!I love a soldier?Aga.(sighing). I love several!Enter theSoldiers, led byFriedrich, and accompanied byMenandGirls. They halt in line, in front of cathedral, atFriedrich’sword.Aga.There’s Karl!Bar.And Otto!Bess.Max!Aga.And Friedrich, too!Oh, what a beard!Gottfriedenters, dressed as an officer.Gott.Break off![They recover pikes and break off, mingling with the crowd.Whom have we here?Why, Agatha! and Bessie! Barbara![They crowd around him as he greets them.How fares it with you? Are you married yet?[They sigh and shake their heads.What, none of you? Well, there are plenty hereTo set that right!Aga.Sir, welcome home again!Bess.And you’re a captain!Gott.(laughing).Yes, unworthily!Fried.Nay, never credit that. There never livedA doughtier soldier!Bar.How came it to pass?Gott.My faith! I hardly know. ’Twas sheer good luck,We were at rest around a big camp fire,Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away,When came a sudden trumpet-call—To horse!Another moment saw us in the saddle,And tearing on—we knew not why nor whither.Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast—A clash of swords—a hurricane of blows—I on my back, half blind with blood and rage,A thousand devils dancing in my eyes,And friends and foes in wild entanglement,All tussling for my body—then, a wrench—A mighty shout—another rush, and lo,A panting dozen of us on a hill,Besmirched with blood and dust, and all agogTo grasp my hand and hail me as a hero! (Rises.)That’s all I know of it, except that IWent in a trooper, and came out a captain![SeveralSoldiersstroll off withGirls. ASoldierremains withBessie, another withBarbara,FriedrichwithAgatha.Gott.But there—enough of that! Come, tell me now.(Anxiously.) How fares my cousin Gretchen—is she well?Bess.(confused). Yes, yes—that is—— (Aside toSoldier.)How shall I answer him?Gott.Is aught amiss?Bess.How well thou carriestThy new-born rank!Gott.(impatiently). The devil take my rank!Tell me of Gretchen![Bessie, at fault, watches her opportunity, and exit withSoldier.Bar.Prithee, ask us not,We would not say a word to give thee painOn such a day.[Exit withSoldier.Gott.(amazed). Pain!Aga.Nay—be not distressed,All may be well.Gott.(with sudden eagerness). She lives?Aga.Yes, yes! she lives!(ToFriedrich.) Oh, come away—I dare not tell him more!Gott.Why, how is this? A curse upon the fools!Where are their tongues? Is aught amiss with her?At the bare thought of it my heart stands still!Fried.Nay, never heed them—girls are all alike—Mere jealous jades! Thy first and foremost thoughtsWere for another. There’s the mischief of it.Hadst thou but spoken lightly of thy cousinA shower of praise would have been poured upon her!Gott.A plague upon their scurril serpent-tongues!In the old days they knew no jealousy.My blood is all a-chill! I shake with fear!I’ll to her house at once, and ere an hour,I’ll learn the best and worst![Exit.Aga.Alas, poor Gottfried!Fried.It’s a strange world! Here is a plain, shrewd fellow,With so much simple sense that when he hearsOf hearts and homes laid waste through misplaced faith,Uplifts his hands in wonderment to thinkThat men can be such fools; and, thanking HeavenThat he is not as blind as others are,He trusts a pretty woman to his friend!Aga.But see, she comes! Quick! take me hence away.EnterFaustusandGretchen, lovingly.Gretchen, seeingAgatha, advances to speak to her.Agathaturns about, and exit quickly withFriedrich.Gret.Oh, Faustus, didst thou see? She turned from me!Faus.Nay, nay, she saw thee not.Gret.She saw me well!They shun me, one and all. Where’er I go,My loved companions look at me askance,And then, with sidelong looks and pitying words,They whisper to each other of my shame!Faus.Nay, calm thy fears. They do not speak of thee.Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I know the purport of their whispered words,As though they had been spoken trumpet-tongued!Faus.Nay, never heed them, Gretchen.Gret.Never heed them!They were my world before thou cam’st to me.They loved me, Faustus, and they honoured me.And now they turn away from me, as thoughI bore a deadly poison in my glance!Faus.Dismiss them from thy thoughts. We will go henceTo some far-distant land where none shall know us,And there the bond of all-forgiving HeavenShall sanctify our love.Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I have thine heart?Faus.For ever, and for aye!Gret.Ah, Heaven is kind to me, for all my sin!For when my heart is more than common sad,I need but close my eyes—and all at once,I wander at my will amid the daysWhen thou and I may face the world again.And yet I am no fitting mate for thee.Thou, a great lord—rich, honoured, and beloved—I, a poor simple, untaught, peasant girl!Yet bear with me—my love shall plague thee little,Though ever and anon I come to thee,With faltering step and tearful downcast eyes,A timid suppliant for such alms of loveAs thou in thy good-will mayst grant to me.So, when thou seest, kneeling at thy feet,Thy poor, mad, love-sick, trusting, trembling wife,Throw her in charity one little flowerOut of the boundless garden of thy heart,That she may go rejoicing on her way.Faus.Thou art, indeed, no fitting mate for me—Thou, glorious in the sheen of innocence. (She covers her eyes.)I, devil-taught in all unholy art!Oh, Gretchen, dearly loving—dearly loved—Wronged beyond all repair, yet all-forgiving,The simple utterance of thy trusting heartIs terrible to my unhallowed soulAs the proclaimed doom of angered Heaven!Gret.Hush! hush!I will not suffer thee to utter treasonAgainst my lord. I am but his handmaiden,Yet I am jealous of my master’s honourAs of his love.Faus.Ah, Gretchen, if his honourWere trusty as his love, thy jealousyMight slumber unto death!Gret.(anxiously).But tell me, Faustus,When first thou camest to me in the vision,Hadst thou then loved?Faus.(sighing).Ay, Gretchen, verily!Gret.With all thy heart?Faus.Alas, with all my heart!Gret.(sadly). Would Heaven that I had been the first!Faus.Amen!Gret.And when she learnt that thou hadst love for me,Did her heart break?Faus.Nay, nay—her love had diedA year before. She fled from me, and I,In a mad frenzy, born of shattered hopes,Gave up the world, and sought forgetfulnessIn the cold cloisters of a monastery.For twelve long months, twelve weary, weary months,I strove to keep my ill-considered vows,Till, wearying of the sacrilegious lie,I broke my bonds, and cast my priesthood from me.Gret.(aghast). Faustus! thou art a priest? No, no! no, no!My senses cheat me, or thou mockest me!Faus.If the mere letter of a reckless vowCould make me priest, I was a priest indeed.If vows cast off and scattered to the windCan free me from my priesthood, I am free.Gret.(dazed).Thou art a priest! and vowed to Heaven! (Suddenly.) Why then—!Oh, God preserve me! I am lost indeed!Oh, grace of Heaven, have mercy on me now!Oh, take me hence! oh, free me from my life!What have I done! (Crossing and falling at foot of cross, and clinging to it.) Oh, Heaven, pity me!I knew it not! thou knowest I knew it not!Faus.(kneeling over her). Gretchen, in Heaven’s eyes I am no priest—Apostate, if thou wilt; but still no priest.If there be power in boundless love to healThe wound that I have opened in thy heart,That boundless love is thine.Gret.(clinging to cross, and shrinking from him). Thou art a priest;Thou hast a Bride—thy Church! Thy vows are plighted,And thou hast cheated her! Away! away!Lose not a moment—get thee hence to her—Upon thy knees confess thy faithlessness,That she may take thee to her heart again!Be brave—go thou from my unhallowed armsBack to the heavenly Bride from whom thou camest!Faus.Gretchen, be merciful—have pity on me—Think of our love—I know thou lovest me.Think of the shame that must await thee here,If thou art left, unfriended and alone,To bear the burden I have placed on thee!Gret.Think not of me—thy wrong to me is naught—Thy wrong to injured Heaven is all in all!Go, make thy peace with her while yet thou mayst.In the rich plenitude of her great heartThy Bride may pardon thee! Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Thou lovest my body, and I love thy soul!Oh, be thou brave as I! If I can goFrom the enduring heaven of thy loveTo shame and misery unspeakable,Canst thou not yield such mortal heart as mine,For the pure love of an eternal Bride?Faus.Too late—my love for thee is all-supreme—And while thou livest, as Heaven hears me now,I’ll leave thee not!Gret.Faustus, be not deceived.I love thee with my heart—my heart of hearts—My very death prayer shall be breathed for thee;But, though it rend my heart to keep my vow,As there is pardon for a penitent,I will not meet thine eyes on earth again!Nay, touch me not! God pardon thee! Farewell! [Exit.Faus.My doom is spoken and I bow my head.So, Gretchen, let it be! At thy just biddingI go to death in life. There is a tombIn which a living, loving man may buryAll but his aching heart. I go to it!Mephistohas entered and overheard this.Meph.Why, how is this? does not the good work prosper?Come, come, take heart—’tis but a summer storm—A day, alone, will bring her to her senses.Faus.Fiend, I renounce thee! Give me back myself.Let me go hence; our bond is at an end!Meph.Nay, that’s ungenerous—it is indeed.You are a Churchman—my profound respectFor all your cloth induced me to foregoThe customary writing. SatisfiedThat I was dealing with a holy man,I asked no bond—I trusted to your honour.And now, to take advantage of my weakness,And turn my much—misplaced credulityAgainst myself—nay, ’tis unworthy of you!Faus.Poor mocker, hold thy peace—let me go hence,Back to my cloister, back to the old blank life!My eyes are open and I see the gulf,The broad, black gulf, deep as the nether hell,To which thou leadest me! Release thy grasp—My heart is changed. Thou hast no hold on me—Accursed of God—our bond is at an end!(Breaks from him and rushes into the church.)Meph.(moving after him, but drawing back at sight of the church).The blight of hell upon thy head, false priest!False priest? True priest! true to the lying tradeThat I have taught thy smug-faced brotherhood!The old, old doom! My sword against myself!As once it was, so ever must it be!Well, go thy ways!Go to thy kennel, dog Dominican,[A]And gnaw the fleshless bones of thy dead joy!The end has yet to come, and Time’s my friend.But, oh! just Heaven,Is the fight fair, when this mine enemyMay traffic with me till his end is gained,Then steep his chicken-soul in penitence,And cheat damnation? So it comes to passI gather fools, blind fools, and only fools!Oh, for the soul of one wise man—but one—To show, in triumph, at the Reckoning![A]The Dominicans were stigmatized as “Domini Canes”—dogs of the Lord.EnterGottfried.Gott.My search is vain—she is not at her home.Well, patience, patience! I must wait for herAs best I may! (SeesMephisto.) So, so; whom have we here?Surely I know this worthy gentleman?Meph.Your humble servant, sir!Gott.’Tis Faustus’ friend.Meph.His very loving friend. But welcome home—Fame has been busy with your worship’s valour.Gott.(anxiously). Sir, you can give me news of cousin Gretchen.Is the maid safe and well?Meph.Why, as to “well,”What loving maid is ever in rude health,When he who has her heart is far afield?But as to “safe”—why, have you not a friendWho’s sworn to keep a watch upon her safety?And is not that friend Faustus? Have more faith!Gott.True, true. He has watched over her?Meph.He has,Most conscientiously. He never leaves her.Gott.I breathe again! My heart had sunk within me.I asked some village girls an hour agoFor news of her. Well, this one shook her head,And that one sighed; a third looked dubious,Uncertain whether she should shake or sigh,Then finally did both. I breathe again.Meph.The maid is well—a little pale, perhaps.But then, poor child—her lover at the wars!’Twas hardly fair to leave her as you did,With a mere cold “good-bye.”Gott.Why, as for that,I have no claim, alas! to rank as lover.Meph.Ah, pardon me—I know the maiden’s heart.Gott.Sir, you are jesting!Meph.Jesting? Not at all.For two months past, the town, from end to end,Has known no topic but your worship’s valour;And while she trembled for your well-being,Her bosom swelled with pride when brave men toldOf Gottfried’s chivalry. Oh, mark my words,You have gained more promotion than you wot of!Gott.Can this be true?Meph.Quite true—but see, she comes.With your permission, and no doubt you’ll grant it,I will withdraw—but ere I take my leave,Allow me to congratulate you bothOn the great happiness in store for you.Gott.You’re more than good!Meph.Some people seem to think so.But then they flatter me—ha! ha! Good day![Exit.Gott.At last! at last! Why, how I tremble! Strange!I am but little moved at thought of death.I’ve stared his kingship out of countenanceA dozen times a day.But, in the presence of this gentle child,My well-beloved and loving kinswoman,I am no better than a shaking coward!EnterGretchen.Gott.Gretchen! At last!Gret.(amazed).Gottfried!Gott.Ay, home again!Hale, sound, and whole, with money in my purse,And a good-sounding title to my name,So give me joy of it. Why, how is this?Hast thou no welcome for me, cousin Gretchen?Gret.(with an effort). Ay, welcome home, dear Gottfried! welcome home!Gott.But wherefore dost thou sigh?Gret.Nay, heed me not,But tell me of thyself—the country sideRings with the tidings of thy valour.Gott.Bah!I am no hero, Gretchen, in myself—A plain, rude man, with just so much of senseAs to go gladly two leagues round aboutTo save a broken crown; who loves not blood—Unless, indeed, it be his own, and thatHe loves too well to lose it willingly!So, cousin Gretchen,If there be aught of valour in my deeds,The merit of it is thine own, not mine.Gret.Mine, Gottfried? mine?Gott.Ay, for it came from thee!It lives for thee, and it will die with thee!Gretchen, my dearly loved——Gret.Oh, Gottfried! Gottfried!Gott.For many a year, at home and far away,I’ve had thee at my heart, but did not dareTo speak to thee of love. Misjudge me not—I do not blush that I have loved thee, Gretchen.God sent such truth and virgin innocenceTo teach rough men how holy love may be.Let that man blush (if such a one there live)Who knows thy maiden heart and loves thee not.I would not be that man!But if, in giving tongue to my dumb love,I overstep the bounds of reverence,Look down in pity on my poor mad heart;And tell me gently that for man to hopeFor more than sister-love from such as thouIs more than man should dare—and I’ll believe it!Gret.Gottfried, have mercy on me and be silent!Dear Gottfried—brother, be my brother still!Oh, be my brother—I have need of thee!Such need! Oh, Heaven pity me, such need!Gott.Gretchen, my sister, if no more than brother,Then always brother, now as heretofore!Why dost thou weep? Nay, nay, take heart again.Tell me thy sorrow.Gret.(aghast).Tell it untothee?No, not to thee! I have my punishment.If thou hast love for me—I know thou hast—Go, pray with all thy heart for such as I.If thou hast pity—and I know thou hast—Ask me no more, but go and pray for me!Gott.Well, be it so. Enough that thou hast causeTo hide thy grief. May Heaven lighten it!I seek to know no more. My love for theeIs deathless as the faith it feeds upon!Gret.Thy love for me comes of thy faith in me? Gottfried!Let thy love die! Uproot it from thine heart;It feeds on falsehood! Oh, uproot the weed;It hath no place amid the God-grown flowers—Truth, steadfast honour, simple manliness—That blossom in that goodly garden-land.Let thy love die, brave heart; I am unworthy!Gott.(horror-struck). Gretchen! what sayest thou?Unworthy? And of what? Of such as I?(After a pause.) God help me if I read thy words aright!Thou, Gretchen, thou? No, no—it could not be!Thou, Gretchen? Oh, mankind is not so base!Gret.Oh, Gottfried, pity me—my heart is broken!Gott.Oh, my poor love—my gentle angel-heart!Oh, death, kind death—that thou canst surely strike,Hadst thou no pity on this poor fair flower?Oh, death, kind death,Would Heaven’s mercythouhadst been at hand,To fold my darling in thy sheltering wings!(With sudden fury.) His name? Quick! quick! His name!Gret.(wildly). Nay, ask me not!In this have mercy!Gott.(drawing his sword). Quick—his name, I say!Gret.No, no—ah, Gottfried, spare him!Gott.Quick—his name!Gret.He loved me, Gottfried—spare him—he is gone.Oh, Gottfried, Gottfried—I—— (Falls senseless at his feet.)Gott.Come hither, all![During these lines theSoldiers,Friedrich, andGirlshave entered.His name, give me his name! (They turn away.) Why, how is this?—Why turn you from me, comrades? Have you heard?Fried.Ay, Gottfried, we have heard.Gott.A curse on you!Why hold you back his name?Fried.In mercy to thee.Gott.(seizing him and threatening him). Have mercy on thyself! Am I in moodTo play with words? I charge thee on thy life,Give me his name.Fried.Then steel thy heart to hear it.They say it was thy friend!Gott.My friend?Fried.Ay, Faustus!Gott.Faustus? My friend? They lie!Bar.Alas, alas!She hath confessed the truth!Gott.Oh, earth and heaven!Are there no bounds to human devil-hood?Are heaven’s weapons sheathed? Is honour dead?Has innocence cast off her majesty?(Unhooks his scabbard and breaks it.)Away! away! I have no need of thee!Good, trusty sword, henceforth sheathless thouUntil I home thee to the very hiltIn the foul slough of his accursed heart—His heart, and then—mine own!

