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Digitized by the Internet Archive in
2007
with funding from
Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/faustOOgoet
LonaonHUTCHINSON<5?C9-Parerno^n:r Row 1908
LONDON A. C.
Fowler, Tenter Moorfields, B.C. 1908
Street,
^
JS.
CONTENTS PAGE Preface
vii
Dedication
3 5
Prologue for the Theatre Prologue in Heaven
11
Night Before the Gate Faust's Study (i)
15 .
(ii)
Scene with the Student Auerbach's Cellar in Leipzig Witch's Kitchen „
The Street Evening
—a Neat Little Room
Walk
Public
.
The Neighbour's House The Street Garden A Summer House
91
93 98 99
Forest and Cavern Margaret's Room Martha's Garden
.
.
At the Well Zwinger ... Night Street before Margaret's Door :
Cathedral
.
.
.
.
May Day May Day
Night
:
Night's
27 37 46 53 59 68 77 79 83 85
The Hartz Mountains
Dream Intermezzo Open Country
.
103
105 109 Ill
113 117 120
.
131
.
138
.
141
.
142
Shelley's Translations
.
151
Notes
.
A Gloomy Day Night: A Common :
Dungeon Appendix
...
:
:
...
171
LIST
OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACING PAGE
Faust and Margaret Prologue in Heaven
in
the Garden
Frontispiece 5
Faust and the Spirit of the Earth Before the Gate
27
Under the Lime Tree
32
Faust,
Wagner and
the Poodle Mephistopheles appears to Faust Mephistopheles and the Student
18
36
..
in
his
Study
40 54
In Auerbach's Cellar
66
Faust and the Magic Mirror... The Witch's Kitchen
...
...
...
...
...
70 72
Faust drinks the Magic Potion ... Faust meets Margaret in the Street
...
...
...
...
74
...
...
...
...
76
Margaret adorns herself with the Jewels
...
...
...
...
80
...
...
...
86
Summer House
...
...
...
98
Mephistopheles at the Neighbour's House
Faust and Margaret
in
the
Faust and Mephistopheles
Cavern
100
Margaret at the Spinning Wheel Faust and Margaret in Martha's Garden Margaret at the Well
102
in the
106
108
Margaret supplicating the Mater Dolorosa Faust and Valentine ... ... ... ...
The
... ...
Evil Spirit tempting Margaret in the Cathedral
Witches ascending the Brocken ... ... ... On the Hartz Mountains The Young Witch At Oberon and Titania's Golden Wedding Feast Faust and Mephistopheles on the Faust
vigits
Margaret
in
the
Faust disappears with Mephistopheles
...
110
...
...
114
...
...
118
...
...
122
126 134
136
...
...
...
...
...
140
...
...
...
...
144
...
...
...
...
146
Common
Dungeon
...
PREFACE
THE
first
part of Faust occupied
Goethe's attention
for
the
best thirty years of his hfe, or, as a French writer has happily
expressed
He
sight
of,
it,
the play was his confidant during that period.
work upon
did not
was never for long lost every new experience suggesting some development of the The Marionette fable of Faust," says Goethe, " murmured
play.
"
with
many
voices
in
it
continuously, but
my
soul.
I,
too,
it
had wandered
into
department of knowledge, and had returned early enough
every
satisfied
And life, too, I had tried under various and always came back sorrowing and unsatisfied." Goethe took the old legend of Faustus, and without making any considerable alteration, he produced a Mystery play symbolising the higher and lower natures of man. Although the characters are often too subtle, with the vanity of science. aspects,
the play, as
Lewes says
in his
Life of Goethe, " appeals to
all
minds
with the irresistible fascination of an eternal problem, and with the
charm
of endless variety.
It
has every element
farce, mystery, melody, reverence, doubt, magic,
of the lyre
we
is
it,
and irony
;
problem of our
wisdom,
not a chord In Faust
intellectual
;
and,
varied lineaments of our social existence."
But before we deal with thing
wit, pathos,
unstrung, not a fibre of the heart untouched.
see, as in a mirror, the eternal
beside
:
about
Dr.
Faustus
Goethe's
Faust,
we
will
and
say some-
legends concerning him which formed the basis not only of Goethe's drama, himself,
his
deeds,
the
of Christopher Marlowe's " Faustus," Calderon's " El Magico Prodigioso," Klinger's " Faust," and Heine's " Ballet," besides many
but
other dramas, pantomimes and romances.
PREFACE The
particulars that are
known
of the
though of the most meagre kind, are
life
of Dr.
Johann
Faust,,
sufficient to establish the fact
Such a statement may seem when one considers the tangled
that such a person really once existed.
web
legend
of
magician, as
a
somewhat
sight
at first
it
is
banal, but
envelopes
that
the
personality
mythological
preserved of his
figure.
life, is
The
subject,
This
last
apart
almost an endless one.
sprang up a maze of legends culminating 1587.
of
the
far-famed
not astonishing that he presents himself to us chiefly
from
the
details
After his death there
in the history
published
in
book forms the basis of Marlowe's play, Goethe's
drama, the opera, and the innumerable ballads, dramatic pieces and
pantomimes that have
appeared
and
continue
to
appear on
the
subject of Dr. Faustus.
Johann Faust, or Faustus, was born into this world, of parents humble origin, towards the end of the fifteenth century. The known, and the honour of being precise date of his birth is not his birth-place, like that of many other great men, is claimed by more than one town, namely, Kundlingen in Wurtemberg, Anhalt, and Brandenberg, while in the history of his life mentioned above, Rhodes, near Weimar, is assigned as his native place. He studied divinitj^ and obtained a degree of Doctor of Theology, but he grew weary of his religious profession and abandoned it for medicine, soon graduating He then devoted himself to the study of magic as a physician. and astrology, and traded on the credulity of a superstitious age. He was numbered among the friends of Paracelsus and Cornelius The Abbot Agrippa, and he is alluded to by Martin Luther. of Spanheim, Johann Trithemius, a notable scholar of the time, makes mention of meeting at Gelnhausen in May, 1506, one Georgius Sabellicus, who boasted that if all the works of Plato and This Aristotle were destroyed, he could restore them from memory. Sabellicus is supposed to have been Faust, and while he avoided Trithemius, whom he regarded as a cheat, he left a card with him in which he describes himself as a magician and after his own name There are other evidences of an adds that of " Faustus Junior." early sixteenth century Faust, but whether he was the same, or A friend another magician with a similar name, it is not clear. of Melancthon, Conrad Mudt, mentioned a charlatan who in 1513 boasted to him of powers of magic, and called himself Georgius of
viii
PREFACE Faustus,
Hemitheus
(demigod)
Heidelberg.
of
And according
to
Johann Mennel's notes of Melancthon's conversation, published in 1562, the Reformer is reported to have said that he knew a man named Faustus of Kundlingen, who studied at Cracow the magic which used to be taught there, and who attended the public lectures that were given on the art. In his wanderings he visited Venice, where he boasted that he would fly, but the devil who helped him to rise, allowed him to fall, so that he almost met with his death. He then relates that not many j'ears before, this same Faustus sat at the village inn on his last day so deeply troubled that the innkeeper
inquired of him the reason for his mournful mood, as he had formerly
been a very wild fellow. Faust bid him not to be frightened that night. At midnight the house shook, and when in the morning Faust did not appear, the innl<eeper sought him in his chamber, where he found him lying near his bed, with his face horribly contorted. In this way the devil
is
said to have taken his due.
disappearance from the world
seem
to
The date
of Faust's death or
unascertainable, but
is
he does not
have been heard of later than about 1530 or at the
1540, although
Carlyle gives the date as about 1560.
latest
His reputa-
however did not die with him. He soon became the type of all is evil and diabolical he was accredited with every kind of mischievous prank, and he had the unenviable distinction of being
tion
that
;
selected as the master spirit of centuries of crime.
Other books containing stories of Faust followed on Mennel's, Wier in 1563, and another by Augustin Lercheimer in
notably one by
But
1585.
in
September, 1587, at Frankfort on Main, there was
published by Johann Spies the "
Historia von
first
D. Johann Fausten,
and Schwartzkunstler." one of which is in the
Only
five
history of Faust, with the
dem
title
of
weit beschreyten Zauberer
copies of this work
are known,
The book, which was reprinted with additions and alterations in 1588 and 1589, was apparently written by a minister of the Rsformed Church, with British
Museum.
the intention of preaching against the vanity of the world.
