Part 14 (2/2)

FAUST

When on an idler's bed I stretch myself in quiet.

There let, at once, my record end!

Canst thou with lying flattery rule me, Until, self-pleased, myself I see,- Canst thou with rich enjoyment fool me, Let that day be the last for me!

The bet I offer.

MEPHISTOPHELES Done!

FAUST And heartily!

When thus I hail the Moment flying: ”Ah, still delay-thou art so fair!”

Then bind me in thy bonds undying, My final ruin then declare!

Then let the death-bell chime the token.

Then art thou from thy service free!

The clock may stop, the hand be broken, Then Time be finished unto me!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Consider well: my memory good is rated.

FAUST

Thou hast a perfect right thereto.

My powers I have not rashly estimated: A slave am I, whate'er I do- If thine, or whose? 'tis needless to debate it.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then at the Doctors'-banquet I, to-day, Will as a servant wait behind thee.

But one thing more! Beyond all risk to bind thee, Give me a line or two, I pray.

FAUST

Demand'st thou, Pedant, too, a doc.u.ment?

Hast never known a man, nor proved his word's intent?

Is't not enough, that what I speak to-day Shall stand, with all my future days agreeing?

In all its tides sweeps not the world away, And shall a promise bind my being?

Yet this delusion in our hearts we bear: Who would himself therefrom deliver?

Blest he, whose bosom Truth makes pure and fair!

No sacrifice shall he repent of ever.

Nathless a parchment, writ and stamped with care, A spectre is, which all to shun endeavor.

The word, alas! dies even in the pen, And wax and leather keep the lords.h.i.+p then.

What wilt from me, Base Spirit, say?- Bra.s.s, marble, parchment, paper, clay?

The terms with graver, quill, or chisel, stated?

I freely leave the choice to thee.

MEPHISTOPHELES

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