Scene.—A market-place in a German town. Entrance to church on right of stage. A stone cross on the left.

Bessie,Barbara, andAgathadiscovered, conversing. Three months have elapsed.

Aga.Gottfried returned!

Bess.Ay, and a captain, too;All steel and gold! I hear the people sayThat in the ranks of those who fought and bled,No braver soldier lives!

Bess.Ay, and a captain, too;

All steel and gold! I hear the people say

That in the ranks of those who fought and bled,

No braver soldier lives!

Bar.(maliciously).Alas, poor Gottfried!

Bess.Poor Gottfried! To have gained such povertyI’d given ten years—ay, though it made me thirty!

Bess.Poor Gottfried! To have gained such poverty

I’d given ten years—ay, though it made me thirty!

Bar.Fool! He is head and ears in love with Gretchen!There’s but a bitter time in store for him.

Bar.Fool! He is head and ears in love with Gretchen!

There’s but a bitter time in store for him.

Bess.Ah, ’tis a sorry thing this love!

Aga.For that,The world without it were a sorry thing!It’s meat and drink to me! (Sighing.)

Aga.For that,

The world without it were a sorry thing!

It’s meat and drink to me! (Sighing.)

Bar.(toBessie).Thou foolish child,Revile not that of which thou knowest naught.Some day, maybe—observe, I saymaybe—Some one will lovethee—strange things come to pass—And then thou’lt change thy note.

Bar.(toBessie).Thou foolish child,

Revile not that of which thou knowest naught.

Some day, maybe—observe, I saymaybe—

Some one will lovethee—strange things come to pass—

And then thou’lt change thy note.

Bess.If so, I pray’Twill not be such a one as that gay knight,Who hath so wondrously bewitched our Gretchen!But three months since, no happier maiden lived;And now—kind Heaven help us all!—they sayShe will not live to see her twentieth year!

Bess.If so, I pray

’Twill not be such a one as that gay knight,

Who hath so wondrously bewitched our Gretchen!

But three months since, no happier maiden lived;

And now—kind Heaven help us all!—they say

She will not live to see her twentieth year!

EnterLisa, unobserved.

Bar.Girls do not die of honest-hearted love.(Maliciously.) They sometimes die of shame and penitence,When love has carried them beyond themselves.

Bar.Girls do not die of honest-hearted love.

(Maliciously.) They sometimes die of shame and penitence,

When love has carried them beyond themselves.

Lisa(coming forward). Foul shame on thee, who darest couple shameWith the most pure and perfect heart on earth!May Heaven pardon thee thy bitter words!I’ll stake my soul upon her innocence!

Lisa(coming forward). Foul shame on thee, who darest couple shame

With the most pure and perfect heart on earth!

May Heaven pardon thee thy bitter words!

I’ll stake my soul upon her innocence!

Bar.Thy stake is small—in that thou showest wisdom.Thou shouldst be an unerring judge of guilt.But as to innocence—leave innocenceTo those who know the meaning of the word.

Bar.Thy stake is small—in that thou showest wisdom.

Thou shouldst be an unerring judge of guilt.

But as to innocence—leave innocence

To those who know the meaning of the word.

Lisa.Rail on at me—I heed a mocking tongueAs little as I heed a winter’s wind;For misery hath hardened me to both.But bow thy head, and stop thy shameless tongue,When others speak of that pure angel heart,Which, day by day, draws nearer to its heaven!

Lisa.Rail on at me—I heed a mocking tongue

As little as I heed a winter’s wind;

For misery hath hardened me to both.

But bow thy head, and stop thy shameless tongue,

When others speak of that pure angel heart,

Which, day by day, draws nearer to its heaven!

Aga.(looking off). See, see, the soldiers![All look off.

Aga.(looking off). See, see, the soldiers!

[All look off.

Bess.Marry, how they march!I love a soldier?

Bess.Marry, how they march!

I love a soldier?

Aga.(sighing). I love several!

Enter theSoldiers, led byFriedrich, and accompanied byMenandGirls. They halt in line, in front of cathedral, atFriedrich’sword.

Aga.There’s Karl!

Bar.And Otto!

Bess.Max!

Aga.And Friedrich, too!Oh, what a beard!

Aga.And Friedrich, too!

Oh, what a beard!

Gottfriedenters, dressed as an officer.

Gott.Break off![They recover pikes and break off, mingling with the crowd.

Gott.Break off!

[They recover pikes and break off, mingling with the crowd.

Whom have we here?Why, Agatha! and Bessie! Barbara![They crowd around him as he greets them.How fares it with you? Are you married yet?[They sigh and shake their heads.What, none of you? Well, there are plenty hereTo set that right!

Whom have we here?

Why, Agatha! and Bessie! Barbara!

[They crowd around him as he greets them.

How fares it with you? Are you married yet?

[They sigh and shake their heads.

What, none of you? Well, there are plenty here

To set that right!

Aga.Sir, welcome home again!

Bess.And you’re a captain!

Gott.(laughing).Yes, unworthily!

Fried.Nay, never credit that. There never livedA doughtier soldier!

Fried.Nay, never credit that. There never lived

A doughtier soldier!

Bar.How came it to pass?

Gott.My faith! I hardly know. ’Twas sheer good luck,We were at rest around a big camp fire,Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away,When came a sudden trumpet-call—To horse!Another moment saw us in the saddle,And tearing on—we knew not why nor whither.Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast—A clash of swords—a hurricane of blows—I on my back, half blind with blood and rage,A thousand devils dancing in my eyes,And friends and foes in wild entanglement,All tussling for my body—then, a wrench—A mighty shout—another rush, and lo,A panting dozen of us on a hill,Besmirched with blood and dust, and all agogTo grasp my hand and hail me as a hero! (Rises.)That’s all I know of it, except that IWent in a trooper, and came out a captain!

Gott.My faith! I hardly know. ’Twas sheer good luck,

We were at rest around a big camp fire,

Dreaming, maybe, of loved ones far away,

When came a sudden trumpet-call—To horse!

Another moment saw us in the saddle,

And tearing on—we knew not why nor whither.

Then came a shock of strong men breast to breast—

A clash of swords—a hurricane of blows—

I on my back, half blind with blood and rage,

A thousand devils dancing in my eyes,

And friends and foes in wild entanglement,

All tussling for my body—then, a wrench—

A mighty shout—another rush, and lo,

A panting dozen of us on a hill,

Besmirched with blood and dust, and all agog

To grasp my hand and hail me as a hero! (Rises.)

That’s all I know of it, except that I

Went in a trooper, and came out a captain!

[SeveralSoldiersstroll off withGirls. ASoldierremains withBessie, another withBarbara,FriedrichwithAgatha.

Gott.But there—enough of that! Come, tell me now.(Anxiously.) How fares my cousin Gretchen—is she well?

Gott.But there—enough of that! Come, tell me now.

(Anxiously.) How fares my cousin Gretchen—is she well?

Bess.(confused). Yes, yes—that is—— (Aside toSoldier.)How shall I answer him?

Bess.(confused). Yes, yes—that is—— (Aside toSoldier.)

How shall I answer him?

Gott.Is aught amiss?

Bess.How well thou carriestThy new-born rank!

Bess.How well thou carriest

Thy new-born rank!

Gott.(impatiently). The devil take my rank!Tell me of Gretchen![Bessie, at fault, watches her opportunity, and exit withSoldier.Bar.Prithee, ask us not,We would not say a word to give thee painOn such a day.[Exit withSoldier.

Gott.(impatiently). The devil take my rank!

Tell me of Gretchen!

[Bessie, at fault, watches her opportunity, and exit withSoldier.

Bar.Prithee, ask us not,

We would not say a word to give thee pain

On such a day.