It
is
full
demons and magic, such as were accepted true in the Middle Ages. The story took hold of the public and influence was apparent almost at once in England. Before the
of the mediaeval legends of
as its
end "
A
of
1587,
the
Ballad of the
of London, John Aylmer, had licensed and Death of Doctor Faustus the great
Bishop Life
ix
A
PREFACE Conjuror," and
under the
1592 a translation appeared of the original book
in
of
title
"The History
of the
Damnable
Life
Newly imprinted, and
Death of Dr. John Faustus.
and Deserved convenient
in
places imperfect matter amended, according to the true copy printed
and translated into English by P. R. Gent, London, 1592." A later edition of this curious book was reprinted in the third volume of Mr. William J. Thom's " Early Prose Romances," at Franckfort,
1828, from which
our extracts are taken.
1594 at London an English translation of
Doctor John Faustus, containing
Wagner.
in
"The Second Report
of
Appearances, and the Deeds of
his
Written by an English Gentleman, student of Wittenberg,
an university of Germany, all
There also appeared
in
Saxony.
Published for the delight of
those which desire novelties, by a friend of the same gentleman." In this history of Faust, the
from
his
birth " in
and death of the Doctor
life
the town of Rhodes, being in the
is
traced
Province of
Weimar," with an account of his studies in divinity to the day when The he made his compact with Lucifer through Mephistopheles. following is given as a copy of the actual document which Faust wrote with his own blood, assigning his body and soul to Lucifer. John
/,
Faustus, doctor, do
hand,
to
began
to study,
have not found, through the
have
men
bring
are unable to instruct
Doctor Faustus,
I,
ackiioivlcdge
Mephistophiles, given
to the hellish
both
mine
with
own
that since I
letter,
of the
elements, I
given me me to my desire, and for that I me any farther in the matter ; noxo front above, any sucJi
gift that is
learning and ii'isdom that can
find that
openly
and strengthening of this and speculate the course and nature
the great force
prince of Orient, anil his messenger,
body and soul, upon such conditions, that
my
they shall learn me,
and
promised and
unto me, xcith due obedience unto me, according to
I'oxced
fulfil
desires
in
all
things, as
they
have
the articles mentioned between us.
Farther, that
at
present
the letter,
years, be
I
do covenant and chant with them by these presents,
end of
twenty-four years next ensuing the date
served
of them at
the full in all points as
power
me
to
me
do xvith
or mine,
of
this
they being expired, and I in the meantime, during the said
be
it
xi'e
my
they accomplishing
icill,
are agreed
:
my
desires to
that then I give to them all the
at their pleasure, to rule, to send, fetch or carry
either
body, soul, flesh,
blood or goods,
into
their
PREFACE habitation, be
it
xvheresoex^cr
:
Host of Heaven, and
all the
and hereupon
I defie
God and
Iiis
Christ,
creatures that bear the shape of
all living
yea, all that live And again I say it, and it shall be so, and to more strengthening of this writing, I have written it with my own hand and blood, being in perfect memory : and hereupon I subscribe to
God
:
;
the
my name and
with
it
powers
title,
witness of this
to
and supreme
calling all the infernal, middle
my
letter
and
subscription,
John Faustus. Approved in the elements, and
the spiritual doctor.
Then says the book, "Mephistopheles took the writing and* willed it. With that the perverse Faustus being
Faustus to take a copy of
resolute in his damnation, wrote a copy thereof, and gave the devil
one, and kept in store the other.
keeping "
.
.
.
who
household
Thus the
spirit
and Faustus were
no doubt there was a virtuous houseThere was, however, another member of this
agreed, and dwelt together .
will
;
be familiar, though
The
readers of Goethe's play.
a different form, to the
in
story says
"
:
Faust kept a boy with
him, that was his scholar, an unhappy wag, called Christopher Wagner, to
whom
and
this sport
life
or better seen
his
in
hellish
fellow with Mephistopheles. his
saw
little
command
Mephistopheles
he
master followed seemed
than
exercises
himself,
and he was
Otherwise Faustus had no company spirit
that ever
going about the house, clothed
was like
a
in
diligent at friar,
with
hand, seen by none but Faustus."
bell in his
everything
his
hoping to make him as good
well,
house but himself and boy, and
Faustus's a
that he
Faustus loved the boy
pleasant.
is
as good as his word, he provides Faust with
desires,
victuals,
wine
and
other
delights,
which
he filches with characteristic cunning from the Duke of Saxony, the
Duke "
of
opened
Bavaria and the Bishop of Salisburg. his
window what
the house, were
it
And when Faust
came flying into Moreover Faust and
fowl soever he wished for
never so dainty
.
.
.
boy went in sumptuous apparel, the which Mephistopheles stole from the mercers at Norenburg." After a time Faust becomes restless, and desires to have proofs his
of his companion's supernatural powers, so Mephistopheles not only
gives him a view of Hell, and of the torments of the damned, but
he carries
him
"
through
the air up to the xi
Heavens
to
see the A
2
PREFACE whole World, and how the Sky and Planets ruled,"
the space of
in
Other journeys are tal<en by Faust and his companion, one in which practically all the then known places of the world are visited, named and described. The author of this strange and entertaining book never fails to introduce his moral either by means eight days.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
of in
between
dialogue
which the
inevitable
whenever Faust remorse, he
is
himself
Lucifer
to
are
but
all
Wagner
servant
he
until
forced
is
and
as
his
spirit,
on condition
" that
he saj^s
as
conceits, with
and
history,
if
thee
will help
;
:
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
that
all
he
I
fits
of
makes
Aberecock,
you publish
so shall the acts that
I
all,
leaves
also
his
the form of an ape,
my
have done (when
thou canst not remember
of
The twenty-four will naming his
his
in
thougiits
Faust to resign
for
Wagner Faust
To
heir.
books, and he gives him a
many
up any
give
to
according to their compact. completed,
But
reiterated.
is
by a taste of the tortures of the
At length the time draws near
repentance.
years
once menaced
at
Faust's sin
of
result
by comment,
Mephistopheles, or
inclined to reflect, and he has occasional
is
regions,
infernal
and
Faust
cunning and I
am
my
dead) in a
the spirit Aberecock
have done be made manifest
unto the world."
The
month
last
wailing;
"talking
sighing.
His neither
close;
life
himself,
to
flesh fell
could
his
of
Faust
passed
wringing his
in
grieving
hands,
sobbing
and and
away, and he was very lean, and kept himself
he abide, see or
hear of his
Mephistopheles
any more."
On
the
Faust was to spend on
day that
last
gathered together some friends and students at his house in merriment,
called
Rimlich, half a mile
there take with him
they agreed unto dinner
in
;
for
and entreated them
who to
this
earth
he
often visited him
"walk
into a village
from Wittenburg, and that they would
their repast
a small banquet
;
the which
so that they went together, and there held their
a most sumptuous manner."
when
Faust kept up a semblance
was ended he requested them to go with him into another room, where he delivered an oration in which he spoke of his near approaching doom, and he then dwelt on the wretchedness of his life, and finally exhorted them to profit by of
merriment
at the feast, but
it
his awful example. "
The Students and the others xii
that were there,
when they had
PREFACE prayed for him, they wept, and so went in
the hall
forth.
and when the gentlemen were
But Faustus
tarried
none of them could sleep, for that they attended to hear if they might be privy of his end. It happened that between twelve and one o'clock of midnight, there blew a mighty storm of wind against the house, as though it would have blown the foundation thereof out of its ;
lain
bed,
in
Hereupon the students began to fear, and go out of their beds, but they would not stir out of the chamber, and the host of the house ran out of doors, thinking the house would fall. The students lay near unto the hall wherein Dr. Faustus lay, and they heard a mighty noise and hissing, as if the hall had been full of snakes and adders. With that the hall door flew open wherein Dr. Faustus was. Then he began to cry for help, saying, " Murder, murder " but it was with a half voice, and very hollow. Shortly after they heard him no more. But when it was day, the students, that had taken no rest that night, arose and went into the hall in which they had left Dr. Faustus, where notwithstanding they found place.
I
not Faustus, but to
the
wall,
another.
all
for
the hall sprinkled with blood, the brains cleaving
the
had beaten him from one wall against in another his teeth, a fearful
devil
one corner lay his eyes,
In
and pitiful sight to behold. Then began the students weep for him, and sought for his body in many places.
came
into the yard,
and
when they found
most monstrously
dung, all
his joints
and
masters
they
buried
torn,
and
his
the
village
and
Lastly they
to
behold, for
his
head
The fore-named students
were dashed to pieces. were at his death, in
wail
body lying on the horse
fearful
obtained
that
him
to
where
he
so
was
so
much,
that
grievously
tormented."
