Part 15 (2/2)
Let him find for thee the secret tether That binds the n.o.ble and Mean together.
And teach thy pulses of youth and pleasure To love by rule, and hate by measure!
I'd like, myself, such a one to see: Sir Microcosm his name should be.
FAUST
What am I, then, if 'tis denied my part The crown of all humanity to win me, Whereto yearns every sense within me?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Why, on the whole, thou'rt-what thou art.
Set wigs of million curls upon thy head, to raise thee, Wear shoes an ell in height,-the truth betrays thee, And thou remainest-what thou art.
FAUST
I feel, indeed, that I have made the treasure Of human thought and knowledge mine, in vain; And if I now sit down in restful leisure, No fount of newer strength is in my brain: I am no hair's-breadth more in height, Nor nearer, to the Infinite,
MEPHISTOPHELES
Good Sir, you see the facts precisely As they are seen by each and all.
We must arrange them now, more wisely, Before the joys of life shall pall.
Why, Zounds! Both hands and feet are, truly- And head and virile forces-thine: Yet all that I indulge in newly, Is't thence less wholly mine?
If I've six stallions in my stall, Are not their forces also lent me?
I speed along, completest man of all, As though my legs were four-and-twenty.
Take hold, then! let reflection rest, And plunge into the world with zest!
I say to thee, a speculative wight Is like a beast on moorlands lean, That round and round some fiend misleads to evil plight, While all about lie pastures fresh and green.
FAUST
Then how shall we begin?
MEPHISTOPHELES
We'll try a wider sphere.
What place of martyrdom is here!
Is't life, I ask, is't even prudence, To bore thyself and bore the students?
Let Neighbor Paunch to that attend!
Why plague thyself with thres.h.i.+ng straw forever?
The best thou learnest, in the end Thou dar'st not tell the youngsters-never!
I hear one's footsteps, hither steering.
FAUST To see him now I have no heart.
MEPHISTOPHELES
So long the poor boy waits a hearing, He must not unconsoled depart.
Thy cap and mantle straightway lend me!
I'll play the comedy with art.
<script>