[Exit withSoldier.

Gott.(amazed). Pain!

Aga.Nay—be not distressed,All may be well.

Aga.Nay—be not distressed,

All may be well.

Gott.(with sudden eagerness). She lives?

Aga.Yes, yes! she lives!(ToFriedrich.) Oh, come away—I dare not tell him more!

Aga.Yes, yes! she lives!

(ToFriedrich.) Oh, come away—I dare not tell him more!

Gott.Why, how is this? A curse upon the fools!Where are their tongues? Is aught amiss with her?At the bare thought of it my heart stands still!

Gott.Why, how is this? A curse upon the fools!

Where are their tongues? Is aught amiss with her?

At the bare thought of it my heart stands still!

Fried.Nay, never heed them—girls are all alike—Mere jealous jades! Thy first and foremost thoughtsWere for another. There’s the mischief of it.Hadst thou but spoken lightly of thy cousinA shower of praise would have been poured upon her!

Fried.Nay, never heed them—girls are all alike—

Mere jealous jades! Thy first and foremost thoughts

Were for another. There’s the mischief of it.

Hadst thou but spoken lightly of thy cousin

A shower of praise would have been poured upon her!

Gott.A plague upon their scurril serpent-tongues!In the old days they knew no jealousy.My blood is all a-chill! I shake with fear!I’ll to her house at once, and ere an hour,I’ll learn the best and worst![Exit.

Gott.A plague upon their scurril serpent-tongues!

In the old days they knew no jealousy.

My blood is all a-chill! I shake with fear!

I’ll to her house at once, and ere an hour,

I’ll learn the best and worst!

[Exit.

Aga.Alas, poor Gottfried!

Fried.It’s a strange world! Here is a plain, shrewd fellow,With so much simple sense that when he hearsOf hearts and homes laid waste through misplaced faith,Uplifts his hands in wonderment to thinkThat men can be such fools; and, thanking HeavenThat he is not as blind as others are,He trusts a pretty woman to his friend!

Fried.It’s a strange world! Here is a plain, shrewd fellow,

With so much simple sense that when he hears

Of hearts and homes laid waste through misplaced faith,

Uplifts his hands in wonderment to think

That men can be such fools; and, thanking Heaven

That he is not as blind as others are,

He trusts a pretty woman to his friend!

Aga.But see, she comes! Quick! take me hence away.

EnterFaustusandGretchen, lovingly.Gretchen, seeingAgatha, advances to speak to her.Agathaturns about, and exit quickly withFriedrich.

Gret.Oh, Faustus, didst thou see? She turned from me!

Faus.Nay, nay, she saw thee not.

Gret.She saw me well!They shun me, one and all. Where’er I go,My loved companions look at me askance,And then, with sidelong looks and pitying words,They whisper to each other of my shame!

Gret.She saw me well!

They shun me, one and all. Where’er I go,

My loved companions look at me askance,

And then, with sidelong looks and pitying words,

They whisper to each other of my shame!

Faus.Nay, calm thy fears. They do not speak of thee.

Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I know the purport of their whispered words,As though they had been spoken trumpet-tongued!

Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,

I know the purport of their whispered words,

As though they had been spoken trumpet-tongued!

Faus.Nay, never heed them, Gretchen.

Gret.Never heed them!They were my world before thou cam’st to me.They loved me, Faustus, and they honoured me.And now they turn away from me, as thoughI bore a deadly poison in my glance!

Gret.Never heed them!

They were my world before thou cam’st to me.

They loved me, Faustus, and they honoured me.

And now they turn away from me, as though

I bore a deadly poison in my glance!

Faus.Dismiss them from thy thoughts. We will go henceTo some far-distant land where none shall know us,And there the bond of all-forgiving HeavenShall sanctify our love.

Faus.Dismiss them from thy thoughts. We will go hence

To some far-distant land where none shall know us,

And there the bond of all-forgiving Heaven

Shall sanctify our love.

Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,I have thine heart?

Gret.Oh, Faustus, Faustus,

I have thine heart?

Faus.For ever, and for aye!

Gret.Ah, Heaven is kind to me, for all my sin!For when my heart is more than common sad,I need but close my eyes—and all at once,I wander at my will amid the daysWhen thou and I may face the world again.And yet I am no fitting mate for thee.Thou, a great lord—rich, honoured, and beloved—I, a poor simple, untaught, peasant girl!Yet bear with me—my love shall plague thee little,Though ever and anon I come to thee,With faltering step and tearful downcast eyes,A timid suppliant for such alms of loveAs thou in thy good-will mayst grant to me.So, when thou seest, kneeling at thy feet,Thy poor, mad, love-sick, trusting, trembling wife,Throw her in charity one little flowerOut of the boundless garden of thy heart,That she may go rejoicing on her way.

Gret.Ah, Heaven is kind to me, for all my sin!

For when my heart is more than common sad,

I need but close my eyes—and all at once,

I wander at my will amid the days

When thou and I may face the world again.

And yet I am no fitting mate for thee.

Thou, a great lord—rich, honoured, and beloved—

I, a poor simple, untaught, peasant girl!

Yet bear with me—my love shall plague thee little,

Though ever and anon I come to thee,

With faltering step and tearful downcast eyes,

A timid suppliant for such alms of love

As thou in thy good-will mayst grant to me.

So, when thou seest, kneeling at thy feet,

Thy poor, mad, love-sick, trusting, trembling wife,

Throw her in charity one little flower

Out of the boundless garden of thy heart,

That she may go rejoicing on her way.

Faus.Thou art, indeed, no fitting mate for me—Thou, glorious in the sheen of innocence. (She covers her eyes.)I, devil-taught in all unholy art!Oh, Gretchen, dearly loving—dearly loved—Wronged beyond all repair, yet all-forgiving,The simple utterance of thy trusting heartIs terrible to my unhallowed soulAs the proclaimed doom of angered Heaven!

Faus.Thou art, indeed, no fitting mate for me—

Thou, glorious in the sheen of innocence. (She covers her eyes.)

I, devil-taught in all unholy art!

Oh, Gretchen, dearly loving—dearly loved—

Wronged beyond all repair, yet all-forgiving,

The simple utterance of thy trusting heart

Is terrible to my unhallowed soul

As the proclaimed doom of angered Heaven!

Gret.Hush! hush!I will not suffer thee to utter treasonAgainst my lord. I am but his handmaiden,Yet I am jealous of my master’s honourAs of his love.

Gret.Hush! hush!

I will not suffer thee to utter treason

Against my lord. I am but his handmaiden,

Yet I am jealous of my master’s honour

As of his love.

Faus.Ah, Gretchen, if his honourWere trusty as his love, thy jealousyMight slumber unto death!

Faus.Ah, Gretchen, if his honour

Were trusty as his love, thy jealousy

Might slumber unto death!

Gret.(anxiously).But tell me, Faustus,When first thou camest to me in the vision,Hadst thou then loved?

Gret.(anxiously).But tell me, Faustus,

When first thou camest to me in the vision,

Hadst thou then loved?

Faus.(sighing).Ay, Gretchen, verily!

Gret.With all thy heart?

Faus.Alas, with all my heart!

Gret.(sadly). Would Heaven that I had been the first!

Faus.Amen!

Gret.And when she learnt that thou hadst love for me,Did her heart break?

Gret.And when she learnt that thou hadst love for me,

Did her heart break?

Faus.Nay, nay—her love had diedA year before. She fled from me, and I,In a mad frenzy, born of shattered hopes,Gave up the world, and sought forgetfulnessIn the cold cloisters of a monastery.For twelve long months, twelve weary, weary months,I strove to keep my ill-considered vows,Till, wearying of the sacrilegious lie,I broke my bonds, and cast my priesthood from me.

Faus.Nay, nay—her love had died

A year before. She fled from me, and I,

In a mad frenzy, born of shattered hopes,

Gave up the world, and sought forgetfulness

In the cold cloisters of a monastery.

For twelve long months, twelve weary, weary months,

I strove to keep my ill-considered vows,

Till, wearying of the sacrilegious lie,

I broke my bonds, and cast my priesthood from me.

Gret.(aghast). Faustus! thou art a priest? No, no! no, no!My senses cheat me, or thou mockest me!

Gret.(aghast). Faustus! thou art a priest? No, no! no, no!

My senses cheat me, or thou mockest me!

Faus.If the mere letter of a reckless vowCould make me priest, I was a priest indeed.If vows cast off and scattered to the windCan free me from my priesthood, I am free.

Faus.If the mere letter of a reckless vow

Could make me priest, I was a priest indeed.

If vows cast off and scattered to the wind

Can free me from my priesthood, I am free.

Gret.(dazed).Thou art a priest! and vowed to Heaven! (Suddenly.) Why then—!Oh, God preserve me! I am lost indeed!Oh, grace of Heaven, have mercy on me now!Oh, take me hence! oh, free me from my life!What have I done! (Crossing and falling at foot of cross, and clinging to it.) Oh, Heaven, pity me!I knew it not! thou knowest I knew it not!

Gret.(dazed).

Thou art a priest! and vowed to Heaven! (Suddenly.) Why then—!

Oh, God preserve me! I am lost indeed!

Oh, grace of Heaven, have mercy on me now!

Oh, take me hence! oh, free me from my life!

What have I done! (Crossing and falling at foot of cross, and clinging to it.) Oh, Heaven, pity me!

I knew it not! thou knowest I knew it not!

Faus.(kneeling over her). Gretchen, in Heaven’s eyes I am no priest—Apostate, if thou wilt; but still no priest.If there be power in boundless love to healThe wound that I have opened in thy heart,That boundless love is thine.

Faus.(kneeling over her). Gretchen, in Heaven’s eyes I am no priest—

Apostate, if thou wilt; but still no priest.

If there be power in boundless love to heal

The wound that I have opened in thy heart,

That boundless love is thine.

Gret.(clinging to cross, and shrinking from him). Thou art a priest;Thou hast a Bride—thy Church! Thy vows are plighted,And thou hast cheated her! Away! away!Lose not a moment—get thee hence to her—Upon thy knees confess thy faithlessness,That she may take thee to her heart again!Be brave—go thou from my unhallowed armsBack to the heavenly Bride from whom thou camest!

Gret.(clinging to cross, and shrinking from him). Thou art a priest;

Thou hast a Bride—thy Church! Thy vows are plighted,

And thou hast cheated her! Away! away!

Lose not a moment—get thee hence to her—

Upon thy knees confess thy faithlessness,

That she may take thee to her heart again!

Be brave—go thou from my unhallowed arms

Back to the heavenly Bride from whom thou camest!

Faus.Gretchen, be merciful—have pity on me—Think of our love—I know thou lovest me.Think of the shame that must await thee here,If thou art left, unfriended and alone,To bear the burden I have placed on thee!

Faus.Gretchen, be merciful—have pity on me—

Think of our love—I know thou lovest me.

Think of the shame that must await thee here,

If thou art left, unfriended and alone,

To bear the burden I have placed on thee!

Gret.Think not of me—thy wrong to me is naught—Thy wrong to injured Heaven is all in all!Go, make thy peace with her while yet thou mayst.In the rich plenitude of her great heartThy Bride may pardon thee! Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Thou lovest my body, and I love thy soul!Oh, be thou brave as I! If I can goFrom the enduring heaven of thy loveTo shame and misery unspeakable,Canst thou not yield such mortal heart as mine,For the pure love of an eternal Bride?

Gret.Think not of me—thy wrong to me is naught—

Thy wrong to injured Heaven is all in all!

Go, make thy peace with her while yet thou mayst.

In the rich plenitude of her great heart

Thy Bride may pardon thee! Oh, Faustus, Faustus!

Thou lovest my body, and I love thy soul!

Oh, be thou brave as I! If I can go

From the enduring heaven of thy love

To shame and misery unspeakable,

Canst thou not yield such mortal heart as mine,

For the pure love of an eternal Bride?

Faus.Too late—my love for thee is all-supreme—And while thou livest, as Heaven hears me now,I’ll leave thee not!

Faus.Too late—my love for thee is all-supreme—

And while thou livest, as Heaven hears me now,

I’ll leave thee not!

Gret.Faustus, be not deceived.I love thee with my heart—my heart of hearts—My very death prayer shall be breathed for thee;But, though it rend my heart to keep my vow,As there is pardon for a penitent,I will not meet thine eyes on earth again!Nay, touch me not! God pardon thee! Farewell! [Exit.

Gret.Faustus, be not deceived.