Before we quit the subject of the death of Dr. Faustus, interesting to note, on the evidence of
Neuman,
it
is
that during the Thirty
War, when the enemy entered Saxony, a detachment found The commander was Breda, a village on the Elbe. speedily informed by the Magistrate of the village that he was occupying the identical house in which Faust had met his horrible death, and that the walls were still besprinkled with his blood. On Years'
quarters at
confronting
this
ghastly
evidence,
the
soldiers
stood
for
awhile
aghast, and then fled from the place in horror.
Among
those to read the Faust story-book on
its
appearance
in
PREFACE English was the
year
before
Cambridge.
Marlowe, then about twenty-five, having
Christopher
His
Master
graduated first
of
Arts
at
Benet
play " Tamburlaine the Great " had "
been produced; his "Tragical History of Doctor Faustus followed shortly afterwards.
But the date of
be fixed, as the earliest edition of the play
its
is
College,
not long
probably
appearance cannot
the quarto of 1604,
published eleven years after Marlowe met his death at the age of
twenty-nine
in
more
a
tavern
brawl.
Marlowe's Faustus
is
in
some
Englishmen than Goethe's Faust. Charles Lamb preferred it to the German drama, which, however, he only knew through a translation. Marlowe's fine tragedy is, after all, a straightforward piece of work of the conventional type, based on the old German storj'-book, unrelieved with any humour, and without a Marguerite. " What has Margaret to do with Faust?" respects
suited
to
the
tastes
of
Lamb, "a scene from Marlowe is worth Goethe's whole play." Certainly in the last scene Marlowe reaches the highest poiut of poetical expression. But Marlowe's " Faustus " will not bear comparison with Goethe's Faust. Whatever view one may take of Lamb's said
judgment, the
Marlowe did
greatness
not,
however,
of Marlowe's like
tragedy cannot
be
denied.
Goethe, take advantage of the oppor-
tunities that the subject afforded
him of treating
it
symbolically.
For a hundred and seventy or eighty years after the publication of the famous old history of Dr. Faustus, the legend continued to be kept alive by the appearance of various plays, in
1587
pantomimes and romances based on the story of the Doctor's life. But by far the most important version of the legend is that Born at Frankfort on the Maine on August 28th, of Goethe. 1749, Johann Wolfgang was the son of Johann Caspar Goethe, an imperial councillor in Frankfort, and Katherine Elizabeth, daughter Goethe's father of Johann Wolfgang Texter, the chief magistrate. was a man of good education, but of a stern and pedantic character. His mother, on the other hand, was of a joyous, affectionate nature, who gained the love of everyone. She was well read in most of she was also witty, shrewd, the best German and Italian authors for Her illustrious a poet's mother. and, in short, the very woman " I and my Wolfgang," son was born when she was only eighteen. she said, " have always held fast to one another, because we were Young Goethe was a precocious child, and both young together." ;
PREFACE was
quick
especially
up languages, for
picking
in
was eight he had learned
before he
write
to
that
said
is
it
German, French,
in
Latin and Greek, and he later added to this
Italian,
list a knowledge and Hebrew. In October, 1765, at the age of sixteen, Goethe went to Leipzig to study at the University. After partially abandoning his studies, and giving some attention to art, he entered
of English
the University of Strasburg in love
he also studied Shakespeare, and returned
:
The
Here, as at Leipzig, he
1770.
influence of Shakespeare on Goethe
This
he admits
influence
" Goetz
in
regard
was undoubtedly his
to
considerable.
published work,
Gottfried "
novel,
The Sorrows
of
Young Werther," which Lewes describes
as " but the cry of that dim, rooted pain
a certain
of
passionately
Europe which
first
in
as Dr. Goethe.
von Berlichingen," the story of an old German hero, surof the Iron Hand. In 1774 was published his
named
men
home
fell
utters
"
the complaint
and
loudly
Werther
"
under which
age were languishing at
once
was the
responded poet's
all
thoughtful
paints the
misery,
heart and voice
and
;
it
:
to
it."
response was
This the
it
over
all
unrest
to
outcome
of
a sense of unreality consequent on conditions of over civilization.
The success of the book was enormous, but it did not suggest a remedy it was not until the thunder of the French Revolution had rolled away that any relief was found for the malaise with which the world was suffering. Henceforth Goethe enjoyed universal fame. In Europe generally he was known for many years solely as the author but in Germany, where he was a reality, of this sentimental romance :
;
his
remarkable intellectual
brought him to the notice of his
gifts
Among them was
most influential contemporaries. the
Duke
of
Saxe-Weimar, who begged him
accepted the invitation, and arrived at 1775, his
time
age at the
being
long
life
in
this
August,
to visit his Court.
Goethe
Weimar on November
7th,
was
all-
twenty-six.
important to the young poet, as he his
Karl
This
practically
visit
spent the rest of
small city on the banks of the Ilm.
Werther
had set a fashion, not only in ideas, but in dress. Goethe no sooner the appeared at the Court than he made a conquest of everyone even the poet Wieland, who was one of the ladies worshipped him ;
;
fixed
won.
literary " In the
stars
in
the constellation
of
Weimar, was
instantly
costume," says Lewes, "of his own Werther, which was
instantly adopted by the
Duke, he seemed the XV
ideal of
a poet.
To
PREFACE moderns there are no very sentimental suggestions in a costume which was composed of a blue coat and brass buttons, top boots and leather breeches, the whole surmounted by powder and pigtail but in those days this costume was the suggestion of everything tender and romantic. Werther had consecrated it." No one, however, was more completely captivated by Goethe than Karl August. He and Goethe became inseparables but this friendship, begun with such force, did not exhaust itself; it was composed of qualities of a more enduring kind than mere boon companionship, and grew into one of those friendships which last a lifetime. Karl August soon showed his great appreciation of Goethe by over-stepping precedence and electing him to the post of Geheime Legations Rath, with a seat ;
;
and voice on the Privy Council, and a salary of 1,200 thalers (ÂŁ200). This was the first of many honours that his kind-hearted patron showered upon him but as years went on the poet chafed at the ;
restrictions of Court
He
work.
away
not until he got to
and the deadening
life,
that
efl^'ect
had on
it
certainly produced his classical play Iphigoiia, but
Switzerland, and
a time from Weimar,
for
later
to
that
Italy,
it
his
was
on a journey
first
powers of composition
his
returned to him with their old vigour.
Faust may be said to have occupied Goethe on and his
all
The
life-time.
childhood.
In
1770-1
the idea of putting
legend was
Faust
Strasburg,
while at
However, he did nothing
old legend.
the ballad of King Thule, the
with
And
Wagner.
first
:
" the
during the walk and his
to
journey to
when
with
love
between
Faust
in
Lili,
first
in
the street, and in
and
Mephistopheles
During additions
he read over the whole MS., and
Italy
further additions.
scene
he sketched
made some considerable
he
an
when he wrote
the street, and the garden scene."
Switzerland
the work, and
made some
in
1774-5,
until
scene with her
her bedroom, and the scenes
from
he formed
monologue and the
while he was in
Marguerite's catastrophe
him
to
Lewes,
experiences into the form of
personal
his
familiar saj's
off practically
The play was
printed
in
1790,
as a portion of the seventh volume of Goethe's works, with the
title:
Faust:
Bin
Fragment.
afterwards
adding
Walpurgis
night.
completed
in 1801,
the
In
two
he remodelled
1797
Prologues,
The play as and was included
first
it
now
in the
xvi
the
the
entire
Dedication,
stands
was
work,
and
the
practically
1806 edition of Goethe's work.
PREFACE Commentators who have dealt with every phrase of Goethe's drama, have shown what were the sources from which he derived his story. The suhject is too vast and compHcated to he treated here,
but
sufficient
is
it
say
to
Goethe's
that
researches
for
material were very wide and thorough, and, like Sir Walter Scott, he
studied the history of Witchcraft and the Black Art.
of
Faiisf,
of
subject.
Goethe's
Marlowe's, and
He
which
to
who
the reader
attention
story.
George Henry Lewes gives an excellent
Life of Goethe,
In his
analysis
play far
is
I
cannot
desires
do
make
to
immeasurably
is
than direct the
better
a
full
more
study of
matured
from being a mere dramatic version
the
than of
the
has not only given us a psychological and philosophical
life, but he has exalted it into a symbol of human and the resultant work may be compared to a brilliant with innumerable facets, each reflecting a different colour and light. The latter days of Goethe still found him engaged on Faust.
study of Faustus' life
It
;
has been regretted that he did
not leave the
first
part as
a
However, he continued the story in a second part, a work compared with the earlier portion in point of interest. This composition was completed in July, 1831, and on March 22, 1832, Goethe passed away at Weimar, at the ripe age of 82. fragment.
not to be
Faust
is
has formed
not very
the
basis
suitable
of
for
several
popular
representation,
acting versions,
some
but
it
of which
have attained great success, chief of whicli is undoubtedlv the grand opera, popular both on account of the romantic story which it presents, and of Gounod's music. This opera in five acts was first produced at the Theatre Lyrique, Paris, on March 19th, 1859.
