Faust Part 32

Good Heaven! My mother can that have been?

MARTHA (peeping through the blind)

'Tis some strange gentleman.-Come in!

(MEPHISTOPHELES enters.)

MEPHISTOPHELES

 

That I so boldly introduce me, I beg you, ladies, to excuse me.

(Steps back reverently, on seeing MARGARET.)

For Martha Schwerdtlein I'd inquire!

MARTHA

I'm she: what does the gentleman desire?

MEPHISTOPHELES (aside to her)

It is enough that you are she: You've a visitor of high degree.

Pardon the freedom I have ta'en,- Will after noon return again.

MARTHA (aloud)

Of all things in the world! Just hear- He takes thee for a lady, dear!

MARGARET

I am a creature young and poor: The gentleman's too kind, I'm sure.

The jewels don't belong to me.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Ah, not alone the jewelry!

The look, the manner, both betray- Rejoiced am I that I may stay!

MARTHA

What is your business? I would fain-

MEPHISTOPHELES

I would I had a more cheerful strain!

Take not unkindly its repeating: Your husband's dead, and sends a greeting.

MARTHA

Is dead? Alas, that heart so true!

My husband dead! Let me die, too!

MARGARET

Ah, dearest dame, let not your courage fail!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Hear me relate the mournful tale!

MARGARET

Therefore I'd never love, believe me!

A loss like this to death would grieve me.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Joy follows woe, woe after joy comes flying.

MARTHA

Relate his life's sad close to me!

MEPHISTOPHELES

In Padua buried, he is lying Beside the good Saint Antony, Within a grave well consecrated, For cool, eternal rest created.

MARTHA

He gave you, further, no commission?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Yes, one of weight, with many sighs: Three hundred ma.s.ses buy, to save him from perdition!

My hands are empty, otherwise.

MARTHA

What! Not a pocket-piece? no jewelry?

What every journeyman within his wallet spares, And as a token with him bears, And rather starves or begs, than loses?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Madam, it is a grief to me; Yet, on my word, his cash was put to proper uses.

Besides, his penitence was very sore, And he lamented his ill fortune all the more.

MARGARET