I love thee with my heart—my heart of hearts—

My very death prayer shall be breathed for thee;

But, though it rend my heart to keep my vow,

As there is pardon for a penitent,

I will not meet thine eyes on earth again!

Nay, touch me not! God pardon thee! Farewell! [Exit.

Faus.My doom is spoken and I bow my head.So, Gretchen, let it be! At thy just biddingI go to death in life. There is a tombIn which a living, loving man may buryAll but his aching heart. I go to it!

Faus.My doom is spoken and I bow my head.

So, Gretchen, let it be! At thy just bidding

I go to death in life. There is a tomb

In which a living, loving man may bury

All but his aching heart. I go to it!

Mephistohas entered and overheard this.

Meph.Why, how is this? does not the good work prosper?Come, come, take heart—’tis but a summer storm—A day, alone, will bring her to her senses.

Meph.Why, how is this? does not the good work prosper?

Come, come, take heart—’tis but a summer storm—

A day, alone, will bring her to her senses.

Faus.Fiend, I renounce thee! Give me back myself.Let me go hence; our bond is at an end!

Faus.Fiend, I renounce thee! Give me back myself.

Let me go hence; our bond is at an end!

Meph.Nay, that’s ungenerous—it is indeed.You are a Churchman—my profound respectFor all your cloth induced me to foregoThe customary writing. SatisfiedThat I was dealing with a holy man,I asked no bond—I trusted to your honour.And now, to take advantage of my weakness,And turn my much—misplaced credulityAgainst myself—nay, ’tis unworthy of you!

Meph.Nay, that’s ungenerous—it is indeed.

You are a Churchman—my profound respect

For all your cloth induced me to forego

The customary writing. Satisfied

That I was dealing with a holy man,

I asked no bond—I trusted to your honour.

And now, to take advantage of my weakness,

And turn my much—misplaced credulity

Against myself—nay, ’tis unworthy of you!

Faus.Poor mocker, hold thy peace—let me go hence,Back to my cloister, back to the old blank life!My eyes are open and I see the gulf,The broad, black gulf, deep as the nether hell,To which thou leadest me! Release thy grasp—My heart is changed. Thou hast no hold on me—Accursed of God—our bond is at an end!(Breaks from him and rushes into the church.)

Faus.Poor mocker, hold thy peace—let me go hence,

Back to my cloister, back to the old blank life!

My eyes are open and I see the gulf,

The broad, black gulf, deep as the nether hell,

To which thou leadest me! Release thy grasp—

My heart is changed. Thou hast no hold on me—

Accursed of God—our bond is at an end!

(Breaks from him and rushes into the church.)

Meph.(moving after him, but drawing back at sight of the church).The blight of hell upon thy head, false priest!False priest? True priest! true to the lying tradeThat I have taught thy smug-faced brotherhood!The old, old doom! My sword against myself!As once it was, so ever must it be!Well, go thy ways!Go to thy kennel, dog Dominican,[A]And gnaw the fleshless bones of thy dead joy!The end has yet to come, and Time’s my friend.But, oh! just Heaven,Is the fight fair, when this mine enemyMay traffic with me till his end is gained,Then steep his chicken-soul in penitence,And cheat damnation? So it comes to passI gather fools, blind fools, and only fools!Oh, for the soul of one wise man—but one—To show, in triumph, at the Reckoning!

Meph.(moving after him, but drawing back at sight of the church).

The blight of hell upon thy head, false priest!

False priest? True priest! true to the lying trade

That I have taught thy smug-faced brotherhood!

The old, old doom! My sword against myself!

As once it was, so ever must it be!

Well, go thy ways!

Go to thy kennel, dog Dominican,[A]

And gnaw the fleshless bones of thy dead joy!

The end has yet to come, and Time’s my friend.

But, oh! just Heaven,

Is the fight fair, when this mine enemy

May traffic with me till his end is gained,

Then steep his chicken-soul in penitence,

And cheat damnation? So it comes to pass

I gather fools, blind fools, and only fools!

Oh, for the soul of one wise man—but one—

To show, in triumph, at the Reckoning!

[A]The Dominicans were stigmatized as “Domini Canes”—dogs of the Lord.

EnterGottfried.

Gott.My search is vain—she is not at her home.Well, patience, patience! I must wait for herAs best I may! (SeesMephisto.) So, so; whom have we here?Surely I know this worthy gentleman?

Gott.My search is vain—she is not at her home.

Well, patience, patience! I must wait for her

As best I may! (SeesMephisto.) So, so; whom have we here?

Surely I know this worthy gentleman?

Meph.Your humble servant, sir!

Gott.’Tis Faustus’ friend.

Meph.His very loving friend. But welcome home—Fame has been busy with your worship’s valour.

Meph.His very loving friend. But welcome home—

Fame has been busy with your worship’s valour.

Gott.(anxiously). Sir, you can give me news of cousin Gretchen.Is the maid safe and well?

Gott.(anxiously). Sir, you can give me news of cousin Gretchen.

Is the maid safe and well?

Meph.Why, as to “well,”What loving maid is ever in rude health,When he who has her heart is far afield?But as to “safe”—why, have you not a friendWho’s sworn to keep a watch upon her safety?And is not that friend Faustus? Have more faith!

Meph.Why, as to “well,”

What loving maid is ever in rude health,

When he who has her heart is far afield?

But as to “safe”—why, have you not a friend

Who’s sworn to keep a watch upon her safety?

And is not that friend Faustus? Have more faith!

Gott.True, true. He has watched over her?

Meph.He has,Most conscientiously. He never leaves her.

Meph.He has,

Most conscientiously. He never leaves her.

Gott.I breathe again! My heart had sunk within me.I asked some village girls an hour agoFor news of her. Well, this one shook her head,And that one sighed; a third looked dubious,Uncertain whether she should shake or sigh,Then finally did both. I breathe again.

Gott.I breathe again! My heart had sunk within me.

I asked some village girls an hour ago

For news of her. Well, this one shook her head,

And that one sighed; a third looked dubious,

Uncertain whether she should shake or sigh,

Then finally did both. I breathe again.

Meph.The maid is well—a little pale, perhaps.But then, poor child—her lover at the wars!’Twas hardly fair to leave her as you did,With a mere cold “good-bye.”

Meph.The maid is well—a little pale, perhaps.

But then, poor child—her lover at the wars!

’Twas hardly fair to leave her as you did,

With a mere cold “good-bye.”

Gott.Why, as for that,I have no claim, alas! to rank as lover.

Gott.Why, as for that,

I have no claim, alas! to rank as lover.

Meph.Ah, pardon me—I know the maiden’s heart.

Gott.Sir, you are jesting!

Meph.Jesting? Not at all.For two months past, the town, from end to end,Has known no topic but your worship’s valour;And while she trembled for your well-being,Her bosom swelled with pride when brave men toldOf Gottfried’s chivalry. Oh, mark my words,You have gained more promotion than you wot of!

Meph.Jesting? Not at all.

For two months past, the town, from end to end,

Has known no topic but your worship’s valour;

And while she trembled for your well-being,

Her bosom swelled with pride when brave men told

Of Gottfried’s chivalry. Oh, mark my words,

You have gained more promotion than you wot of!

Gott.Can this be true?

Meph.Quite true—but see, she comes.With your permission, and no doubt you’ll grant it,I will withdraw—but ere I take my leave,Allow me to congratulate you bothOn the great happiness in store for you.

Meph.Quite true—but see, she comes.

With your permission, and no doubt you’ll grant it,

I will withdraw—but ere I take my leave,

Allow me to congratulate you both

On the great happiness in store for you.

Gott.You’re more than good!

Meph.Some people seem to think so.But then they flatter me—ha! ha! Good day![Exit.

Meph.Some people seem to think so.

But then they flatter me—ha! ha! Good day!

[Exit.

Gott.At last! at last! Why, how I tremble! Strange!I am but little moved at thought of death.I’ve stared his kingship out of countenanceA dozen times a day.But, in the presence of this gentle child,My well-beloved and loving kinswoman,I am no better than a shaking coward!

Gott.At last! at last! Why, how I tremble! Strange!

I am but little moved at thought of death.

I’ve stared his kingship out of countenance

A dozen times a day.

But, in the presence of this gentle child,

My well-beloved and loving kinswoman,

I am no better than a shaking coward!

EnterGretchen.

Gott.Gretchen! At last!

Gret.(amazed).Gottfried!

Gott.Ay, home again!Hale, sound, and whole, with money in my purse,And a good-sounding title to my name,So give me joy of it. Why, how is this?Hast thou no welcome for me, cousin Gretchen?

Gott.Ay, home again!

Hale, sound, and whole, with money in my purse,

And a good-sounding title to my name,

So give me joy of it. Why, how is this?

Hast thou no welcome for me, cousin Gretchen?

Gret.(with an effort). Ay, welcome home, dear Gottfried! welcome home!

Gott.But wherefore dost thou sigh?

Gret.Nay, heed me not,But tell me of thyself—the country sideRings with the tidings of thy valour.

Gret.Nay, heed me not,

But tell me of thyself—the country side

Rings with the tidings of thy valour.

Gott.Bah!I am no hero, Gretchen, in myself—A plain, rude man, with just so much of senseAs to go gladly two leagues round aboutTo save a broken crown; who loves not blood—Unless, indeed, it be his own, and thatHe loves too well to lose it willingly!So, cousin Gretchen,If there be aught of valour in my deeds,The merit of it is thine own, not mine.

Gott.Bah!

I am no hero, Gretchen, in myself—

A plain, rude man, with just so much of sense

As to go gladly two leagues round about

To save a broken crown; who loves not blood—

Unless, indeed, it be his own, and that

He loves too well to lose it willingly!

So, cousin Gretchen,

If there be aught of valour in my deeds,

The merit of it is thine own, not mine.

Gret.Mine, Gottfried? mine?

Gott.Ay, for it came from thee!It lives for thee, and it will die with thee!Gretchen, my dearly loved——

Gott.Ay, for it came from thee!

It lives for thee, and it will die with thee!

Gretchen, my dearly loved——

Gret.Oh, Gottfried! Gottfried!

Gott.For many a year, at home and far away,I’ve had thee at my heart, but did not dareTo speak to thee of love. Misjudge me not—I do not blush that I have loved thee, Gretchen.God sent such truth and virgin innocenceTo teach rough men how holy love may be.Let that man blush (if such a one there live)Who knows thy maiden heart and loves thee not.I would not be that man!But if, in giving tongue to my dumb love,I overstep the bounds of reverence,Look down in pity on my poor mad heart;And tell me gently that for man to hopeFor more than sister-love from such as thouIs more than man should dare—and I’ll believe it!

Gott.For many a year, at home and far away,

I’ve had thee at my heart, but did not dare

To speak to thee of love. Misjudge me not—

I do not blush that I have loved thee, Gretchen.

God sent such truth and virgin innocence

To teach rough men how holy love may be.

Let that man blush (if such a one there live)

Who knows thy maiden heart and loves thee not.

I would not be that man!

But if, in giving tongue to my dumb love,

I overstep the bounds of reverence,

Look down in pity on my poor mad heart;

And tell me gently that for man to hope

For more than sister-love from such as thou

Is more than man should dare—and I’ll believe it!

Gret.Gottfried, have mercy on me and be silent!Dear Gottfried—brother, be my brother still!Oh, be my brother—I have need of thee!Such need! Oh, Heaven pity me, such need!

Gret.Gottfried, have mercy on me and be silent!

Dear Gottfried—brother, be my brother still!

Oh, be my brother—I have need of thee!

Such need! Oh, Heaven pity me, such need!

Gott.Gretchen, my sister, if no more than brother,Then always brother, now as heretofore!Why dost thou weep? Nay, nay, take heart again.Tell me thy sorrow.

Gott.Gretchen, my sister, if no more than brother,

Then always brother, now as heretofore!

Why dost thou weep? Nay, nay, take heart again.

Tell me thy sorrow.

Gret.(aghast).Tell it untothee?No, not to thee! I have my punishment.If thou hast love for me—I know thou hast—Go, pray with all thy heart for such as I.If thou hast pity—and I know thou hast—Ask me no more, but go and pray for me!

Gret.(aghast).Tell it untothee?

No, not to thee! I have my punishment.

If thou hast love for me—I know thou hast—

Go, pray with all thy heart for such as I.

If thou hast pity—and I know thou hast—

Ask me no more, but go and pray for me!