The words, founded on
&
written by Barbier
The
following
in
first
part of Goethe's drama, were
was the
original cast
:
Marguerite
-
-
-
Mme. Miolan
Siebel
-
-
-
-
Mile. Faivre.
Faust
-
-
-
-
Valentin
-
-
-
-
Mephistopheles
-
-
-
M. Barbot. M. Regnal. M. Balanque.
Martha
-
-
-
Mme.
The opera 1863,
the
Carre,
-
Carvalho.
Duclos.
London as "Faust" on June 11th, English on January 23rd, 1864; and in Germany as first
appeared
in
PREFACE "
The
Margarethe."
very
Among Lyceum first
The
Irving at the
which was adapted by W. G. Wills from part of Goethe's drama, and was mounted with much costliness is
play,
remembered by theatre-goers as a land-mark
still
the progress of their play-going experiences.
who in
Goethe's tragedy
London by Henry
of the production in
in 1885.
and magnificence, in
opera follows
the
the notable theatrical representations of Faust, mention
must be made the
story of
closely..
Henry
played Marguerite to
Miss Ellen Terry,
Mephistopheles,
Irving's
us
tells
her reminiscences of the popularity of this production, but adds,
that
some
Lyceum
mothers who took their daughters regularly to the drew a line at Faust, which they considered too
of the
plays
realistic.
The
many
Goethe's Faust has been translated into
English
earliest version is probably that published
anonymously
Shelley was perhaps the next to attempt the task, but his
death
in
July,
1822,
contemplated
doing
good certain
deficiencies
so.
It
in
Besides a few fragmentary
May-day Night.
him
prevented
The beauty
that
said
is
the
lines,
from finishing
work
of
he the
it,
intended earlier
times.
in
1821.
untimely he ever
if
make
to
translator.
he completed the Prologue, and the
of these pieces
is
of course far above
other English metrical translations of the play, and although
in
any
some
minor points Shelley has misconstrued the meaning of the original, one cannot but regret that he did not live to finish the work. His two scenes will be found in the appendix to this book. Professor
John Stuart Blackie made a good verse translation of Faust in student days (published in 1834), and many years afterwards, 1880, revised and re-issued it. Dr. John Anster, an of a translation of
in
some fragments
Faust to Blackwood's Magazine, and afterwards
reprinted the whole play is
Irish lawyer, contributed
his
in
true to the original, and
1835. is
The
translation, for a metrical one,
pleasantly written.
verse translation of both parts of Faust was
Perhaps the best
made by Bayard
Taylor,
This version is deservedh' esteemed by and published in 1870-1. some above all others. One of the most popular translations, however, is that of Miss Anna Swanwick (both parts, and in verse), which
Yet another version in verse, forms a portion of the Bohn series. by Sir Theodore Martin, appeared in 1865. F'rench literature has been xviii
PREFACE enriched by a translation of Faust by a distinguished Gerard de Nerval. It
very
is
man
of letters,
derive satisfaction from a prose translation
difficult to
of Faust, and almost impossible from a metrical one.
One can hardly preserve the beauty of Goethe's style the most that can be looked for is a clear and accurate rendering of the original. The only English translation which can in any way be said to give expect
to
;
by Abraham Hayward, reprinted
this is the version
son of
in this book.
The
a
country gentleman of Wiltshire, himself the author of some books on the science of agriculture, Abraham Hayward was
November 22nd,
on
born
He was home
educated at
tuition
was
1801,
Blundell's
at
White
School,
Luckington,
and
Tiverton,
some abandoned this
articled to a country solicitor, but he
profession for the Bar, and entered
Somerset. after
himself at the age of twenty-
three as a student of the Inner Temple.
Starting without friends in
London, he soon made many by joining the London Debating Society, where he became associated (among others) with J. S. Mill, who
commended editors until
June,
Hayward his
his
the
of
powers of speaking. Magazine, and
Law
1844.
of
published
it
revisited
Germany,
in
Faust
and
of the original
its
sole
director
in
for
private
1833 through Moxon. in
enlarged edition of Faust.
continued as
meantime he was called to the Bar. 1831, and on his return he printed
the
Germany
visited
translation
In
He became one
the
circulation,
In the
following
The book was
and
autumn January
afterwards
of that year he
re-issued
an
Germany, and was received with cordiality by Hallam, Southey, Rogers, Allan Cunningham, and many others. Carlyle regarded it as the best version in English. position in society,
The success
well noticed in
of Faust gave
Hayward an assured
and henceforth he became a regular contributor
to the leading reviews.
By this time he had gained some notoriety as an authority on gastronomy, and had published his well-known book on " The Art of Dining." The attention which he devoted to this art, indeed, was not ill bestowed, for his dinners at his Chambers in the Temple attracted some of the most distinguished men and women of the day, such as Lockhart, Macaulay, Sydney Smith, Lansdowne, Henry Bulwer, Lord Lyndhurst, and Mrs. Norton. In 1844 Hayward
began to contribute
to the
Edinburgh Review that series of essays xix
PREFACE which he became so celebrated, and which contain some of
for
He
work.
best
died
February 2nd, 1882, bered for his
in
rooms
his
at
at
brilliant talents,
and
James's
St.
year
his eighty-third
a
;
man
Street,
his
on
remem-
to be
generous character, although
his
hasty temper, and a biting tongue.
showed that he possessed a Hayward's chief interest in life
seems
" Faust,"
contemporaries
his
to
to
he
often
too
have been divided between
reprinting
translation
his
has
it
been
not
and Gastronomy. thought
In
necessary to
reproduce his Prefaces, as the purpose for which they were written has to a great extent passed away. It has been thought desirable also
somewhat voluminous
to abridge his
Among
many
the
notes.
of Goethe's
illustrators
Retzsch was,
Faiisf,
perhaps, the earliest, and he
is certainly the best known. These which were published about 1820, were admired by Shelley and perhaps gave him an interest in the subject. They
designs
outline,
in
were also
Something has
familial' to the Rossetti's in their childhood.
already been said about the difficulty of translating Goethe's Faust into
The same
the English language. artist
who
seems
has attempted to illustrate the play.
Mr. Pogany, however, and he has worked it, we think, than any of his numerous predecessors. His
to have discovered a
with a happier result
the great
pictures, like
emblematical
atmosphere
;
vein,
drama they
illustrate,
schemes of colour
his
reveal a deeper symbolism
have attempted to
Marguerite
in
dream.
house, and
details.
than has been
illustrate
That
Faust.
the Garden, with
its
reached by picture
note the gay joyousness of the colour
Although
poems.
Faust legend, and
all
the
in
of
who
F'aust
and
a true
Summer-
note also the
;
Lime Tree, and
illustration
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
all
veritable
Poganj'
is
thoroughly familiar with the
it,
he has viewed the subject with
for the freshness
September, 1908.
the
is
that concerns
the eyes of one making a venture into a
may account
Under
last
meaning
others
Again, turn to Faust and Marguerite in the
the cold blue tone of despair
this
subtle
emotional
Mr. Pogany's pictures
delicate evening mist,
sun-light through the trees in the scene
colour
are to a great extent
reflect the particular
they represent, and a
scenes
the
of
new
appears to be suggested by the merest
lover's
have hitherto beset the
difficulties
new land
and originality of
of promise,
and
his compositions.
Roger Ingpen.
FAUST
DEDICATION
YE
approach again, ye wavering shapes, which once, in
fast
delusion
?
Shall
!
try,
I
that
feel
I
hold
!
My bosom
feels
around out
rise
you
this time, to hold
my heart still inclined to Ye crowd upon me well then, ye may Do
?
dominion over me, as ye mist.
my
the morning of Hfe, presented yourselves to
troubled view
youthfully agitated
and
of vapour
by the magic
breath which atmospheres your train.
Ye
bring with you the images of happy days, and
shades
loved
arise
an old half-expired Tradition,
to
like
:
many
with Friendship, in their company. The renewed the plaint repeats the labyrinthine mazy course of life, and names the dear ones, who, cheated of First-love,
rises
pang fair
is
;
hours by fortune, have vanished away before me.
