Val. (advancing from the back of the stage and holding in his hand a small silver medal).
O sacred medallion,
Gift of my sister dear
To ward off danger and fear,
As I charge with my brave battalion,
Rest thou upon my heart.
Wag. Here comes Valentine, in search of us, doubtless.
Val. Let us drain the parting cup, comrades,
It is time we were on the road.
Wag. What sayst thou?
Why this sorrowful farewell?
Val. Like you, I soon must quit these scenes,
Leaving behind me Marguerite.
Alas! my mother no longer lives,
To care for and protect her.
Sie. More than one friend hast thou
Who faithfully will thy place supply.
Val. My thanks!
Sie. On me you may rely.
Stud. In us thou surely mayst confide.
Val. Even bravest heart may swell
In the moment of farewell.
Loving smile of sister kind,
Quiet home I leave behind.
Oft shall I think of you
Whene'er the wine-cup passes round,
When alone my watch I keep.
But when danger to glory shall call me,
I still will be first in the fray,
As blithe as a knight in his bridal array.
Careless what fate shall befall me
When glory shall call me.
Wag. Come on, friends! No tears nor vain alarms;
Quaff we good wine, to the success of our arms!
Drink, boys, drink!
In a joyous refrain
Bid farewell, till we meet again.
Cho. We'll drink! Fill high!
Once more in song our voices
Let us raise.
Wag. (mounting on a table).
A rat, more coward than brave,
And with an exceedingly ugly head,
Lodged in a sort of hole or cave,
Under an ancient hogshead.
A cat—
SCENE III.
Mephistopheles and the preceding.
Mep. (appearing suddenly among the students and interrupting Wagner).
Good sir!
Wag. What!
Mep. If it so please ye I should wish
To mingle with ye a short time.
If your good friend will kindly end his song,
I'll tell ye a few things well worth the hearing.
Wag. One will suffice, but let that one be good.
Mep. My utmost I will do
Your worships not to bore.
I.
Calf of Gold! aye in all the world
To your mightiness they proffer,
Incense at your fane they offer
From end to end of all the world.
And in honor of the idol
Kings and peoples everywhere
To the sound of jingling coins
Dance with zeal in festive circle,
Round about the pedestal.
Satan, he conducts the ball.
II.
Calf of Gold, strongest god below!
To his temple overflowing
Crowds before his vile shape bowing,
The monster dares insult the skies.
With contempt he views around him
All the vaunted human race,
As they strive in abject toil,
As with souls debased they circle
Round about the pedestal.
Satan, he conducts the ball.
All. Satan, he conducts the ball.
Cho. A strange story this of thine.
Val.
(aside).
And stranger still is he who sings it.
Wag. (offering a cup to Mephistopheles).
Will you honor us by partaking of wine?
Mep. With pleasure. Ah!
(Taking Wagner by the hand, and scrutinizing his palm.)
Behold what saddens me to view.
See you this line?
Wag. Well!
Mep. A sudden death it presages,—
You will be killed in mounting to th' assault!
Sie. You are then a sorcerer!
Mep. Even so. And your own hand shows plainly
To what fate condemns. What flower you would gather
Shall wither in the grasp.
Sie. I?
Mep. No more bouquets for Marguerite.
Val. My sister! How knew you her name?
Mep. Take care, my brave fellow!
Some one I know is destined to kill you.
(Taking the cup.)
Your health, gentlemen!
Pah! What miserable wine!
Allow me to offer you some from my cellar?
(Jumps on the table, and strikes on a little cask, surmounted by
the effigy of the god Bacchus, which serves as a sign to the Inn.)
What ho! thou god of wine, now give us drink!
(Wine gushes forth from cask, and Mephistopheles
fills his goblet.)
Approach, my friends!
Each one shall be served to his liking.
To your health, now and hereafter!
To Marguerite!
Val. Enough! If I do not silence him,
And that instantly, I will die.
(The wine bursts into flame.)
Wag. Hola!
Cho. Hola!
(They draw their swords.)
Mep. Ah, ha! Why do you tremble so, you who menace me?
(He draws a circle around him with his sword. Valentine
attacks; his sword is broken.)
Val. My sword, O amazement!
Is broken asunder.
All (forcing Mephistopheles to retire
by holding toward him the cross-shaped handles of their swords).
Gainst the powers of evil our arms assailing,
Strongest earthly might is unavailing.
But thou canst not charm us,
Look hither!
While this blest sign we wear
Thou canst not harm us.
(Exeunt.)
SCENE IV.
Mephistopheles, then Faust.
Mep.