Gott.Well, be it so. Enough that thou hast causeTo hide thy grief. May Heaven lighten it!I seek to know no more. My love for theeIs deathless as the faith it feeds upon!

Gott.Well, be it so. Enough that thou hast cause

To hide thy grief. May Heaven lighten it!

I seek to know no more. My love for thee

Is deathless as the faith it feeds upon!

Gret.Thy love for me comes of thy faith in me? Gottfried!Let thy love die! Uproot it from thine heart;It feeds on falsehood! Oh, uproot the weed;It hath no place amid the God-grown flowers—Truth, steadfast honour, simple manliness—That blossom in that goodly garden-land.Let thy love die, brave heart; I am unworthy!

Gret.Thy love for me comes of thy faith in me? Gottfried!

Let thy love die! Uproot it from thine heart;

It feeds on falsehood! Oh, uproot the weed;

It hath no place amid the God-grown flowers—

Truth, steadfast honour, simple manliness—

That blossom in that goodly garden-land.

Let thy love die, brave heart; I am unworthy!

Gott.(horror-struck). Gretchen! what sayest thou?Unworthy? And of what? Of such as I?(After a pause.) God help me if I read thy words aright!Thou, Gretchen, thou? No, no—it could not be!Thou, Gretchen? Oh, mankind is not so base!

Gott.(horror-struck). Gretchen! what sayest thou?

Unworthy? And of what? Of such as I?

(After a pause.) God help me if I read thy words aright!

Thou, Gretchen, thou? No, no—it could not be!

Thou, Gretchen? Oh, mankind is not so base!

Gret.Oh, Gottfried, pity me—my heart is broken!

Gott.Oh, my poor love—my gentle angel-heart!Oh, death, kind death—that thou canst surely strike,Hadst thou no pity on this poor fair flower?Oh, death, kind death,Would Heaven’s mercythouhadst been at hand,To fold my darling in thy sheltering wings!(With sudden fury.) His name? Quick! quick! His name!

Gott.Oh, my poor love—my gentle angel-heart!

Oh, death, kind death—that thou canst surely strike,

Hadst thou no pity on this poor fair flower?

Oh, death, kind death,

Would Heaven’s mercythouhadst been at hand,

To fold my darling in thy sheltering wings!

(With sudden fury.) His name? Quick! quick! His name!

Gret.(wildly). Nay, ask me not!In this have mercy!

Gret.(wildly). Nay, ask me not!

In this have mercy!

Gott.(drawing his sword). Quick—his name, I say!

Gret.No, no—ah, Gottfried, spare him!

Gott.Quick—his name!

Gret.He loved me, Gottfried—spare him—he is gone.Oh, Gottfried, Gottfried—I—— (Falls senseless at his feet.)

Gret.He loved me, Gottfried—spare him—he is gone.

Oh, Gottfried, Gottfried—I—— (Falls senseless at his feet.)

Gott.Come hither, all!

[During these lines theSoldiers,Friedrich, andGirlshave entered.

His name, give me his name! (They turn away.) Why, how is this?—Why turn you from me, comrades? Have you heard?

His name, give me his name! (They turn away.) Why, how is this?—

Why turn you from me, comrades? Have you heard?

Fried.Ay, Gottfried, we have heard.

Gott.A curse on you!Why hold you back his name?

Gott.A curse on you!

Why hold you back his name?

Fried.In mercy to thee.

Gott.(seizing him and threatening him). Have mercy on thyself! Am I in moodTo play with words? I charge thee on thy life,Give me his name.

Gott.(seizing him and threatening him). Have mercy on thyself! Am I in mood

To play with words? I charge thee on thy life,

Give me his name.

Fried.Then steel thy heart to hear it.They say it was thy friend!

Fried.Then steel thy heart to hear it.

They say it was thy friend!

Gott.My friend?

Fried.Ay, Faustus!

Gott.Faustus? My friend? They lie!

Bar.Alas, alas!She hath confessed the truth!

Bar.Alas, alas!

She hath confessed the truth!

Gott.Oh, earth and heaven!Are there no bounds to human devil-hood?Are heaven’s weapons sheathed? Is honour dead?Has innocence cast off her majesty?(Unhooks his scabbard and breaks it.)Away! away! I have no need of thee!Good, trusty sword, henceforth sheathless thouUntil I home thee to the very hiltIn the foul slough of his accursed heart—His heart, and then—mine own!

Gott.Oh, earth and heaven!

Are there no bounds to human devil-hood?

Are heaven’s weapons sheathed? Is honour dead?

Has innocence cast off her majesty?

(Unhooks his scabbard and breaks it.)

Away! away! I have no need of thee!

Good, trusty sword, henceforth sheathless thou

Until I home thee to the very hilt

In the foul slough of his accursed heart—

His heart, and then—mine own!

ACT IV.Scene.—Room inMartha’scottage; a couch in recess of window. Night. A small lamp burning on pedestal table at head of couch.EnterLisafrom without, meetingMartha.Mar.(anxiously). Well, hast thou seen the holy Anselm?Lisa.Yes;Yet but one moment I had been too late.Old Karl is dying, and the holy man,Being called in haste to minister to him,Was on the eve of starting as I came.Mar.(testily). Old Karl! Must he needs die this very night!But thou didst tell the holy man that GretchenWas sorely ill, and stood in urgent needOf his most comfortable ministry?Lisa.Yes, yes. Alas that it should be the truth!He promised he would come without delay.How fares our loved one? Is her mind at rest?Mar.Alas, I fear that death draws nigh apace!There is a strange look in her wondering eyesThat is not of this world—a bright calm light,As though she saw far, far beyond the grave.When she is taken, Heaven help the poor!There’s not an ailing soul for miles aroundWho does not bless her ministering hand!Lisa.If the old tale be true, when such as sheAre taken hence to their appointed heaven,Good angels come to earth to take their placeAnd finish their good works; and so the poorWho looked to them are clothed and comforted,The hungry fed, the sick and dying healed.Mar.Her work is all her own, and would be soThough Heaven sent the best of all good angels![Gretchenappears at door, dressed in white. She is pale and weak.Gret.Lisa, thy hand!Lisa.Gretchen, what dost thou here?Gret.My heart is sad. I cannot rest in peace.Mar.But thou shouldst not have left thy bed, dear child.The night is cold.Gret.Alas, it matters little!The end is near—the tale is nearly told.Lisa.Nay, nay—not yet! not yet! Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!While life remains to thee, pray thou for life!Oh! pray, pray, pray!For Heaven hears the prayers of such as thou.Oh, mercy, mercy on my misery!How shall I live without thy saving love?How shall I die when thou are gone from me?Oh! Gretchen, stay with us, oh! stay with us!As thou, in the rich love of thy great heart,Didst look in pity on my bygone sin,Have mercy on the love I live upon,And pray for life! Oh, Gretchen, pray for life!Gret.Lisa,I looked in pity on thy bygone sinIn the poor pride of an untempted heart,As one to whom such sorrow could not come.I looked upon such unknown sin as thineAs a rich queen might look upon starvation—In pitying wonder that such things could be.And now—God pardon me, as thou wast, so am I!Lisa.But, Gretchen, think of him, he loveth thee!His heart is all thine own, oh, live for him!Oh, Gretchen, for his sake, if not for ours!Remember him—his life’s in thy hands!Gret.Remember him!Ay, I remember him! Had I the powerTo blot him from my aching memory,Even as I have torn him from my heart,Then I could die in hope!Mar.Ah! Gretchen, Gretchen,Pray Heaven thy lovebedead!Gret.I have no love.There is no biding place for earthly loveWithin a heart rent with the agonyOf sacrilege, unpardoned, unatoned.Her minister! her chosen instrument!And I—— Oh, Heaven, have mercy on my soul!I knew it not—thou knowest I knew it not!(Falls weeping on the couch.)Mar.Who knocks?Lisa(opening door). ’Tis Father Anselm.EnterAnselm, followed byFaustus, who is in a monk’s dress, his face hidden by his cowl.Ans.Benedicite!Is this the poor sick maid who seeks our aid?(ToGretchen, who is still sobbing.)Nay, dry thy tears, my child; however graveThy burden, Heaven’s grace will lighten it.(ToMartha.) Old Karl is even at the point of death,And I must go to him; but take good heart;This holy father will abide with herUntil I come again. The old man’s houseIs near at hand?Mar.Good father, follow meAnd I will lead thee thither.Ans.Be it so.[ExeuntAnselmandMartha. ExitLisaby another door.Gretchenweeping at couch.Faus.(removing his cowl).Gretchen!Gret.(starting up amazed).Thouhere! Oh, Faustus, get thee hence.Have I not sinned enough, that thou hast comeTo fill my dying heart with thoughts of thee?I am not thine! Go, leave me to myself.Faus.As stands a felon at the judgment-seat,Bent with the burden of his published shame,Stand I before thee!Gret.I am not thy judge.Faus.I have been judged, and to my lifelong doomI bow. Yet by the love of long ago—By the pure days when yet that love was young,Shed but one ray of light—one gleam of hopeUpon the darkness of my dungeoned soul!Gret.What wouldst thou with me? Speak, my hour is brief.Faus.Time was when every tongue was eloquentWith legends of thy God-sent charity.Gretchen,Of all the starving crowd thy hands have fed,Never was wretch so famine-worn as I.Of all the agony thy words have soothed,Never soothed they such agony as mine!I come to thee, as others came to thee,In shame and sorrow—hungry and athirst,For pity and for pardon.Gret.Oh, Faustus, is it meet that thou and I,Two trembling sinners, guilty hand in hand,Should ask each other’s mercy? Who am IThat I should deal in pardons!Faus.(wildly).What am IThat I should live unpardoned! Hear my prayer,And save me from myself. Thy love is dead.So let it rest—’tis fit that it should die.I would not raise it from its solemn graveFor all the joy that it would bring to me.I pray thy pity, Gretchen, not thy love.Gret.Kneel thou to Heaven, and not to such as I;So shall thy pardon come from that great SourceFrom which alone can pardon profit thee.My time is brief—I have to make my peace![Exit.Faus.Gone! And with her, my only hope on earth!Oh, Heaven, send me my death—send me my death,And all that follows death! Am I to liveWith this black blight upon my tortured soul.Or carry with me into dark old ageThe canker of an unforgiven sin?Curse not the world with my unhallowed life,Or me, with life on this thy goodly world!Send me my death, oh Heaven—send me my death![Falls sobbing on table. Door opens, andGottfriedenters, with sword drawn, and another in his hand. He pauses, advances toFaustus, strikes him heavily on the shoulder, and puts one sword on table.Gott.Sleeper, awake! Thine hour or mine hath come!Faus.(starting and turning round). Gottfried!Gott.Ay, Gottfried! Oh, mine enemy!Arise, destroyer! Thou that layest wasteThe flowers of heaven with thy plague-laden blast!Thou devil-wielded scourge! Thou thief of souls!Make thine account with God—thy course is run!Faus.Spare thou thy barbèd words for worthier foes.There is a voice within my tortured heartTo whose anathemas thine utteranceIs but a kindly whisper. Use thy sword!Gott.Then strip thy monkish frock, and take thy guard.Strip off thy frock, I say—or does it clingMore closely to thy limbs than heretofore?Time was when thou couldst cast thy slough at will.Has that time gone? or does thy craven heartSeek sanctuary in a Churchman’s garb?[InvoluntarilyFaustusgrasps sword on table.Despair thy hope—the rag will serve thee not.Monk or no monk, as Heaven defends the right,To-night thou diest! so arm and take thy guard!Faus.(after a pause throws down sword).Gottfried, I’ll fight thee not. Thy cause is just.I am a blot upon the fruitful world.Away with me! I have no claim to live!Gott.Defend thy life! Base as thy soul has shown,I would not be thine executioner;Yet, by the rood, defence or no defence,I will fulfil my mission. Take thy sword!I know no mercy when I war with hell!Faus.(passionately).Strike, Gottfried, strike! In the good days gone byThy loving hand was ever on the stretchTo aid me with a hundred offices,The least of which should knit my heart to thineAs brother’s heart to brother. Crown thy workEnterGretchen; she stands horrified.With this the kindliest of thy kindly deeds! (Tearing open his gown.)Comrade in arms—brother in all but blood—Here is my heart—kill the accursed thing,It eats my flesh! Strike surely and strike deep!Gott.So be it then! Thine hour has come! Good sword,That never yet shed undefended blood,I pray thy pardon for the infamyI place upon thee![Gottfriedis about to strike.Gretchenstaggers forward and places herself beforeFaustus, with her arms extended to protect him.Gret.Gottfried! stay thy hand,Or slay me with him! Oh, for shame, for shame!Is this thy love for me? He is to meAs I to thee, and wouldst thou prove thy loveBy slaying him to whom my heart is given?Gottfried!I place thy brotherhood upon the test,And by that test, so shall it stand or fall.If it be free from the base taint of earth,As I believe it, from my heart, to be,It will arise unshaken from the proof.If it be as the love of other men,Slay him—and me! (Kneeling to him.) My brother—oh, my brother!I know thy love—this is its counterfeit;I know thy love—thou wouldst lay down thy lifeTo add one hour to mine. Thou wouldst not robThe few brief hours that yet are left to me!Thou seest, I know thy love! Oh, brother, brother,Be strong in mercy! Is his wrong to theeLess than his wrong to me?—and I forgive him!May Heaven have pity on my woman’s heart—I love this man!Gott.(after a pause). Go, sir—I spare thy life.My heart has lost its vigour, and my handIs stayed against thee. Go! thou knowest nowThe virtue of her love—its alchemyHath madetheesacred in mine eyes! Go, sir,Amend thy mis-spent life—she loveth thee!When evil thoughts assail thine impious soul,Remember that, despite thy wrong to her,She loveth thee!If a man’s heart is beating in thy breast,That amulet should hold thee Satan-proof! [Exit.Faus.Gretchen, I thank thee for my granted life,For it hath taught me that, for all my sin,Thine heart is turned towards me. But for that,’Twere better I had died by Gottfried’s handThan by mine own!Gret.Faustus, thou shalt not die.Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Iam marked for death—Is not one life enough!Faus.Ay, verily,So that that life be mine. I must atone!Gret.Thou shalt atone, for thou hast greatly sinned—Thou shalt atone with worthy deeds lifelong;Thou shalt atone with steadfast, humbled heart,With faith, and truth, and works of charity.Atone with life—with brave and blameless life,And not with coward death. Resign thyself.EnterLisa.Heaven wills that thou shouldst live—that I should die—So let us yield ourselves to Heaven’s will![Gretchengrows gradually fainter.Faustusleads her to couch.EnterMarthaandAnselm.Mar.Too late! Oh, Heaven, too late!Lisa.Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!Poor loved one—speak to us—one word! one word!Oh, Heaven, pity us!Gret.Nay, gentle one,Weep not for Gretchen—three sad months agoPoor Gretchen died! ’Tis a long time to mourn,Three months! Nay, Martha, dry thine eyes again,And deck thyself as for a holiday.Rejoice with me—The days of mourning for thy kinswomanAre past and gone!Faus.Oh, Gretchen—oh, my love—My heart will break. Gretchen, tell me, at least,That thou forgivest me![Faint indications of coming daylight are seen through window.Gret.I love thee, FaustusAh me! but it is meet that I should die,For I can turn my head, but not my heart—And I can close mine eyes, but not my heart—And still my foolish tongue, but not my heart—So, Faustus, it is meet that I should die!Weep not—[Faustusrises and turns towardsAnselm.I go from Death to Life—from Night to Day!Weep not—my heart is glad, and all my caresFold their black wings and creep away abashed,As shrinks the night before the coming dawn.[The lamp at her feet begins to die out.Mephistois seen at door.Farewell!The hand of death is heavy on my heart,The little lamp of life is dying out.It matters not—the dreary Night is past,And Daylight is at hand![She raises her hands towards the rising sun, which is seen through the window. Her hand falls slowly and she dies, as the light at her head goes out, and the sky is filled with the splendour of the coming day.Anselm, consolingFaustus, raises his crucifix in the air.Mephisto, at door, cowers before it. DuringGretchen’sspeech, the music of an organ is heard faintly; it swells into a loud peal asGretchendies.

