The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 104

CHORUS

To these tones, so sweetly flowing, Dire one! dost incline thine ears, They in us, new health bestowing, Waken now the joy of tears.

Vanish may the sun's clear s.h.i.+ning, In our soul if day arise, In our heart we, unrepining, Find what the whole world denies.

(HELENA, FAUST, EUPHORION _in the costume indicated above_)

EUPHORION

Songs of childhood hear ye ringing, Your own mirth it seems; on me Gazing, thus in measure springing, Leap your parent-hearts with glee.

HELENA

Love, terrestrial bliss to capture, Two in n.o.ble union mates; But to wake celestial rapture, He a precious three creates.

FAUST

All hath been achieved. For ever I am thine, and mine thou art, Blent our beings are--oh never May our present joy depart!

CHORUS

Many a year of purest pleasure, In the mild light of their boy, Crowns this pair in richest measure.

Me their union thrills with joy!

EUPHORION

Now let me gambol, Joyfully springing!

Upward to hasten Through ether winging, This wakes my yearning, This prompts me now!

FAUST

Gently! son, gently!

Be not so daring!

Lest ruin seize thee Past all repairing, And our own darling Whelm us in woe!

EUPHORION

From earth my spirit Still upward presses; Let go my hands now, Let go my tresses, Let go my garments, Mine every one!

HELENA

To whom, bethink thee, Now thou pertainest!

Think how it grieves us When thou disdainest Mine, thine, and his,--the all That hath been won.

CHORUS

Soon shall, I fear me, The bond be undone!

HELENA _and_ FAUST

Curb for thy parents' sake, To us returning, Curb thy importunate Pa.s.sionate yearning!

Make thou the rural plain Tranquil and bright.

EUPHORION

But to content you Stay I my flight.

(_Winding among the_ CHORUS _and drawing them forth to dance_)

Round this gay troop I flee With impulse light.

Say is the melody, Say is the movement right?

HELENA

Yea, 'tis well done; advance, Lead to the graceful dance These maidens coy!

FAUST

Could I the end but see!

Me this mad revelry Fills with annoy.

EUPHORION _and the_ CHORUS

(_Dancing and singing, they move about in interweaving lines_)

Moving thine arms so fair With graceful motion, Tossing thy curling hair In bright commotion; When thou with foot so light Over the earth doth skim, Thither and back in flight, Moving each graceful limb; Thou hast attained thy goal, Beautiful child, All hearts thou hast beguiled, Won every soul. [_Pause._]

EUPHORION

Gracefully sporting, Light-footed roes, New frolic courting Scorn ye repose: I am the hunter, Ye are the game.

CHORUS

Us wilt thou capture, Urge not thy pace; For it were rapture Thee to embrace, Beautiful creature, This our sole aim!

EUPHORION

Through trees and heather, Bound all together, O'er stock and stone!

Whate'er is lightly won, That I disdain; What I by force obtain, Prize I alone.

HELENA _and_ FAUST

What vagaries, sense confounding!

Naught of measure to be hoped for!

Like the blare of trumpet sounding, Over vale and forest ringing.

What a riot! What a cry!

CHORUS (_entering quickly one by one_)