Part 56 (1/2)

Now I'll tell thee the graves to give us: Thou must begin to-morrow The work of sorrow!

The best place give to my mother, Then close at her side my brother, And me a little away, But not too very far, I pray!

And here, on my right breast, my baby lay!

n.o.body else will lie beside me!- Ah, within thine arms to hide me, That was a sweet and a gracious bliss, But no more, no more can I attain it!

I would force myself on thee and constrain it, And it seems thou repellest my kiss: And yet 'tis thou, so good, so kind to see!

FAUST

If thou feel'st it is I, then come with me!

MARGARET

Out yonder?

FAUST

To freedom.

MARGARET

If the grave is there, Death lying in wait, then come!

From here to eternal rest: No further step-no, no!

Thou goest away! O Henry, if I could go!

FAUST

Thou canst! Just will it! Open stands the door.

MARGARET

I dare not go: there's no hope any more.

Why should I fly? They'll still my steps waylay!

It is so wretched, forced to beg my living, And a bad conscience sharper misery giving!

It is so wretched, to be strange, forsaken, And I'd still be followed and taken!

FAUST

I'll stay with thee.

MARGARET

Be quick! Be quick!

Save thy peris.h.i.+ng child!

Away! Follow the ridge Up by the brook,

If the grave is there, Death lying in wait, then come!

Over the bridge, Into the wood, To the left, where the plank is placed In the pool!

Seize it in haste!

'Tis trying to rise, 'Tis struggling still!

Save it! Save it!