Part 29 (1/2)

And shall I see-possess her?

MEPHISTOPHELES

No!

Unto a neighbor she must go, And meanwhile thou, alone, mayst glow With every hope of future pleasure, Breathing her atmosphere in fullest measure.

FAUST

Can we go thither?

MEPHISTOPHELES

'Tis too early yet.

FAUST

A gift for her I bid thee get!

[Exit.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Presents at once? That's good: he's certain to get at her!

Full many a pleasant place I know, And treasures, buried long ago: I must, perforce, look up the matter. [Exit.

VIII

EVENING A SMALL, NEATLY KEPT CHAMBER

MARGARET

(plaiting and binding up the braids of her hair)

I'd something give, could I but say Who was that gentleman, to-day.

Surely a gallant man was he, And of a n.o.ble family; And much could I in his face behold,- And he wouldn't, else, have been so bold!

[Exit MEPHISTOPHELES FAUST

MEPHISTOPHELES

Come in, but gently: follow me!

FAUST (after a moment's silence)

Leave me alone, I beg of thee!

MEPHISTOPHELES (prying about)

Not every girl keeps things so neat.

FAUST (looking around)

O welcome, twilight soft and sweet, That breathes throughout this hallowed shrine!

Sweet pain of love, bind thou with fetters fleet The heart that on the dew of hope must pine!

How all around a sense impresses Of quiet, order, and content!

This poverty what bounty blesses!