Scene.—Room inMartha’scottage; a couch in recess of window. Night. A small lamp burning on pedestal table at head of couch.EnterLisafrom without, meetingMartha.Mar.(anxiously). Well, hast thou seen the holy Anselm?Lisa.Yes;Yet but one moment I had been too late.Old Karl is dying, and the holy man,Being called in haste to minister to him,Was on the eve of starting as I came.Mar.(testily). Old Karl! Must he needs die this very night!But thou didst tell the holy man that GretchenWas sorely ill, and stood in urgent needOf his most comfortable ministry?Lisa.Yes, yes. Alas that it should be the truth!He promised he would come without delay.How fares our loved one? Is her mind at rest?Mar.Alas, I fear that death draws nigh apace!There is a strange look in her wondering eyesThat is not of this world—a bright calm light,As though she saw far, far beyond the grave.When she is taken, Heaven help the poor!There’s not an ailing soul for miles aroundWho does not bless her ministering hand!Lisa.If the old tale be true, when such as sheAre taken hence to their appointed heaven,Good angels come to earth to take their placeAnd finish their good works; and so the poorWho looked to them are clothed and comforted,The hungry fed, the sick and dying healed.Mar.Her work is all her own, and would be soThough Heaven sent the best of all good angels![Gretchenappears at door, dressed in white. She is pale and weak.Gret.Lisa, thy hand!Lisa.Gretchen, what dost thou here?Gret.My heart is sad. I cannot rest in peace.Mar.But thou shouldst not have left thy bed, dear child.The night is cold.Gret.Alas, it matters little!The end is near—the tale is nearly told.Lisa.Nay, nay—not yet! not yet! Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!While life remains to thee, pray thou for life!Oh! pray, pray, pray!For Heaven hears the prayers of such as thou.Oh, mercy, mercy on my misery!How shall I live without thy saving love?How shall I die when thou are gone from me?Oh! Gretchen, stay with us, oh! stay with us!As thou, in the rich love of thy great heart,Didst look in pity on my bygone sin,Have mercy on the love I live upon,And pray for life! Oh, Gretchen, pray for life!Gret.Lisa,I looked in pity on thy bygone sinIn the poor pride of an untempted heart,As one to whom such sorrow could not come.I looked upon such unknown sin as thineAs a rich queen might look upon starvation—In pitying wonder that such things could be.And now—God pardon me, as thou wast, so am I!Lisa.But, Gretchen, think of him, he loveth thee!His heart is all thine own, oh, live for him!Oh, Gretchen, for his sake, if not for ours!Remember him—his life’s in thy hands!Gret.Remember him!Ay, I remember him! Had I the powerTo blot him from my aching memory,Even as I have torn him from my heart,Then I could die in hope!Mar.Ah! Gretchen, Gretchen,Pray Heaven thy lovebedead!Gret.I have no love.There is no biding place for earthly loveWithin a heart rent with the agonyOf sacrilege, unpardoned, unatoned.Her minister! her chosen instrument!And I—— Oh, Heaven, have mercy on my soul!I knew it not—thou knowest I knew it not!(Falls weeping on the couch.)Mar.Who knocks?Lisa(opening door). ’Tis Father Anselm.EnterAnselm, followed byFaustus, who is in a monk’s dress, his face hidden by his cowl.Ans.Benedicite!Is this the poor sick maid who seeks our aid?(ToGretchen, who is still sobbing.)Nay, dry thy tears, my child; however graveThy burden, Heaven’s grace will lighten it.(ToMartha.) Old Karl is even at the point of death,And I must go to him; but take good heart;This holy father will abide with herUntil I come again. The old man’s houseIs near at hand?Mar.Good father, follow meAnd I will lead thee thither.Ans.Be it so.[ExeuntAnselmandMartha. ExitLisaby another door.Gretchenweeping at couch.Faus.(removing his cowl).Gretchen!Gret.(starting up amazed).Thouhere! Oh, Faustus, get thee hence.Have I not sinned enough, that thou hast comeTo fill my dying heart with thoughts of thee?I am not thine! Go, leave me to myself.Faus.As stands a felon at the judgment-seat,Bent with the burden of his published shame,Stand I before thee!Gret.I am not thy judge.Faus.I have been judged, and to my lifelong doomI bow. Yet by the love of long ago—By the pure days when yet that love was young,Shed but one ray of light—one gleam of hopeUpon the darkness of my dungeoned soul!Gret.What wouldst thou with me? Speak, my hour is brief.Faus.Time was when every tongue was eloquentWith legends of thy God-sent charity.Gretchen,Of all the starving crowd thy hands have fed,Never was wretch so famine-worn as I.Of all the agony thy words have soothed,Never soothed they such agony as mine!I come to thee, as others came to thee,In shame and sorrow—hungry and athirst,For pity and for pardon.Gret.Oh, Faustus, is it meet that thou and I,Two trembling sinners, guilty hand in hand,Should ask each other’s mercy? Who am IThat I should deal in pardons!Faus.(wildly).What am IThat I should live unpardoned! Hear my prayer,And save me from myself. Thy love is dead.So let it rest—’tis fit that it should die.I would not raise it from its solemn graveFor all the joy that it would bring to me.I pray thy pity, Gretchen, not thy love.Gret.Kneel thou to Heaven, and not to such as I;So shall thy pardon come from that great SourceFrom which alone can pardon profit thee.My time is brief—I have to make my peace![Exit.Faus.Gone! And with her, my only hope on earth!Oh, Heaven, send me my death—send me my death,And all that follows death! Am I to liveWith this black blight upon my tortured soul.Or carry with me into dark old ageThe canker of an unforgiven sin?Curse not the world with my unhallowed life,Or me, with life on this thy goodly world!Send me my death, oh Heaven—send me my death![Falls sobbing on table. Door opens, andGottfriedenters, with sword drawn, and another in his hand. He pauses, advances toFaustus, strikes him heavily on the shoulder, and puts one sword on table.Gott.Sleeper, awake! Thine hour or mine hath come!Faus.(starting and turning round). Gottfried!Gott.Ay, Gottfried! Oh, mine enemy!Arise, destroyer! Thou that layest wasteThe flowers of heaven with thy plague-laden blast!Thou devil-wielded scourge! Thou thief of souls!Make thine account with God—thy course is run!Faus.Spare thou thy barbèd words for worthier foes.There is a voice within my tortured heartTo whose anathemas thine utteranceIs but a kindly whisper. Use thy sword!Gott.Then strip thy monkish frock, and take thy guard.Strip off thy frock, I say—or does it clingMore closely to thy limbs than heretofore?Time was when thou couldst cast thy slough at will.Has that time gone? or does thy craven heartSeek sanctuary in a Churchman’s garb?[InvoluntarilyFaustusgrasps sword on table.Despair thy hope—the rag will serve thee not.Monk or no monk, as Heaven defends the right,To-night thou diest! so arm and take thy guard!Faus.(after a pause throws down sword).Gottfried, I’ll fight thee not. Thy cause is just.I am a blot upon the fruitful world.Away with me! I have no claim to live!Gott.Defend thy life! Base as thy soul has shown,I would not be thine executioner;Yet, by the rood, defence or no defence,I will fulfil my mission. Take thy sword!I know no mercy when I war with hell!Faus.(passionately).Strike, Gottfried, strike! In the good days gone byThy loving hand was ever on the stretchTo aid me with a hundred offices,The least of which should knit my heart to thineAs brother’s heart to brother. Crown thy workEnterGretchen; she stands horrified.With this the kindliest of thy kindly deeds! (Tearing open his gown.)Comrade in arms—brother in all but blood—Here is my heart—kill the accursed thing,It eats my flesh! Strike surely and strike deep!Gott.So be it then! Thine hour has come! Good sword,That never yet shed undefended blood,I pray thy pardon for the infamyI place upon thee![Gottfriedis about to strike.Gretchenstaggers forward and places herself beforeFaustus, with her arms extended to protect him.Gret.Gottfried! stay thy hand,Or slay me with him! Oh, for shame, for shame!Is this thy love for me? He is to meAs I to thee, and wouldst thou prove thy loveBy slaying him to whom my heart is given?Gottfried!I place thy brotherhood upon the test,And by that test, so shall it stand or fall.If it be free from the base taint of earth,As I believe it, from my heart, to be,It will arise unshaken from the proof.If it be as the love of other men,Slay him—and me! (Kneeling to him.) My brother—oh, my brother!I know thy love—this is its counterfeit;I know thy love—thou wouldst lay down thy lifeTo add one hour to mine. Thou wouldst not robThe few brief hours that yet are left to me!Thou seest, I know thy love! Oh, brother, brother,Be strong in mercy! Is his wrong to theeLess than his wrong to me?—and I forgive him!May Heaven have pity on my woman’s heart—I love this man!Gott.(after a pause). Go, sir—I spare thy life.My heart has lost its vigour, and my handIs stayed against thee. Go! thou knowest nowThe virtue of her love—its alchemyHath madetheesacred in mine eyes! Go, sir,Amend thy mis-spent life—she loveth thee!When evil thoughts assail thine impious soul,Remember that, despite thy wrong to her,She loveth thee!If a man’s heart is beating in thy breast,That amulet should hold thee Satan-proof! [Exit.Faus.Gretchen, I thank thee for my granted life,For it hath taught me that, for all my sin,Thine heart is turned towards me. But for that,’Twere better I had died by Gottfried’s handThan by mine own!Gret.Faustus, thou shalt not die.Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Iam marked for death—Is not one life enough!Faus.Ay, verily,So that that life be mine. I must atone!Gret.Thou shalt atone, for thou hast greatly sinned—Thou shalt atone with worthy deeds lifelong;Thou shalt atone with steadfast, humbled heart,With faith, and truth, and works of charity.Atone with life—with brave and blameless life,And not with coward death. Resign thyself.EnterLisa.Heaven wills that thou shouldst live—that I should die—So let us yield ourselves to Heaven’s will![Gretchengrows gradually fainter.Faustusleads her to couch.EnterMarthaandAnselm.Mar.Too late! Oh, Heaven, too late!Lisa.Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!Poor loved one—speak to us—one word! one word!Oh, Heaven, pity us!Gret.Nay, gentle one,Weep not for Gretchen—three sad months agoPoor Gretchen died! ’Tis a long time to mourn,Three months! Nay, Martha, dry thine eyes again,And deck thyself as for a holiday.Rejoice with me—The days of mourning for thy kinswomanAre past and gone!Faus.Oh, Gretchen—oh, my love—My heart will break. Gretchen, tell me, at least,That thou forgivest me![Faint indications of coming daylight are seen through window.Gret.I love thee, FaustusAh me! but it is meet that I should die,For I can turn my head, but not my heart—And I can close mine eyes, but not my heart—And still my foolish tongue, but not my heart—So, Faustus, it is meet that I should die!Weep not—[Faustusrises and turns towardsAnselm.I go from Death to Life—from Night to Day!Weep not—my heart is glad, and all my caresFold their black wings and creep away abashed,As shrinks the night before the coming dawn.[The lamp at her feet begins to die out.Mephistois seen at door.Farewell!The hand of death is heavy on my heart,The little lamp of life is dying out.It matters not—the dreary Night is past,And Daylight is at hand![She raises her hands towards the rising sun, which is seen through the window. Her hand falls slowly and she dies, as the light at her head goes out, and the sky is filled with the splendour of the coming day.Anselm, consolingFaustus, raises his crucifix in the air.Mephisto, at door, cowers before it. DuringGretchen’sspeech, the music of an organ is heard faintly; it swells into a loud peal asGretchendies.