(replacing his sword).
We'll meet anon, good sirs,—adieu!
Faust (enters).
Why, what has happened?
Mep. Oh, nothing! let us change the subject!
Say, Doctor, what would you of me?
With what shall we begin?
Faust. Where bides the beauteous maid
Thine art did show to me?
Or was't mere witchcraft?
Mep. No, but her virtue doth protect her from thee,
And heaven itself would keep her pure.
Faust. It matters not!
Come, lead me to her,
Or I straightway abandon thee.
Mep. Then I'll comply! 'twere pity you should think
So meanly of the magic power which I possess.
Have patience! and to this joyous tune.
Right sure am I, the maiden will appear.
SCENE V.
(Students, with Maidens on their arms, preceded by Musicians, take possession of the stage. Burghers in the rear, as at the commencement of the act.)
Students, Maidens, Burghers, etc., afterwards Siebel and Marguerite.
Cho. (marking waltz time with their feet).
As the wind that sportively plays,
At first will light dust only raise,
Yet, at last, becomes a gale,
So our dancing and our singing,
Soft at first, then loudly ringing,
Will resound o'er hill and dale.
(The Musicians mount upon the table, and dancing begins.)
Mep.
(to Faust).
See those lovely young maidens.
Will you not ask of them
To accept you?
Faust. No! desist from thy idle sport,
And leave my heart free to reflection.
Sie. (entering).
Marguerite this way alone can arrive.
Some of the Maidens
(approaching Siebel).
Pray seek you a partner to join in the dance?
Sie. No: it has no charm for me.
Cho. As the wind that sportively plays,
At first will light dust only raise,
Yet, at last, becomes a gale,
So our dancing and our singing,
Soft at first, then loudly ringing,
Will resound o'er hill and dale.
(Marguerite enters.)
Faust. It is she! behold her!
Mep. 'Tis well! now, then, approach!
Sie.
(perceiving Marguerite and approaching her).
Marguerite!
Mep.
(turning round and finding himself face to face with Siebel).
What say you?
Sie. (aside).
Malediction! here again!
Mep. (coaxingly).
What, here again, dear boy?
(laughing).
Ha, ha! a right good jest!
(Siebel retreats before Mephistopheles, who then compels him to make a circuit of the stage, passing behind the dancers.)
Faust
(approaching Marguerite, who crosses the stage).
Will you not permit me, my fairest demoiselle,
To offer you my arm, and clear for you the way?
Mar. No, sir. I am no demoiselle, neither am I fair;
And I have no need to accept your offered arm.
(Passes Faust and retires.)
Faust (gazing after her).
What beauty! What grace! What modesty!
O lovely child, I love thee! I love thee!
Sie.
(coming forward, without having seen what has occurred).
She has gone!
(He is about to hurry after Marguerite, when he suddenly finds himself face to face with Mephistopheles—he hastily turns away and leaves the stage.)
Mep. Well, Doctor!
Faust. Well. She has repulsed me.
Mep.
(laughing).
Ay, truly, I see, in love,
You know not how to make the first move.
(He retires with Faust, in the direction
taken by Marguerite.)
Some of the Maidens
(who have noticed the meeting between Faust
and Marguerite).
What is it?
Others. Marguerite. She has refused the escort
Of yonder elegant gentleman.
Studs. (approaching).
Waltz again!
Maidens. Waltz always!
ACT III.
SCENE I.
Marguerite's Garden.
(At the back a wall, with a little door. To the left a bower. On the right a pavilion, with a window facing the audience. Trees, shrubs, etc.)
Siebel, alone. (He enters through the little door at the back, and stops on the threshold of the pavilion, near a group of roses and lilies.)
Sie.
I.
Gently whisper to her of love, dear flow'r;
Tell her that I adore her,
And for me, oh, implore her,
For my heart feels alone for her love's pow'r.
Say in sighing I languish,
That for her, in my anguish,
Beats alone, dearest flow'r,
My aching heart.
(Plucks flowers.)
Alas! they are wither'd!
(Throws them away.)
Can the accursed wizard's words be true?
(Plucks another flower, which, on touching his hand, immediately withers.)
"Thou shalt ne'er touch flower again
But it shall wither!"
I'll bathe my hand in holy water!
(Approaches the pavilion, and dips his fingers in a little
font suspended to the wall.)
When day declines, Marguerite hither
Comes to pray, so we'll try again.
(Plucks more flowers.)
Are they wither'd? No!
Satan, thou art conquer'd!
II.
In these flowers alone I've faith,
For they will plead for me;
To her they will reveal
My hapless state.
