Part 12 (1/2)

FAUST

Why thou shouldst ask, I don't perceive.

Though our acquaintance is so recent, For further visits thou hast leave.

The window's here, the door is yonder; A chimney, also, you behold.

MEPHISTOPHELES

I must confess that forth I may not wander, My steps by one slight obstacle controlled,- The wizard's-foot, that on your threshold made is.

FAUST

The pentagram prohibits thee?

Why, tell me now, thou Son of Hades, If that prevents, how cam'st thou in to me?

Could such a spirit be so cheated?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Inspect the thing: the drawing's not completed.

The outer angle, you may see, Is open left-the lines don't fit it.

FAUST

Well,-Chance, this time, has fairly hit it!

And thus, thou'rt prisoner to me?

It seems the business has succeeded.

MEPHISTOPHELES

The poodle naught remarked, as after thee he speeded; But other aspects now obtain: The Devil can't get out again.

FAUST

Try, then, the open window-pane!

MEPHISTOPHELES

For Devils and for spectres this is law: Where they have entered in, there also they withdraw.

The first is free to us; we're governed by the second.

FAUST

In h.e.l.l itself, then, laws are reckoned?

That's well! So might a compact be Made with you gentlemen-and binding,-surely?

MEPHISTOPHELES

All that is promised shall delight thee purely; No skinflint bargain shalt thou see.

But this is not of swift conclusion; We'll talk about the matter soon.

And now, I do entreat this boon- Leave to withdraw from my intrusion.

FAUST

One moment more I ask thee to remain, Some pleasant news, at least, to tell me.

MEPHISTOPHELES