They hear not the following I
sang
my
Dispersed
first.
echo, alas has died
many
stranger all
still
living, strays
Spirit-realm
—the
souls
sorrow voices
whom
to
— the
my
first
to the
itself
makes my heart
other days was gladdened by
and
And a
My
!
lays
the friendly throng
their very applause
:
that in
away
is
sick
song
—
;
if
scattered through the world.
yearning, seizes
me.
long
for
unfelt,
that
quiet
hovering even now,
'Tis
—
pensive in
half-
A formed tones, my lisping lay, hke the ^olian harp. tremor seizes me tear follows tear the austere heart feels What I have, I see as in the itself growing mild and soft. distance and what is gone, becomes a reality to me. :
:
;
3
PROLOGUE FOR THE THEATRE Manager
—Theatre- Poet— Merryman.
Manager.
two,
who have
so
often
by
stood
me
in need and tribulation, say, what hopes do you happen to enter-
tain of our undertaking
ground
?
I
upon German
wish very much to please
the multitude, particularly because
and lets live. The posts, and every one looks forward
lives
it
the boards, are put up,
There they sit already, cool, with elevated brows, and would fain be set a wondering. I know
to a feast.
how
the spirit of the people
is
propitiated
yet
;
I
have never been in such a dilemma as now. True, they are not accustomed to the best, but they have read a terrible deal.
at
when
we manage
it
— that
For assuredly I like to see the multitude, stream rushes toward our booth, and, with
the
narrow portal of and
shall
once?
powerfully-repeated before
How
be fresh and new, and pleasing and instructive,
all
four,
they
undulations,
grace
— when,
elbow
risk breaking their
their
forces in
way
necks for a
itself
through
the
broad daylight, already to
the
paying-place,
ticket, as in a
famine at
FAUST bakers' doors for bread.
It
miracle on people so various
Oh
Poet. at
me
!
the poet only that works this
is
— my
whose very aspect one's
friend,
me
speak not to
takes
spirit
oh
do
!
it
to-day
!
that motley multitude,
of
from
Veil
flight.
that undulating throng, which sucks us, against our will,
No! conduct me
into the whirlpool.
nook, where alone
where love and
friendship, with
Ah
cherish our hearts' blessings.
from us
godlike !
the depths of the breast,
in
to the quiet, heavenly
pure enjoyment blooms
— now
for
the
poet
hand, create and
what there hath gushed what the lip stammered
and now perchance Often succeeding the wild moment's sway swallows up. only when it has endured through years, does it appear in tremblingly
to
itself
failing,
—
What
completed form.
glitters,
is
the
moment
more about
posterity
born
for
;
the genuine remains unlost to posterity.
Merryman. Suppose chose I
If
I
could but hear no
to talk about posterity,
who then would
malvc
—
fun for contemporaries ? That they will have and ought to have it. The presence of a gallant lad, too, is always something, I should think. Who knows how to impart himself
agreeably
— he
will
never be soured by popular caprice.
desires a large circle, to agitate
your best, and
do but
try
Fancy,
with
Feeling,
all
her
Passion,
but
it
the more certainly.
show
yourself
— Reason, me well — not
choruses,
— mark
a
He Then Let
model.
Understanding, without
Folly,
be heard. But, most particularly, let there be incident Manager. enough. People come to look; their greatest pleasure is to see. If much is spun off before their eyes, so that the many can gape with astonishment, you have then gained in breadth immediately You can only you are a great favourite. subdue the mass by mass. Each eventually picks out something for himself. Who brings much, will bring something ;
to
many
a one, and
all
leave the 6
house content.
If
you
PROLOGUE FOR THE THEATRE give a piece, give
once
it
cannot but succeed. invented. pull
it
little
pieces
is
easily
With such
!
it to present a whole you notwithstanding.
You
feel not the
that
becomes the true
these fine sparks,
I
a hash, you
served out, as easily as
avails
to pieces for
Poet.
how
What
It
in
?
the public will
baseness of such a handicraft artist
!
The daubing
maxim with
see, is already a
of
you.
Such a reproof does not mortify me at all. A man who intends to work properly, must have an eye to the best tool. Consider, you have soft wood to split and Manager.
;
whom
you are writing for
Whilst one is driven from a meal of too many dishes all, very many a one comes from reading the newspapers. People hurry dissipated to us, as to masquerades and curiosity only wings every only look
by ennui, the ;
!
comes satiated and, what is worst of other
;
The
step.
and their finery as a treat, us without pay. What are you dreaming
ladies give themselves
and play with about on your poetical height ? What is it that makes a Half are full house merry ? Look closely at your patrons cold, half raw. One hopes for a game of cards after the play another, a wild night on the bosom of a wench. Why, poor fools that ye are, do ye give the sweet Muses much I tell you, only give more, and more, trouble for such an end ? and more again thus you can never be wide of your mark. to satisfy them is hard Try only to mystify the people !
;
;
:
What
come to you ? Delight or pain ? Begone and seek thyself another servant The forsooth, is wantonly to sport away for thy sake the is
Poet. poet,
!
highest right, the right of man, which Nature bestows upon
him
!
By what
every element
?
stirs
he every heart
Is it
not the
?
harmony
By what subdues he
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which
bursts from
out his breast, and sucks the world back again into his heart
When
?
Nature, carelessly winding, forces the thread's intermin-
able length upon the spindle
;
when 7
the confused multitude of B
2
FAUST
—who,
all
Beings jangles out of tune and harsh,
so
disposes the ever equably-flowing series, that
rhythmically consecration
Who
?
— where
calls it
the
strikes
Individual
bids the tempest rage to passions
the pensive spirit
?
Who
glorious
in ?
unmeaning green leaves of
kinds
all
Who
?
it
accords
moves general
the
Who
?
the evening-red glow
in
scatters on the loved one's path
beauteous blossomings of spring
all
to
life-infusing
Who
?
into a garland of
ensures Olympus
?
wreathes the
honour for deserts
— associates
Gods
?
Man's Power revealed in the Poet. Merryman. Employ these fine powers then, and carry on your poetical affairs as one carries on a love-adventure. Accidentally one approaches, one feels, one stays, and little
—
one gets entangled. The happiness increases, then one is delighted, then comes distress and it is disturbed Let us also before one is aware of it, it is even a romance. by
little
—
;
give a play in this manner.
human
life
and seize in
!
it
Do
;
but grasp into the thick of
—
Every one lives it, to not many is it known where you will, it is interesting. Little clearness
motley images
!
much
;
falsehood and a spark of truth
!
this
brew the best liquor, which refreshes and edifies Then assembles youth's fairest flower to all the world. Then every and listens to the revelation. play, see your gentle mind sucks melancholy nourishment for itself from out your work then one while this, and one while that, is stirred up each one sees what he carries in his heart. They are as yet equally ready to weep and to laugh they still honour the is
the
way
to
;
;
;
One who is formed, one who is forming, will
soaring, are pleased with the glitter.
there
is
no such thing as pleasing
;
always be grateful. Poet.
myself was
Then give me still
forming
also back again the times, ;
when
when
I
a fountain of crowded lays
when mists \eiled the sprang freshly and unbrokenly forth miracles when I still promised before me, the bud world ;
—
;
8
PROLOGUE FOR THE THEATRE gathered
thousand
the
which profusely
tiowers
had nothing, and after truth, and the pleasure in those impulses untamed, the deep, energy of hate, the might of love the
dales!
I
—
!
Merryman.
when of
Youth,
enough,
yet
delusion!
Give
garland
back
!
you want indeed,
friend,
— when
with ardour round your neck,
cling
me
— Give me back my youth
my good
all
longing
pain-fraught happiness, the
foes press you hard in the fight,
lasses
filled
— the
the loveliest
— when
from
course beckons from the hard-won goal, when, after the dance's maddening whirl, one drinks away the night carousing. But to strike the the
afar,
the
of
swift
—
lyre with spirit and grace, to sweep along, with happy wanderings, towards a self-appointed aim — that, old gentlemen, is j'our duty, and we honour you not the less on that account. Old age does not make childish, as men say
familiar
;
it
only finds us
still
as true children.
Manager. Words enough have been interchanged let me now see deeds also. Whilst you are turning compliments, something useful may be done. What boots it to stand ;
about being
talking so.
drink
—
the
vein
?
The
ye once give yourselves out
If
poesy.
in
You well know what we want now brew away immediately !
not done to-morrow
hesitating never
for ;
poets,
is
— command
we would What is
sip strong
not doing
and no day should be wasted Resolution should boldly seize the possible by in dallying. She will then not let it go, and the forelock at once. works on, because she cannot help it. You know, upon our German stage, every one tries what he likes. Therefore spare me neither scenery nor machinery to-day
is
;
upon this day. Use the greater and the lesser light of there is no want are free to squander the stars heaven you So tread, in this of water, fire, rocks, beasts, and birds. narrow booth, the whole circle of creation and travel, with considerate speed, from Heaven, through the World, to Hell. ;
;
;
9
FAUST PROLOGUE The Lord
IN
HEAVEN
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the
Heavenly Hosts. Mephistopheles.
