The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 72

Yes, small our household is, I own, Yet must I see to it. No maid we keep, And I must cook, sew, knit, and sweep, Still early on my feet and late; My mother is in all things, great and small, So accurate!

Not that for thrift there is such pressing need, Than others we might make more show indeed; My father left behind a small estate, A house and garden near the city-wall.

But fairly quiet now my days, I own; As soldier is my brother gone; My little sister's dead; the babe to rear Occasion'd me some care and fond annoy; But I would go through all again with joy, The darling was to me so dear.

FAUST

An angel, sweet, if it resembled thee!

MARGARET

I reared it up, and it grew fond of me.

After my father's death it saw the day; We gave my mother up for lost, she lay In such a wretched plight, and then at length So very slowly she regain'd her strength.

Weak as she was, 'twas vain for her to try Herself to suckle the poor babe, so I Reared it on milk and water all alone; And thus the child became as 'twere my own; Within my arms it stretched itself and grew, And smiling, nestled in my bosom too.

FAUST

Doubtless the purest happiness was thine.

MARGARET

But many weary hours, in sooth, were also mine.

At night its little cradle stood Close to my bed; so was I wide awake If it but stirred; One while I was obliged to give it food, Or to my arms the darling take; From bed full oft must rise, whene'er its cry I heard, And, dancing it, must pace the chamber to and fro; Stand at the wash-tub early; forthwith go To market, and then mind the cooking too-- Tomorrow like today, the whole year through.

Ah, sir, thus living, it must be confess'd One's spirits are not always of the best; Yet it a relish gives to food and rest.

[_They pa.s.s on._]

MARTHA

Poor women! we are badly off, I own; A bachelor's conversion's hard, indeed!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Madam, with one like you it rests alone, To tutor me a better course to lead.

MARTHA

Speak frankly, sir, none is there you have met?

Has your heart ne'er attach'd itself as yet?

MEPHISTOPHELES

One's own fire-side and a good wife are gold And pearls of price, so says the proverb old.

MARTHA

I mean, has pa.s.sion never stirred your breast?

MEPHISTOPHELES

I've everywhere been well received, I own.

MARTHA

Yet hath your heart no earnest preference known?

MEPHISTOPHELES

With ladies one should ne'er presume to jest.

MARTHA

Ah! you mistake!

MEPHISTOPHELES

I'm sorry I'm so blind!

But this I know--that you are very kind.

[_They pa.s.s on._]

FAUST

Me, little angel, didst thou recognize, When in the garden first I came?

MARGARET

Did you not see it? I cast down my eyes.

FAUST

Thou dost forgive my boldness, dost not blame The liberty I took that day, When thou from church didst lately wend thy way?

MARGARET

I was confused. So had it never been; No one of me could any evil say.

Alas, thought I, he doubtless in thy mien, Something unmaidenly or bold hath seen?

[Ill.u.s.tration: FAUST AND MARGARET IN THE GARDEN Liezen-Mayer]

It seemed as if it struck him suddenly, Here's just a girl with whom one may make free!

Yet I must own that then I scarcely knew What in your favor here began at once to plead; Yet I was angry with myself indeed That I more angry could not feel with you.

FAUST

Sweet love!

MARGARET

Just wait awhile!

[_She gathers a star-flower and plucks off the leaves one after another._]