The sole cause of my woe is she,
And yet she knows it not.
But in these flowers I've faith,
For they will plead for me.
(Plucks flowers in order to make a bouquet, and disappears amongst the shrubs.)
SCENE II.
Mephistopheles, Faust, and Siebel.
Faust.
(cautiously entering through the garden door).
We are here!
Mep. Follow me.
Faust. Whom dost thou see?
Mep. Siebel, your rival.
Faust. Siebel?
Mep. Hush! He comes.
(They enter the bower.)
Sie. (entering with a bouquet in his hand).
My bouquet is charming indeed?
Mep. (aside).
It is indeed!
Sie. Victory!
Tomorrow I'll reveal all to her.
I will disclose to her the secret
That lies concealed in my heart:
A kiss will tell the rest.
Mep. (aside, mockingly).
Seducer!
(Exit Siebel, after fastening bouquet to the door of the pavilion.)
SCENE III.
Faust and Mephistopheles.
Mep. Now attend, my dear doctor!
To keep company with the flowers of our friend,
I go to bring you a treasure,
Which outshines them beyond measure,
And of beauty past believing.
Faust. Leave me!
Mep. I obey. Deign to await me here.
(Disappears.)
SCENE IV.
Faust.
Faust. (alone).
What new emotion penetrates my soul!
Love, a pure and holy love, pervades my being.
O Marguerite, behold me at thy feet!
All hail, thou dwelling pure and lowly,
Home of an angel fair and holy,
All mortal beauty excelling!
What wealth is here, a wealth outbidding gold,
Of peace, and love, and innocence untold!
Bounteous Nature! 'twas here by day thy love was taught her,
Thou here with kindly care didst o'er-shadow thy daughter
Through hours of night!
Here waving tree and flower
Made her an Eden bower
Of beauty and delight,
For one whose very birth
Brought down heaven to our earth.
All hail, thou dwelling pure and lowly,
Home of an angel fair and holy.
SCENE V.
Faust, Mephistopheles.
Mep.
(carrying a casket under his arm).
What ho! see here!
If flowers are more potent than bright jewels,
Then I consent to lose my power.
(Opens the casket and displays the jewels.)
Faust. Let us fly; I ne'er will see her more.
Mep. What scruple now assails thee?
(Lays the casket on the threshold of the pavilion.)
See on yonder step,
The jewels snugly lie;
We've reason now to hope.
(Draws Faust after him, and disappears in the garden. Marguerite enters through the doorway at the back, and advances silently to the front.)
SCENE VI.
Marguerite.
Mar. (alone).
Fain would I know the name
Of the fair youth I met?
Fain would I his birth
And station also know?
(Seats herself at her wheel in the arbor, and arranges the flax upon the spindle.)
I.
"Once there was a king in Thulé,
Who was until death always faithful,
And in memory of his loved one
Caused a cup of gold to be made."
(Breaking off.)
His manner was so gentle! 'Twas true politeness.
(Resuming the song.)
"Never treasure prized he so dearly,
Naught else would use on festive days,
And always when he drank from it,
His eyes with tears would be o'erflowing."
II.
(She rises, and takes a few paces.)
"When he knew that death was near,
As he lay on his cold couch smiling,
Once more he raised with greatest effort
To his lips the golden vase."
(Breaking off.)
I knew not what to say, my face red with blushes!
(Resuming the song.)
"And when he, to honor his lady,
Drank from the cup the last, last time,
Soon falling from his trembling grasp,
Then gently passed his soul away."
Nobles alone can bear them with so bold a mien,
So tender, too, withal!
(She goes toward the pavilion.)
I'll think of him no more! Good Valentine!
If heav'n heeds my prayer, we shall meet again.
Meanwhile I am alone!
(Suddenly perceiving the bouquet attached to the door of the pavilion.)
Flowers!
(Unfastens the bouquet.)
They are Siebel's, surely!
Poor faithful boy!
(Perceiving the casket.)
But what is this?
From whom did this splendid casket come?
I dare not touch it—
Yet see, here is the key!—I'll take one look!
How I tremble—yet why?—can it be
Much harm just to look in a casket!
(Opens the casket and lets the bouquet fall.)
Oh, heaven! what jewels!
Can I be dreaming?
Or am I really awake?
Ne'er have I seen such costly things before!
(Puts down the casket on a rustic seat, and kneels down in order to adorn herself with the jewels.)
I should just like to see
How they'd look upon me
Those brightly sparkling ear-drops!
(Takes out the ear-rings.)