Tlic three
Afterwards
Archangels come forward.
Raphael.
chimes in, as ever, with the emulous music of his brother spheres, and performs his prescribed sun
journey with thunder-speed. gives
strength
to
the
His aspect
though
angels,
none can fathom him. Thy inconceivably sublime works are glorious as on the first day. Gabriel. of
the
And
earth
alternates
rapid,
revolves
inconceivably rapid, the ;
the
brightness of
pomp
paradise
The sea foams
with deep, fearful night.
broad waves at the deep base of the rocks and rock and sea are whirled on in the ever rapid course
up
in
;
of the spiieres.
Michael.
And storms
are roaring as
sea to land, from land to sea, and form II
if
all
in
rivalry,
from
around a chain
FAUST of
deepest
the
ferment
in
their
There,
rage.
flashing
desolation flares before the path of the thunder-chip.
But
thy messengers, Lord, respect the mild going of thy day. Tlie
Thy aspect
Tliree.
gives
strength to the angels,
though none can fathom thee, and are glorious as on the Mephistopheles.
first
all
thy sublime works
day.
Since, Lord, you approach once again,
and inquu'e how things are going on with us, and on other occasions were generally not displeased to see me therefore is it that you see me also among your suite. Excuse me, cannot talk fine, not though the whole circle should cry scorn on me. My pathos would certainly make you laugh, have nothing to say about had you not left off laughing. only mark how men are plaguing suns and worlds I The little god of the world continues ever of themselves. He the same stamp, and is as odd as on the first day. would lead a somewhat better life of it, had you not given him a glimmering of heaven's light. He calls it reason, and He uses it only to be more brutal than every other brute. seems to me, with your Grace's leave, like one of the longlegged grass-hoppers, which is ever flying, and bounding as it flies, and then sings its old song in the grass; and would that he did but lie always in the grass He thrusts his
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
I
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
!
nose into every puddle. The Lord. Have you nothing else to say to
me
?
Are
you always coming for no other purpose than to complain ? Is nothing ever to your liking upon earth ? Mephistopheles. No, Lord! I find things there, as ever,
Men,
miserably bad.
my
pity
;
even
I
in
their days of
poor things. TJie Lord.
Do you know Faust
Mepliistoplieles.
The Lord.
wretchedness, move
myself have not the heart to torment the
My
The Doctor servant
?
12
?
?
PROLOGUE
IN
HEAVEN
Verily! he serves you after a fashion of
Mephistopheles.
own. The fool's meat and drink are not of earth. The ferment impels him towards the far away. He himself is half conscious of his madness. Of heaven he demands its brightest stars; and of earth its every highest enjoyment; his
—
—
and
the near, and
all
the
all
far,
contents not his deeply-
agitated breast.
The Lord. now,
I
shall
Although he does but serve
soon lead him into
knows that blossom and
the gardener
me
When
light.
in perplexity
the tree buds,
fruit
deck the
will
coming years. Mephistopheles.
him
yet,
if
you give
What will you wager? you shall lose me leave to guide him quietly my own
way.
So long as he
The Lord. it
lives
Man
not forbidden to thee.
is
upon the earth, so long be liable
to error, whilst his
struggle lasts. Mephistopheles. I
I
am much
obliged to you for that; for
have never had any fancy for the dead.
cheeks the best.
I
am
not at
home
I
like
plump, fresh
to a corpse.
am
I
like
the cat with the mouse.
The Lord. spirit from his
Enough,
it
is
original source,
permitted thee.
and bear him,
Divert this if
thou canst
down on thy own path with thee. And stand abashed, when thou are compelled to own a good man, in his dark strivings, may still be conscious of the right way. seize
him,
—
Mephistopheles.
Well, well,
—only
it
will
not
last
my wager. Should Dust excuse my triumphing with my whole soul. eat, and with a relish, like my cousin, the renowned I
am
not at
all
The Lord. I
in
pain for
have never hated the
deny, the scoffer is all
is
like
of you.
Of
to act as all
the least offensive to me.
too prone to slumber
:
succeed,
I
There also you are free
long.
shall
he
snake.
you
like.
the spirits that
Man's
activity
he soon gets fond of unconditional 13
FAUST repose;
am
I
stirs
and works, and must, as
true
children
beauty. all
time,
what
of
The
devil,
heaven, rejoice
in
But
be doing. the living
ye, the
profusion
of
creative essence, which works and lives through
embrace you within the happy bounds
hovers
in
changeful
seeming, do
ye
of love
fix
firm
;
and with
thoughts.
everlasting
[Heaven
Mephistopheles occasionally, really civil
who
therefore glad to give him a companion,
(alone).
I
like
closes, the Arehaiigels disperse.
to see
the Ancient
and take care not to break with
in
Devil himself.
him.
One It
is
so great a Lord, to speak so kindly with the
THE DRAMA NIGHT Faust in a high-vaulted narrow Gothic chamber, seated restlessly at his desk.
Faust.
HAVE
now,
thoroughly
alas,
by zealous exertion,
mastered
jurist's craft,
philosophy,
and medicine,
Here
sorrow, theology too.
poor fool that before.
I
am
I
—and
Master, ay, and
called
now
years been leading
my
nearly ten
for
pupils
!
;
that almost burns up the heart within me.
cleverer
than
all
the
masters, writers, and priests. trouble this
;
I
very reason
solemn
No
triflers
is
all
the
This True,
it I
—doctors,
doubts nor scruples
fear neither hell nor the
joy torn from me.
know anything worth knowing
about
— by
devil. I
For
no longer
no longer fancy could teach anything to better and to convert mankind.
fancy I
me
stand,
I
up and down, crossways and crooked ways nose and see that we can know nothing is
my
to
am, just as wise as
Doctor, and have
am
the
Then
I
I
have
;
I
neither land nor money, nor honour and rank 15
FAUST No dog would
any longer. I have therefore devoted myself to magic whether, through the power and voice of the Spirit, many a mystery might not become known to me that I may no longer, with bitter the world.
in
to live so
like
—
;
sweat, be obliged to speak of what
may see
do not know
I
;
that
I
what holds the world together in its inmost core, the springs and seeds of production, and drive no
learn all
longer a paltry traffic
Oh
in
words.
would that thou, radiant moonlight, wert looking thou, for whom I have for the last time upon my misery then, over sat watching so many a midnight at this desk books and papers, melancholy friend, didst thou appear to might wander on the mountain-tops in me Oh that thy loved light hover with spirits round the mountain cavesflit over the fields in thy glimmer, and, disencumbered from all the fumes of knowledge, bathe myself sound in thy dew still penned up in this dungeon ? Woe is me am accursed, musty, walled hole !— where even the precious light of heaven breaks mournfully through painted panes, stinted by this heap of books, which worms eat dust begrimes which, up to the very top of the vault, a smoke-smeared paper encompasses with glasses, boxes ranged round, with instruments piled up on all sides, ancestral lumber stuffed This is thy world, and a precious world in with the rest. !
;
;
I
!
!
—
!
I
!
—
—
;
it
is
!
And in
thy
dost thou
bosom
?
still
—Why
ask,
a vague
every stirring principle of nature, for which
why
thy heart flutters confinedly
aching deadens within thee
life ?
— Instead
God made man,
of
animated
the
thou hast nought around
thee but beasts' skeletons and dead men's bones,
in
smoke
and mould.
Up
awa}'
!
book, from for thee
!
!
out into the wide world
Nostradamus' own hand,
!
And
this
mysterious
it
not guide enough
Thou then knowest the course
of the stars, and,
i6
is
NIGHT when nature to
thee, as
instructs thee, the soul's essence then rises up
one
speaks to another. poring here expounds the holy signs to thee
Vain
spirit
me
ye Spirits, near
answer me
;
if
Ye
!
!
that dull
are hovering,
you hear me.
[He opens the book and perceives the sign of the Macrocosm.
Ah
what
!
rapture
senses at this sight glowing,
shoot
thrills
!
through
that traced these signs
all
once through ail my hallowed life-joy, new-
at
fresh,
feel
I
and vein. Was it a god which still the storm within me,
nerve ?
—
my
poor heart with gladness, and, by a mystical intuition, unveil the powers of nature all around me. Am I a God ? fill
All
grows so bright
my
herself working in
time do is
see,
I
!
in
these pure lines,
Now
presence.
soul's
conceive what the sage saith,
I
Thy sense
not closed.
is
shut,
—
"
for
The
thy heart
is
Nature the
first
spirit-world
dead
!
