The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 68

After dame Martha Schwerdtlein I inquire!

MARTHA

'Tis I. Pray what have you to say to me?

MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside to her_)

I know you now,--and therefore will retire; At present you've distinguished company.

Pardon the freedom, Madam, with your leave, I will make free to call again at eve.

MARTHA (_aloud_)

Why, child, of all strange notions, he For some grand lady taketh thee!

MARGARET

I am, in truth, of humble blood-- The gentleman is far too good-- Nor gems nor trinkets are my own.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh 'tis not the mere ornaments alone; Her glance and mien far more betray.

Rejoiced I am that I may stay.

MARTHA

Your business, Sir? I long to know--

MEPHISTOPHELES

Would I could happier tidings show!

I trust mine errand you'll not let me rue; Your husband's dead, and greeteth you.

MARTHA

Is dead? True heart! Oh misery!

My husband dead! Oh, I shall die!

MARGARET

Alas! good Martha! don't despair!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Now listen to the sad affair!

MARGARET

I for this cause should fear to love.

The loss my certain death would prove.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Joy still must sorrow, sorrow joy attend.

MARTHA

Proceed, and tell the story of his end!

MEPHISTOPHELES

At Padua, in St. Anthony's, In holy ground his body lies; Quiet and cool his place of rest, With pious ceremonials blest.

MARTHA

And had you naught besides to bring?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh yes! one grave and solemn prayer; Let them for him three hundred ma.s.ses sing!

But in my pockets, I have nothing there.

MARTHA

No trinket! no love-token did he send!

What every journeyman safe in his pouch will h.o.a.rd There for remembrance fondly stored, And rather hungers, rather begs than spend!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Madam, in truth, it grieves me sore, But he his gold not lavishly hath spent.

His failings too he deeply did repent, Ay! and his evil plight bewail'd still more.

MARGARET

Alas! That men should thus be doomed to woe!

I for his soul will many a requiem pray.

MEPHISTOPHELES

A husband you deserve this very day; A child so worthy to be loved.

MARGARET

Ah no, That time hath not yet come for me.

MEPHISTOPHELES

If not a spouse, a gallant let it be.

Among heaven's choicest gifts, I place, So sweet a darling to embrace.