Ah! at the bottom of the casket is a glass:
I there can see myself!—
But am I not becoming vain?
(Puts on the ear-rings, rises, and looks at herself in the glass.)
Ah! I laugh, as I pass, to look into a glass;
Is it truly Marguerite, then?
Is it you?
Tell me true!
No, no, no, 'tis not you!
No, no, that bright face there reflected
Must belong to a queen!
It reflects some fair queen, whom I greet as I pass her.
Ah! could he see me now,
Here, deck'd like this, I vow,
He surely would mistake me,
And for noble lady take me!
I'll try on the rest.
The necklace and the bracelets
I fain would try!
(She adorns herself with the bracelets and necklace, then rises.)
Heavens! 'Tis like a hand
That on mine arm doth rest!
Ah! I laugh, as I pass, to look into a glass;
Is it truly Marguerite, then?
Is it you?
Tell me true!
No, no, no, 'tis not you!
No, no, that bright face there reflected
Must belong to a queen!
It reflects some fair queen, whom I greet as I pass her.
Oh! could he see me now,
Here, deck'd like this, I vow,
He surely would mistake me,
And for noble lady take me!
SCENE VII.
Marguerite and Martha.
Mart. Just heaven! what is't I see?
How fair you now do seem!
Why, what has happened?
Who gave to you these jewels?
Mar. (confused).
Alas! by some mistake
They have been hither brought.
Mart. Why so?
No, beauteous maiden,
These jewels are for you;
The gift are they of some enamor'd lord.
My husband, I must say,
Was of a less generous turn!
(Mephistopheles and Faust enter.)
SCENE VIII.
Mephistopheles, Faust, and the before-named.
Mep. (making a profound bow).
Tell me, I pray, are you Martha Schwerlein?
Mart. Sir, I am!
Mep. Pray pardon me,
If thus I venture to present myself.
(Aside, to Faust.)
You see your presents
Are right graciously received.
(To Martha.)
Are you, then, Martha Schwerlein?
Mart. Sir, I am.
Mep. The news I bring
Is of an unpleasant kind:
Your much-loved spouse is dead,
And sends you greeting.
Mart. Great heaven!
Mar. Why, what has happened?
Mep. Stuff!
(Marguerite hastily takes off the jewels,
and is about to replace them in the casket.)
Mart. Oh woe! oh, unexpected news!
Mar. (aside).
How beats my heart
Now he is near!
Faust (aside).
The fever of my love
Is lull'd when at her side!
Mep. (to Martha).
Your much-loved spouse is dead,
And sends you greeting!
Mart. (to Mephistopheles).
Sent he nothing else to me?
Mep. (to Martha).
No. We'll punish him for't;
Upon this very day
We'll find him a successor.
Faust (to Marguerite).
Wherefore lay aside these jewels?
Mar. (to Faust).
Jewels are not made for me;
'Tis meet I leave them where they are.
Mep. (to Martha).
Who would not gladly unto
You present the wedding-ring?
Mart. (aside).
Indeed!
(to Mephistopheles).
You think so?
Mep. (sighing).
Ah me! ah, cruel fate!
Faust (to Marguerite)
Pray lean upon mine arm!
Mar. (retiring).
Leave me, I humbly pray!
Mep. (offering his arm to Martha).
Take mine!
Mart. (aside).
In sooth, a comely knight!
(taking his arm.)
Mep. (aside).
The dame is somewhat tough!
(Marguerite yields her arm to Faust,
and withdraws with him.
Mephistopheles and
Martha remain together.)
Mart. And so you are always traveling!
Mep. A hard necessity it is, madame!
Alone and loveless. Ah!
Mart. In youth it matters not so much,
But in late years 'tis sad indeed!
Right melancholy it is in solitude
Our olden age to pass!
Mep. The very thought doth make me shudder.
But still, alas! what can I do?
Mart. If I were you, I'd not delay,
But think on't seriously at once.
Mep. I'll think on't!
Mart. At once and seriously!
(They withdraw.)
(Faust and Marguerite re-enter.)
Faust. Art always thus alone?
Mar. My brother is at the wars,
My mother dear is dead!
By misadventure, too,
My dear sister have I lost.
Dear sister mine!
My greatest happiness was she.
Sad sorrows these;
When our souls with love are filled,
Death tears the loved one from us!
At morn, no sooner did she wake,
Than I was always at her side!
The darling of my life was she!
To see her once again,
I'd gladly suffer all.
Faust. If heaven, in joyous mood,
Did make her like to thee,
An angel must she indeed have been!
Mar. Thou mock'st me!