Up,
acolyte! bathe, untired, thy earthly breast in the morning-red." [He contemplates the sign.
How
all
weaves
into the whole one works and heavenly powers ascend and descend,
itself
How
lives in the other.
;
—
and reach each other the golden buckets, with bliss-exhaling pinions, press from heaven through earth, all ringing harmoniously through the All.
What
a
show
!
but
Ah
seize thee, inHnite nature
of
the
all
!
?
show only Where shall I Ye breasts, where ? ye sources a
!
on which hang heaven and earth, towards which breast presses ye gush, ye suckle, and am I
life,
—
blighted
thus languishing
in vain
?
[He turns over the book indignantly, and sees the sign of the Spirit of the Earth.
How
differently this
sign
affects
me
the Earth, art nearer to me.
Already do
exalted, already glow as with
new wine
venture into the world to
wrestle
with
;
;
!
Thou, Spirit of feel
I
I
my
feel
energies
courage to
to endure earthly weal, earthly
storms,
and 17
stand
unshaken
mid
woe
;
the
FAUST shipwreck's crash.
her light
my head
round
flash
the vaulted
what
!
roof
stirring
;
and fastens on me
new
to
me my
my
in
heart
sensations
I
!
feel
—
down from it
—thou
art !
my senses are upmy whole heart
all
feel
— thou
pales
red beams
;
Unveil thyself
Spirit.
I
!
Thou must
surrendered to thee.
moon
the
;
exhalations arise
a cold shuddering flickers
;
tearing
a
me
thicken over
away
round me, prayer-compelled
flitting
Ah
— Clouds
the lamp dies
;
must
!
— should
it
cost
life.
[He seizes the book and pronounces mystically the sign of the Spirit. A red flame flashes up the Spirit appears in the ;
flame.
Who
Spirit.
calls to
Faust {averting his
?
Horrible vision
face).
Thou hast compelled me
Spirit
my
sucking at
!
hither, by dint of
Torture
Spirit.
Thou, prayest, panting, to see me, to hear
my
I
am
Where
is
here
created a world
Thy powerful
face.
soul's
endure thee
I
!
What
!
the
long
And now
sphere.
Faust.
voice, to see
me.
me
not.
invocation works upon
pitiful terror seizes thee,
calling
in itself,
Where
?
is
the
the demigod breast,
and upbore and cherished
with tremors of delight, swelled to
my
lift
itself to
it ?
that
which,
a level with
Where art thou, Faust, whose voice rang who pressed towards me with all his energies ? Art thou he ? thou, who, at the bare perception of my breath, us,
the
Spirits.
to me,
art
shivering through
writhing
worm
Faust.
am
all
depths of
the
Shall
I
yield
to thee, child of
Faust thy equal. Spirit.
life,
a trembling,
?
In the tides of In the
life.
storm of action,
I
am
I
drift hither
tossed up and down,
and
thither.
Are
?
I
am
he,
NIGHT Birth and grave,
An
A A
eternal sea,
changeful weaving,
glowing
life
work at the whizzing loom of time, And weave the living clothing of the Deity. Faust. Busy spirit, thou who sweepest round the wide Thus
world,
I
how near
feel to thee
I
Thou
Spirit.
art
mate
the
for
Spirit
COnceivest, not for me.
thou
[The Spirit vanishes.
Not for thee For whom then the Deity, and not mate for even thee!
Faust (collapsing). I,
whom
the image of
!
?
[A knocking at the door.
Oh, death fortune
I
!
is
know
it
:
that
is
this fulness of visions
[Wagner
hand.
in his
and
night -cap, with a
Faust turns round
in .displeasure.
—
Excuse me I hear you declaiming Greek tragedy. I should like
Wagner.
fairest
!
enters in his dressing-gown
lamp
My
amanuensis.
That the un-idea'd groveller
turned to naught.
must disturb
my
you were improve myself in this art, for no\v-a-days it influences a good deal. I have often heard say, a player might instruct a priest. surely reading a
Faust.
when
Yes,
the priest
is
a player, as
;
to
may
likely
enough come to pass occasionally. Wagner. Ah when a man is so confined to his study, and hardly sees the world of a holyday hardly through a telescope, only from afar how is he to lead it by persuasion ? Faust. If you do not feel it, you will not get it by hunting for it,— if it does not gush from the soul, and Sit subdue the hearts of all hearers with original delight. at it for ever glue together — cook up a hash from the feast of others, and blow the paltry flames out of your own little heap of ashes You may gain the admiration of children if and apes, you have a stomach for it but you will never !
—
—
— !
;
19
FAUST touch the hearts of others,
if
it
does not fiow fresh from
your own.
But
Wagner. success.
I
it
is
elocution
feel well that
am
I
that
makes the
orator's
far behindhand.
still
—
Try what can be got by honest means Be no tinkling fool Reason and good sense are expressed with little art. And when you are seriously intent on saying something, is it necessary to hunt for words ? Your speeches, say, which are so glittering, in which ye crisp the shreds of humanity, are unrefreshing as the mist-wind which whistles through the withered leaves in autumn. Wagner. Oh, God art is long, and our life is short. Faust.
!
—
I
!
Often indeed, during in
head and heart
!
suffer both my critical studies, do How hard it is to compass the means I
by which one mounts to the fountain-head
;
and before he
has got half way, a poor devil must probably die Faust.
Is
parchment the holy
it
gushes not from thy own
Wagner.
Excuse me
into the
one's-self
spirit
from which
Thou hast not gained refreshment,
allays the thirst for ever? if
well, a drink
!
!
it is
of
soul.
a great pleasure to transport
the times
man has thought before us, and we have at last carried it.
to
;
to see
how
a wise
what a glorious height
My friend, the Oh, yes, up to the very stars. What you term past ages are to us a book with seven seals. the spirit of the times, is at bottom only your own spirit Faust.
in
which the times are
too,
it
glance!
frequently
A
is
dirt-tub
!
reflected.
A
miserable exhibition,
One runs away from and a
it
lumber-room! — and,
at
the
at
first
best,
a
puppet-show play, wnih fine pragmatical saws, such as may happen to sound welt in the mouths of the puppets the heart and mind of man Wagner. But the world about that. know something like to every one would Who dares call Faust. Aye, what is called knowing !
!
!
20
NIGHT name ? The few who have ever known anything about it, who siUily enough did not keep a guard over their full hearts, who revealed what they had felt and the child by
true
its
seen to the multitude,
and
crucified
— these,
burned.
I
time immemorial, have been
beg,
— the
friend
advanced— for the present we must break Wagner. could with you so learnedly. I
of
Easter, permit
have
I
me
night
far
is
off.
have kept waking to converse To-morrow, however, the first day a question or two more. Zealously fain
devoted myself to study.
True,
know much
I
;
but
[Exit. would fain know all. Faust {alone). How all hope only quits not the brain, which clings perseveringly to trash, gropes with greedy hand for treasures, and exults at finding earth-worms Dare such a human voice sound here, where all around me teemed with spirits ? Yet ah, this once I thank thee, I
—
thou poorest of
me from sense.
despair,
Alas
which
the vision
!
Thou
the sons of earth.
all
didst snatch
had well-nigh got the better of
was
so giant-great, that
felt quite
I
shrunk into a dwarf. I,
formed
in
God's own
image,
who
myself near to the mirror of eternal truth
already ;
who
thought
revelled, in
heaven's lustre and clearness, with the earthly part of stripped off in its
;
I,
more than cherub, whose
imaginative soarings, aspired to glide through nature's
veins, and, in creating, enjoy the
atone for I
it!
life
of gods
a thunder-word has swept
me
— how
must
dare not presume to mate myself with thee. to hold thee.
