The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 70

MARGARET

Farewell!

MARTHA

But ere you leave us, quickly tell!

I from a witness fain had heard, Where, how, and when my husband died and was interr'd.

 

To forms I've always been attached indeed, His death I fain would in the journals read.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Ay, madam, what two witnesses declare Is held as valid everywhere; A gallant friend I have, not far from here, Who will for you before the judge appear.

I'll bring him straight.

MARTHA

I pray you do!

MEPHISTOPHELES

And this young lady, we shall find her too?

A n.o.ble youth, far traveled, he Shows to the s.e.x all courtesy.

MARGARET

I in his presence needs must blush for shame.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Not in the presence of a crowned king!

MARTHA

The garden, then, behind my house, we'll name, There we'll await you both this evening.

A STREET

FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES

FAUST

How is it now? How speeds it? Is't in train?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Bravo! I find you all aflame!

Gretchen full soon your own you'll name.

This eve, at neighbor Martha's, her you'll meet again; The woman seems expressly made To drive the pimp and gipsy's trade.

FAUST

Good!

MEPHISTOPHELES

But from us she something would request.

FAUST

A favor claims return, as this world goes.

MEPHISTOPHELES

We have on oath but duly to attest That her dead husband's limbs, outstretch'd, repose In holy ground at Padua.

FAUST

Sage indeed!

So I suppose we straight must journey there!

MEPHISTOPHELES

_Sancta simplicitas!_ For that no need!

Without much knowledge we have but to swear.

FAUST

If you have nothing better to suggest, Against your plan I must at once protest.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh, holy man! methinks I have you there!

In all your life, say, have you ne'er False witness borne, until this hour?

Have you of G.o.d, the world, and all it doth contain, Of man, and that which worketh in his heart and brain, Not definitions given, in words of weight and power, With front unblus.h.i.+ng, and a dauntless breast?

Yet, if into the depth of things you go, Touching these matters, it must be confess'd, As much as of Herr Schwerdtlein's death you know!

FAUST

Thou art and dost remain liar and sophist too.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Ay, if one did not take a somewhat deeper view!

Tomorrow, in all honor, thou Poor Gretchen wilt befool, and vow Thy soul's deep love, in lover's fas.h.i.+on.

FAUST