Faust. Nay, I do love thee!
Mar. (sighing).
Flatterer! thou mock'st me!
I believe thee not! thou seekest to deceive.
No longer will I stay, thy words to hear.
Faust (to Marguerite).
Nay, I do love thee! Stay, oh stay!
Heaven hath with an angel crown'd my path.
Why fear'st thou to listen?
It is my heart that speaks.
(Re-enter Mephistopheles and Martha.)
Mart. (to Mephistopheles).
Of what now are you thinking?
You heed me not—perchance you mock me.
Now list to what I say.—
You really must not leave us thus!
Mep. (to Martha).
Ah, chide me not, if my wanderings I resume.
Suspect me not; to roam I am compelled!
Need I attest how gladly I remain.
I hear but thee alone.
(Night comes on.)
Mar. (to Faust).
It grows dark,—you must away.
Faust (embracing her).
My loved one!
Mar. Ah! no more!
(Escapes.)
Faust. Ah, cruel one, would'st fly?
(Pursuing her.)
Mep. (aside, whilst Martha angrily turns her back to him).
The matter's getting serious,
I must away.
(Conceals himself behind a tree.)
Mart. (aside).
What's to be done? he's gone!
What ho, good sir!
(Retires.)
Mep. Yes, seek for me—that's right!
I really do believe
The aged beldame would
Actually have married Satan!
Faust (without).
Marguerite!
Mart. (without).
Good sir!
Mep. Your servant!
SCENE IX.
Mephistopheles.
Mep. 'Twas high time!
By night, protected,
In earnest talk of love,
They will return! 'Tis well!
I'll not disturb
Their amorous confabulation!
Night, conceal them in thy darkest shade.
Love, from their fond hearts
Shut out all troublesome remorse.
And ye, O flowers of fragrance subtle,
This hand accurs'd
Doth cause ye all to open!
Bewilder the heart of Marguerite!
(Disappears amid the darkness.)
SCENE X.
Faust and Marguerite.
Mar. It groweth late, farewell!
Faust. I but implore in vain.
Let me thy hand take, and clasp it,
And behold but thy face once again,
Illum'd by that pale light,
From yonder moon that shines,
O'er thy beauteous features shedding
Its faint but golden ray.
Mar. Oh, what stillness reigns around,
Oh, ineffable mystery!
Sweetest, happiest feeling,
I list; a secret voice
Now seems to fill my heart.
Still its tone again resoundeth in my bosom.
Leave me awhile, I pray.
(Stoops and picks a daisy.)
Faust. What is it thou doest?
Mar. This flower I consult.
(She plucks the petals of the daisy.)
Faust (aside).
What utters she in tones subdued?
Mar. He loves me!—no, he loves me not!
He loves me!—no!—He loves me!
Faust. Yes, believe thou this flower,
The flower of loves.
To thine heart let it tell
The truth it would teach,—
He loves thee! Know'st thou not
How happy 'tis to love?
To cherish in the heart a flame that never dies!
To drink forever from the fount of love!
Both. We'll love for ever!
Faust. Oh, night of love! oh, radiant night!
The bright stars shine above;
Oh, joy, this is divine!
I love, I do adore thee!
Mar. Mine idol fond art thou!
Speak, speak again!
Thine, thine I'll be;
For thee I'll gladly die.
Faust. Oh, Marguerite!
Mar. (suddenly tearing herself from Faust's arms).
Ah, leave me!
Faust. Cruel one!
Mar. Fly hence! alas! I tremble!
Faust. Cruel one!
Mar. Pray leave me!
Faust. Would'st thou have me leave thee?
Ah! see'st thou not my grief?
Ah, Marguerite, thou breakest my heart!
Mar. Go hence! I waver! mercy, pray!
Fly hence! alas! I tremble!
Break not, I pray, thy Marguerite's heart!
Faust. In pity—
Mar. If to thee I'm dear,
I conjure thee, by thy love,
By this fond heart,
That too readily its secret hath revealed,
Yield thee to my prayer,—
In mercy get thee hence!
(Kneels at the feet of Faust.)
Faust (after remaining a few moments silent, gently raising her).
O fairest child,
Angel so holy,
Thou shalt control me,
Shalt curb my will.
I obey; but at morn—
Mar. Yes, at morn,
Very early.
Faust. One word at parting.
Repeat thou lovest me.
Mar. Adieu!
(Hastens towards the pavilion, then stops short on the threshold,
and wafts a kiss to Faust.)
Faust. Adieu! Were it already morn!
SCENE XI.
Faust, Mephistopheles.