Scene.—Room inMartha’scottage; a couch in recess of window. Night. A small lamp burning on pedestal table at head of couch.

EnterLisafrom without, meetingMartha.

Mar.(anxiously). Well, hast thou seen the holy Anselm?

Lisa.Yes;Yet but one moment I had been too late.Old Karl is dying, and the holy man,Being called in haste to minister to him,Was on the eve of starting as I came.

Lisa.Yes;

Yet but one moment I had been too late.

Old Karl is dying, and the holy man,

Being called in haste to minister to him,

Was on the eve of starting as I came.

Mar.(testily). Old Karl! Must he needs die this very night!But thou didst tell the holy man that GretchenWas sorely ill, and stood in urgent needOf his most comfortable ministry?

Mar.(testily). Old Karl! Must he needs die this very night!

But thou didst tell the holy man that Gretchen

Was sorely ill, and stood in urgent need

Of his most comfortable ministry?

Lisa.Yes, yes. Alas that it should be the truth!He promised he would come without delay.How fares our loved one? Is her mind at rest?

Lisa.Yes, yes. Alas that it should be the truth!

He promised he would come without delay.

How fares our loved one? Is her mind at rest?

Mar.Alas, I fear that death draws nigh apace!There is a strange look in her wondering eyesThat is not of this world—a bright calm light,As though she saw far, far beyond the grave.When she is taken, Heaven help the poor!There’s not an ailing soul for miles aroundWho does not bless her ministering hand!

Mar.Alas, I fear that death draws nigh apace!

There is a strange look in her wondering eyes

That is not of this world—a bright calm light,

As though she saw far, far beyond the grave.

When she is taken, Heaven help the poor!

There’s not an ailing soul for miles around

Who does not bless her ministering hand!

Lisa.If the old tale be true, when such as sheAre taken hence to their appointed heaven,Good angels come to earth to take their placeAnd finish their good works; and so the poorWho looked to them are clothed and comforted,The hungry fed, the sick and dying healed.

Lisa.If the old tale be true, when such as she

Are taken hence to their appointed heaven,

Good angels come to earth to take their place

And finish their good works; and so the poor

Who looked to them are clothed and comforted,

The hungry fed, the sick and dying healed.

Mar.Her work is all her own, and would be soThough Heaven sent the best of all good angels!

Mar.Her work is all her own, and would be so

Though Heaven sent the best of all good angels!

[Gretchenappears at door, dressed in white. She is pale and weak.

Gret.Lisa, thy hand!

Lisa.Gretchen, what dost thou here?

Gret.My heart is sad. I cannot rest in peace.

Mar.But thou shouldst not have left thy bed, dear child.The night is cold.

Mar.But thou shouldst not have left thy bed, dear child.

The night is cold.

Gret.Alas, it matters little!The end is near—the tale is nearly told.

Gret.Alas, it matters little!

The end is near—the tale is nearly told.

Lisa.Nay, nay—not yet! not yet! Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!While life remains to thee, pray thou for life!Oh! pray, pray, pray!For Heaven hears the prayers of such as thou.Oh, mercy, mercy on my misery!How shall I live without thy saving love?How shall I die when thou are gone from me?Oh! Gretchen, stay with us, oh! stay with us!As thou, in the rich love of thy great heart,Didst look in pity on my bygone sin,Have mercy on the love I live upon,And pray for life! Oh, Gretchen, pray for life!

Lisa.Nay, nay—not yet! not yet! Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!

While life remains to thee, pray thou for life!

Oh! pray, pray, pray!

For Heaven hears the prayers of such as thou.

Oh, mercy, mercy on my misery!

How shall I live without thy saving love?

How shall I die when thou are gone from me?

Oh! Gretchen, stay with us, oh! stay with us!

As thou, in the rich love of thy great heart,

Didst look in pity on my bygone sin,

Have mercy on the love I live upon,

And pray for life! Oh, Gretchen, pray for life!

Gret.Lisa,I looked in pity on thy bygone sinIn the poor pride of an untempted heart,As one to whom such sorrow could not come.I looked upon such unknown sin as thineAs a rich queen might look upon starvation—In pitying wonder that such things could be.And now—God pardon me, as thou wast, so am I!

Gret.Lisa,

I looked in pity on thy bygone sin

In the poor pride of an untempted heart,

As one to whom such sorrow could not come.

I looked upon such unknown sin as thine

As a rich queen might look upon starvation—

In pitying wonder that such things could be.

And now—

God pardon me, as thou wast, so am I!

Lisa.But, Gretchen, think of him, he loveth thee!His heart is all thine own, oh, live for him!Oh, Gretchen, for his sake, if not for ours!Remember him—his life’s in thy hands!

Lisa.But, Gretchen, think of him, he loveth thee!

His heart is all thine own, oh, live for him!

Oh, Gretchen, for his sake, if not for ours!

Remember him—his life’s in thy hands!

Gret.Remember him!Ay, I remember him! Had I the powerTo blot him from my aching memory,Even as I have torn him from my heart,Then I could die in hope!

Gret.Remember him!

Ay, I remember him! Had I the power

To blot him from my aching memory,

Even as I have torn him from my heart,

Then I could die in hope!

Mar.Ah! Gretchen, Gretchen,Pray Heaven thy lovebedead!

Mar.Ah! Gretchen, Gretchen,

Pray Heaven thy lovebedead!

Gret.I have no love.There is no biding place for earthly loveWithin a heart rent with the agonyOf sacrilege, unpardoned, unatoned.Her minister! her chosen instrument!And I—— Oh, Heaven, have mercy on my soul!I knew it not—thou knowest I knew it not!(Falls weeping on the couch.)

Gret.I have no love.

There is no biding place for earthly love

Within a heart rent with the agony

Of sacrilege, unpardoned, unatoned.

Her minister! her chosen instrument!

And I—— Oh, Heaven, have mercy on my soul!

I knew it not—thou knowest I knew it not!

(Falls weeping on the couch.)

Mar.Who knocks?

Lisa(opening door). ’Tis Father Anselm.

EnterAnselm, followed byFaustus, who is in a monk’s dress, his face hidden by his cowl.

Ans.Benedicite!Is this the poor sick maid who seeks our aid?(ToGretchen, who is still sobbing.)Nay, dry thy tears, my child; however graveThy burden, Heaven’s grace will lighten it.(ToMartha.) Old Karl is even at the point of death,And I must go to him; but take good heart;This holy father will abide with herUntil I come again. The old man’s houseIs near at hand?

Ans.Benedicite!

Is this the poor sick maid who seeks our aid?

(ToGretchen, who is still sobbing.)

Nay, dry thy tears, my child; however grave

Thy burden, Heaven’s grace will lighten it.

(ToMartha.) Old Karl is even at the point of death,

And I must go to him; but take good heart;

This holy father will abide with her

Until I come again. The old man’s house

Is near at hand?

Mar.Good father, follow meAnd I will lead thee thither.

Mar.Good father, follow me

And I will lead thee thither.

Ans.Be it so.

[ExeuntAnselmandMartha. ExitLisaby another door.Gretchenweeping at couch.

Faus.(removing his cowl).Gretchen!

Gret.(starting up amazed).Thouhere! Oh, Faustus, get thee hence.Have I not sinned enough, that thou hast comeTo fill my dying heart with thoughts of thee?I am not thine! Go, leave me to myself.

Gret.(starting up amazed).Thouhere! Oh, Faustus, get thee hence.

Have I not sinned enough, that thou hast come

To fill my dying heart with thoughts of thee?

I am not thine! Go, leave me to myself.

Faus.As stands a felon at the judgment-seat,Bent with the burden of his published shame,Stand I before thee!

Faus.As stands a felon at the judgment-seat,

Bent with the burden of his published shame,

Stand I before thee!

Gret.I am not thy judge.

Faus.I have been judged, and to my lifelong doomI bow. Yet by the love of long ago—By the pure days when yet that love was young,Shed but one ray of light—one gleam of hopeUpon the darkness of my dungeoned soul!

Faus.I have been judged, and to my lifelong doom

I bow. Yet by the love of long ago—

By the pure days when yet that love was young,

Shed but one ray of light—one gleam of hope

Upon the darkness of my dungeoned soul!

Gret.What wouldst thou with me? Speak, my hour is brief.

Faus.Time was when every tongue was eloquentWith legends of thy God-sent charity.Gretchen,Of all the starving crowd thy hands have fed,Never was wretch so famine-worn as I.Of all the agony thy words have soothed,Never soothed they such agony as mine!I come to thee, as others came to thee,In shame and sorrow—hungry and athirst,For pity and for pardon.

Faus.Time was when every tongue was eloquent

With legends of thy God-sent charity.

Gretchen,

Of all the starving crowd thy hands have fed,

Never was wretch so famine-worn as I.

Of all the agony thy words have soothed,

Never soothed they such agony as mine!

I come to thee, as others came to thee,

In shame and sorrow—hungry and athirst,

For pity and for pardon.

Gret.Oh, Faustus, is it meet that thou and I,Two trembling sinners, guilty hand in hand,Should ask each other’s mercy? Who am IThat I should deal in pardons!

Gret.Oh, Faustus, is it meet that thou and I,

Two trembling sinners, guilty hand in hand,

Should ask each other’s mercy? Who am I

That I should deal in pardons!

Faus.(wildly).What am IThat I should live unpardoned! Hear my prayer,And save me from myself. Thy love is dead.So let it rest—’tis fit that it should die.I would not raise it from its solemn graveFor all the joy that it would bring to me.I pray thy pity, Gretchen, not thy love.

