Part 40 (2/2)

How is't with thy religion, pray?

Thou art a dear, good-hearted man, And yet, I think, dost not incline that way.

FAUST

Leave that, my child! Thou know'st my love is tender; For love, my blood and life would I surrender, And as for Faith and Church, I grant to each his own.

MARGARET

That's not enough: we must believe thereon.

FAUST

Must we?

MARGARET

Would that I had some influence!

Then, too, thou honorest not the Holy Sacraments.

FAUST

I honor them.

MARGARET

Desiring no possession 'Tis long since thou hast been to ma.s.s or to confession.

Believest thou in G.o.d?

FAUST

My darling, who shall dare ”I believe in G.o.d!” to say?

Ask priest or sage the answer to declare, And it will seem a mocking play, A sarcasm on the asker.

MARGARET

Then thou believest not!

FAUST

Hear me not falsely, sweetest countenance!

Who dare express Him?

And who profess Him, Saying: I believe in Him!

Who, feeling, seeing, Deny His being, Saying: I believe Him not!

The All-enfolding, The All-upholding, Folds and upholds he not Thee, me, Himself?

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