Faus.(wildly).What am I

That I should live unpardoned! Hear my prayer,

And save me from myself. Thy love is dead.

So let it rest—’tis fit that it should die.

I would not raise it from its solemn grave

For all the joy that it would bring to me.

I pray thy pity, Gretchen, not thy love.

Gret.Kneel thou to Heaven, and not to such as I;So shall thy pardon come from that great SourceFrom which alone can pardon profit thee.My time is brief—I have to make my peace![Exit.

Gret.Kneel thou to Heaven, and not to such as I;

So shall thy pardon come from that great Source

From which alone can pardon profit thee.

My time is brief—I have to make my peace!

[Exit.

Faus.Gone! And with her, my only hope on earth!Oh, Heaven, send me my death—send me my death,And all that follows death! Am I to liveWith this black blight upon my tortured soul.Or carry with me into dark old ageThe canker of an unforgiven sin?Curse not the world with my unhallowed life,Or me, with life on this thy goodly world!Send me my death, oh Heaven—send me my death!

Faus.Gone! And with her, my only hope on earth!

Oh, Heaven, send me my death—send me my death,

And all that follows death! Am I to live

With this black blight upon my tortured soul.

Or carry with me into dark old age

The canker of an unforgiven sin?

Curse not the world with my unhallowed life,

Or me, with life on this thy goodly world!

Send me my death, oh Heaven—send me my death!

[Falls sobbing on table. Door opens, andGottfriedenters, with sword drawn, and another in his hand. He pauses, advances toFaustus, strikes him heavily on the shoulder, and puts one sword on table.

Gott.Sleeper, awake! Thine hour or mine hath come!

Faus.(starting and turning round). Gottfried!

Gott.Ay, Gottfried! Oh, mine enemy!Arise, destroyer! Thou that layest wasteThe flowers of heaven with thy plague-laden blast!Thou devil-wielded scourge! Thou thief of souls!Make thine account with God—thy course is run!

Gott.Ay, Gottfried! Oh, mine enemy!

Arise, destroyer! Thou that layest waste

The flowers of heaven with thy plague-laden blast!

Thou devil-wielded scourge! Thou thief of souls!

Make thine account with God—thy course is run!

Faus.Spare thou thy barbèd words for worthier foes.There is a voice within my tortured heartTo whose anathemas thine utteranceIs but a kindly whisper. Use thy sword!

Faus.Spare thou thy barbèd words for worthier foes.

There is a voice within my tortured heart

To whose anathemas thine utterance

Is but a kindly whisper. Use thy sword!

Gott.Then strip thy monkish frock, and take thy guard.Strip off thy frock, I say—or does it clingMore closely to thy limbs than heretofore?Time was when thou couldst cast thy slough at will.Has that time gone? or does thy craven heartSeek sanctuary in a Churchman’s garb?[InvoluntarilyFaustusgrasps sword on table.Despair thy hope—the rag will serve thee not.Monk or no monk, as Heaven defends the right,To-night thou diest! so arm and take thy guard!

Gott.Then strip thy monkish frock, and take thy guard.

Strip off thy frock, I say—or does it cling

More closely to thy limbs than heretofore?

Time was when thou couldst cast thy slough at will.

Has that time gone? or does thy craven heart

Seek sanctuary in a Churchman’s garb?

[InvoluntarilyFaustusgrasps sword on table.

Despair thy hope—the rag will serve thee not.

Monk or no monk, as Heaven defends the right,

To-night thou diest! so arm and take thy guard!

Faus.(after a pause throws down sword).Gottfried, I’ll fight thee not. Thy cause is just.I am a blot upon the fruitful world.Away with me! I have no claim to live!

Faus.(after a pause throws down sword).

Gottfried, I’ll fight thee not. Thy cause is just.

I am a blot upon the fruitful world.

Away with me! I have no claim to live!

Gott.Defend thy life! Base as thy soul has shown,I would not be thine executioner;Yet, by the rood, defence or no defence,I will fulfil my mission. Take thy sword!I know no mercy when I war with hell!

Gott.Defend thy life! Base as thy soul has shown,

I would not be thine executioner;

Yet, by the rood, defence or no defence,

I will fulfil my mission. Take thy sword!

I know no mercy when I war with hell!

Faus.(passionately).Strike, Gottfried, strike! In the good days gone byThy loving hand was ever on the stretchTo aid me with a hundred offices,The least of which should knit my heart to thineAs brother’s heart to brother. Crown thy work

Faus.(passionately).

Strike, Gottfried, strike! In the good days gone by

Thy loving hand was ever on the stretch

To aid me with a hundred offices,

The least of which should knit my heart to thine

As brother’s heart to brother. Crown thy work

EnterGretchen; she stands horrified.

With this the kindliest of thy kindly deeds! (Tearing open his gown.)Comrade in arms—brother in all but blood—Here is my heart—kill the accursed thing,It eats my flesh! Strike surely and strike deep!

With this the kindliest of thy kindly deeds! (Tearing open his gown.)

Comrade in arms—brother in all but blood—

Here is my heart—kill the accursed thing,

It eats my flesh! Strike surely and strike deep!

Gott.So be it then! Thine hour has come! Good sword,That never yet shed undefended blood,I pray thy pardon for the infamyI place upon thee!

Gott.So be it then! Thine hour has come! Good sword,

That never yet shed undefended blood,

I pray thy pardon for the infamy

I place upon thee!

[Gottfriedis about to strike.Gretchenstaggers forward and places herself beforeFaustus, with her arms extended to protect him.

Gret.Gottfried! stay thy hand,Or slay me with him! Oh, for shame, for shame!Is this thy love for me? He is to meAs I to thee, and wouldst thou prove thy loveBy slaying him to whom my heart is given?Gottfried!I place thy brotherhood upon the test,And by that test, so shall it stand or fall.If it be free from the base taint of earth,As I believe it, from my heart, to be,It will arise unshaken from the proof.If it be as the love of other men,Slay him—and me! (Kneeling to him.) My brother—oh, my brother!I know thy love—this is its counterfeit;I know thy love—thou wouldst lay down thy lifeTo add one hour to mine. Thou wouldst not robThe few brief hours that yet are left to me!Thou seest, I know thy love! Oh, brother, brother,Be strong in mercy! Is his wrong to theeLess than his wrong to me?—and I forgive him!May Heaven have pity on my woman’s heart—I love this man!

Gret.Gottfried! stay thy hand,

Or slay me with him! Oh, for shame, for shame!

Is this thy love for me? He is to me

As I to thee, and wouldst thou prove thy love

By slaying him to whom my heart is given?

Gottfried!

I place thy brotherhood upon the test,

And by that test, so shall it stand or fall.

If it be free from the base taint of earth,

As I believe it, from my heart, to be,

It will arise unshaken from the proof.

If it be as the love of other men,

Slay him—and me! (Kneeling to him.) My brother—oh, my brother!

I know thy love—this is its counterfeit;

I know thy love—thou wouldst lay down thy life

To add one hour to mine. Thou wouldst not rob

The few brief hours that yet are left to me!

Thou seest, I know thy love! Oh, brother, brother,

Be strong in mercy! Is his wrong to thee

Less than his wrong to me?—and I forgive him!

May Heaven have pity on my woman’s heart—

I love this man!

Gott.(after a pause). Go, sir—I spare thy life.My heart has lost its vigour, and my handIs stayed against thee. Go! thou knowest nowThe virtue of her love—its alchemyHath madetheesacred in mine eyes! Go, sir,Amend thy mis-spent life—she loveth thee!When evil thoughts assail thine impious soul,Remember that, despite thy wrong to her,She loveth thee!If a man’s heart is beating in thy breast,That amulet should hold thee Satan-proof! [Exit.

Gott.(after a pause). Go, sir—I spare thy life.

My heart has lost its vigour, and my hand

Is stayed against thee. Go! thou knowest now

The virtue of her love—its alchemy

Hath madetheesacred in mine eyes! Go, sir,

Amend thy mis-spent life—she loveth thee!

When evil thoughts assail thine impious soul,

Remember that, despite thy wrong to her,

She loveth thee!

If a man’s heart is beating in thy breast,

That amulet should hold thee Satan-proof! [Exit.

Faus.Gretchen, I thank thee for my granted life,For it hath taught me that, for all my sin,Thine heart is turned towards me. But for that,’Twere better I had died by Gottfried’s handThan by mine own!

Faus.Gretchen, I thank thee for my granted life,

For it hath taught me that, for all my sin,

Thine heart is turned towards me. But for that,

’Twere better I had died by Gottfried’s hand

Than by mine own!

Gret.Faustus, thou shalt not die.Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Iam marked for death—Is not one life enough!

Gret.Faustus, thou shalt not die.

Oh, Faustus, Faustus!Iam marked for death—

Is not one life enough!

Faus.Ay, verily,So that that life be mine. I must atone!

Faus.Ay, verily,

So that that life be mine. I must atone!

Gret.Thou shalt atone, for thou hast greatly sinned—Thou shalt atone with worthy deeds lifelong;Thou shalt atone with steadfast, humbled heart,With faith, and truth, and works of charity.Atone with life—with brave and blameless life,And not with coward death. Resign thyself.

Gret.Thou shalt atone, for thou hast greatly sinned—

Thou shalt atone with worthy deeds lifelong;

Thou shalt atone with steadfast, humbled heart,

With faith, and truth, and works of charity.

Atone with life—with brave and blameless life,

And not with coward death. Resign thyself.

EnterLisa.

Heaven wills that thou shouldst live—that I should die—So let us yield ourselves to Heaven’s will!

Heaven wills that thou shouldst live—that I should die—

So let us yield ourselves to Heaven’s will!

[Gretchengrows gradually fainter.Faustusleads her to couch.

EnterMarthaandAnselm.

Mar.Too late! Oh, Heaven, too late!

Lisa.Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!Poor loved one—speak to us—one word! one word!Oh, Heaven, pity us!

Lisa.Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen!

Poor loved one—speak to us—one word! one word!

Oh, Heaven, pity us!

Gret.Nay, gentle one,Weep not for Gretchen—three sad months agoPoor Gretchen died! ’Tis a long time to mourn,Three months! Nay, Martha, dry thine eyes again,And deck thyself as for a holiday.Rejoice with me—The days of mourning for thy kinswomanAre past and gone!

Gret.Nay, gentle one,

Weep not for Gretchen—three sad months ago

Poor Gretchen died! ’Tis a long time to mourn,

Three months! Nay, Martha, dry thine eyes again,

And deck thyself as for a holiday.

Rejoice with me—

The days of mourning for thy kinswoman

Are past and gone!

Faus.Oh, Gretchen—oh, my love—My heart will break. Gretchen, tell me, at least,That thou forgivest me!

Faus.Oh, Gretchen—oh, my love—

My heart will break. Gretchen, tell me, at least,

That thou forgivest me!

[Faint indications of coming daylight are seen through window.

Gret.I love thee, FaustusAh me! but it is meet that I should die,For I can turn my head, but not my heart—And I can close mine eyes, but not my heart—And still my foolish tongue, but not my heart—So, Faustus, it is meet that I should die!Weep not—[Faustusrises and turns towardsAnselm.I go from Death to Life—from Night to Day!Weep not—my heart is glad, and all my caresFold their black wings and creep away abashed,As shrinks the night before the coming dawn.

Gret.I love thee, Faustus

Ah me! but it is meet that I should die,

For I can turn my head, but not my heart—

And I can close mine eyes, but not my heart—

And still my foolish tongue, but not my heart—

So, Faustus, it is meet that I should die!

Weep not—

[Faustusrises and turns towardsAnselm.

I go from Death to Life—from Night to Day!

Weep not—my heart is glad, and all my cares

Fold their black wings and creep away abashed,

As shrinks the night before the coming dawn.

[The lamp at her feet begins to die out.Mephistois seen at door.

Farewell!The hand of death is heavy on my heart,The little lamp of life is dying out.It matters not—the dreary Night is past,And Daylight is at hand!

Farewell!

The hand of death is heavy on my heart,

The little lamp of life is dying out.

It matters not—the dreary Night is past,

And Daylight is at hand!

[She raises her hands towards the rising sun, which is seen through the window. Her hand falls slowly and she dies, as the light at her head goes out, and the sky is filled with the splendour of the coming day.Anselm, consolingFaustus, raises his crucifix in the air.Mephisto, at door, cowers before it. DuringGretchen’sspeech, the music of an organ is heard faintly; it swells into a loud peal asGretchendies.

Back to Index Next