In that blest
I
wide away.
have possessed the power to draw thee to me,
power
me
free spirit already,
moment,
I
felt
I
If
I
had no so
little,
so great; you cruelly thrust me back upon the uncertain lot Who will teach me ? What am I to shun ? of humanity. Must I obey that impulse ? Alas our actions, equally with !
our sufferings, clog the course of our 21
lives.
c
FAUST Something
and more foreign, is ever clinging to the noblest conception the mind can form. When we have attained to the good of this world, what is better is termed falsehood and vanity. The glorious feelings which gave us life,
grow If
foreign,
torpid in the wordh' bustle.
phantasy, at one time, on
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a
daring wing, and
full
of
for is now enough her, when venture after venture has been wrecked in the whirlpool of time. Care straightway nestles in the depths of the heart, hatches vague tortures there, rocks herself restlessly, and frightens joy and peace away. She is ever putting on new masks she may appear as house and land, as wife and child, as fire, water, dagger and poison. You tremble before all that does not befall you, and must be always wailing what you never lose. I am not like the godheads I feel it but too deeply. I am like the worm, which drags itself through the dust, which, as it seeks its living in the dust, is crushed and buried by the step of the passer-by. Is it not dust? all that in a hundred shelves contracts this lofty wall the frippery, which, with its thousand forms of emptiness, cramps me up in this moth-world ? Shall I find what want here ? Must go on reading in a thousand books, that men have everywhere been miserable, that now and then there has been a happy one. Thou, hollow skull, what mean'st thou by that grin ? but that thy brain, like mine, was once bewildered, sought the bright day, and, with an ardent longing after truth, went
hope, dilates to infinity,
little
space
;
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
I
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
miserably astray in the twilight
Ye instruments
?
are surely mocking me, with your wheels
and cogs, cylinders and collars. I stood at the gate, ye were to be the key true, your wards are curiously twisted, but you raise not the bolt. Inscrutable at broad day, nature does not suffer herself to be robbed of her veil and what ;
;
22
NIGHT she does not choose to reveal to thy mind, thou wilt not wrest from her by levers and screws. art
Thou, antiquated lumber, which here only because my father
Thou, old
I
have never used, thou had occasion for you.
been growing smoke-besmeared since the dim lamp first smouldered at this desk. Far better would it be for me to have squandered away the little I possess, than to be sweating here under the burthen of that hast
roll,
To possess what thou hast
little.
enjoy
it.
burden
;
What one does what the moment
inherited from thy sires,
not profit by, brings forth,
an oppressive
is
only can
that
it
profit by.
But why are my looks fastened on that spot is that phial there a magnet to my eyes ? Why, of a sudden, is all :
when wood ?
so exquisitely bright, as
one benighted I
in
in
;
Thou abstraction of I
all
thee
I
see thee, and the pang
now
down
take
honour the wit and art of man.
show thy favour
mitigated
is
the spirit's
;
I
of kind soporific juices, thou concentration
refined deadly essences,
struggle abates
the moonlight breathes round
thou precious phial, which
hail thee,
with reverence
the
;
1
to thy master
grasp thee, and the
flood-tide ebbs
by degrees.
am beckoned out into the wide sea; the glassy wave at my feet another day invites to other shores. A chariot of fire waves, on light pinions, down
1
glitters
;
to me. prepared to permeate the realms of space, on a new track, to new spheres of pure activity. This sublime I
feel
existence,
god-like
this
beatitude
!
And
worm
thou,
but
now, dost thou merit it ? Aye, only resolutely turn thy back on the lovely sun of this earth Dare to tear up the gates which each willingly slinks by Now is the time to show by deeds that man's dignity yields not to God's sublimity, !
!
to
quail
phantasy
not
in
damns
presence
of
that
dark
to
its
own
torments
itself
33
abyss,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
to
in
which
struggle c 2
FAUST onwards is
to that pass, round
flaming
;
whose narrow mouth upon the
calmly to resolve
step,
Hell
all
even at the
risk of dropping into nothingness.
Now come
which I have from your old forth not thought for many a year, You glittered at my father's festivities you receptacle gladdened the grave guests, as one passed you to the other. goblet, on
down, pure crystal
—
!
;
The gorgeousness
the
of
many
images,
artfully-wrought
the drinker's duty to explain them in rhyme, to empty the
— remind
contents at a draught, youth.
not
I
now
which soon flood.
choose
shall
display
Be
not
my
now
— quaffed,
many
of
It
draught
fills
Here
your cavity with
—which
my whole
with
a night of
pass you to a neighbour
wit on your devices.
intoxicates. this last
me
:
my
shall
I
a juice
is
brown
its
have brewed, which
I
soul,
as
a
solemn
I
festal
greeting to the morn. [He places the goblet
to his
mouth.
The ringing of
bells
and singing of choruses. CHORUS OF ANGELS. Christ
is
arisen
!
Joy to the mortal,
Whom
the corrupting, Creeping, hereditary Imperfections enveloped.
Faust. irresistibly
What deep humming, what clear strain, draws Are ye hollowthe goblet from my mouth ?
sounding bells already proclaiming the first festal hour of Are ye choruses already singing the comforting Easter ?
hymn, which once, round the night of the sepulchre, pealed forth, from angel lips, assurance to a new covenant !
CHORUS OF WOMEN.
With
spices
Had we embalmed him We, his faithful ones, Had laid him out. 24
;
NIGHT Clothes and bands Cleanlily swathed
Ah
we round;
and we find Christ no more here !
CHORUS OF ANGELS. Christ
is
arisen
!
Happy
the loving one, the afflicting,
Who
Wholesome and chastening Trial has stood
Why, ye heavenly
Faust.
me
you seek are
Miracle
is
out
in
found
be
to
!
the dust
hear
I
!
tones, subduing and soft, do
?
Peal out, where weak
the
the pet child of faith.
men
message, but want faith. I dare not aspire to those
from whence the glad tidings sound and yet, accustomed to this sound from infancy, it even now calls me back to life. In other days, the kiss of heavenly love descended upon me in the solemn stillness of the Sabbath spheres
;
then the full-toned
sounded so
bell
fraught
meaning, and a prayer was intense enjoyment.
with
A
mystic longing,
inconceivably sweet, drove me forth to wander over wood and plain, and amidst a thousand burning tears, I felt a world rise up to me. This anthem harbingered the gay sports of youth, the unchecked happiness of spring festivity. Recollection
now
strains
!
The
me back, with childlike feeling, from Oh sound on, ye sweet heavenly flowing, earth has me again.
holds
the last decisive step. tear
is
!
CHORUS OF DISCIPLES.
The Buried One, Already on high, Living, sublime,
Has
He
gloriously raised himself is,
Near
Ah
in
reviving
bliss,
to creating joy.
on earth's bosom Are we for suffering here !
25
!
FAUST He
left us, his own, Languishing here below Alas we weep over. Master, thy happy lot
!
!
CHORUS OF ANGELS. Christ
Out
is
arisen
of corruption's lap.
Joyfully tear yourselves
Loose from your bonds Ye, in deeds giving praise to him, !
Love manifesting. Breaking bread brethren-like. Travelling and preaching him, Bliss promising
You
is
the master nigh,
For you
is
he here
!
BEFORE THE GATE Promenaders of
all kinds
pass
out.
Some Mechanics.
way
that
?
We
Ot/iers.
are going up to the
Jiigerhaus.
But we are going
The Former.
to
the
mill.
A
Mechanic.
I
advise you to go to the
Wasserhof.
A
The road
Second.
T/te others.
A A
is
not at
all
pleasant.
What shall you do then am going with the others, Come up to Burghdorf you ?
Third.
I
Fourth.
;
are there sure of finding the prettiest girls
and the best beer, and rows
A
You
Fifth.
third time
?
I
of the first order.
your skin itching for the I have a horror of going there
wild fellow,
don't like
is
;
that place.
Servant Girl.
No, no,
We
Another.
I
shall return to the town.
him
find
shall
to
a certainty by those
poplars.
The
First.
walk by your the green.
That side.
He will no great gain for me. With you alone does he dance upon
What have
is
I
to
do with your pleasures? 27
FAUST He
Tlie Second.
The
sure not to be alone to-day.
is
curly-head, he said, would be with him.
how the brave wenches step out; we must go with them. Strong beer, and a girl in full trim, â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that now is my
The
Student.
come
devil
!
along, brother,
stinging
tobacco,
taste.
lads
It
!
Now
Daughters.
Citizens'
really a
is
do but
look
those fine
at
They might have the best
shame.
of
company, and are running after these servant-girls. Second Student to the First. Not so fast there are One coming behind they are trimly dressed out. two up have a great liking for the girl. of them is my neighbour They are walking in their quiet way, and yet will suffer us !
;
;
I
them in the end. The First. No, brother.
to join
we
do not
I
to
like
be under
The hand that twirls the mop on a Saturday, will fondle you best on Sundays Townsman. No, the new Burgomaster is not to my taste now that he has become so, he is daily getting Is it not bolder and what is he doing for the town ? Quick, lest
restraint.
the game.
lose
;
;
growing worse every day
more
restraints
One
?
is
obliged
to
and pay more than
than ever,
in
submit to
any time
before.
Beggar
Ye good gentlemen, ye
(sings).
lovely
ladies,
so trimly dressed and rosy cheeked, be pleased to look upon
me, to regard and relieve sing
Be
here
in
Do
wants.
The free-handed only
vain.
the day, which
my
is
a holiday to
all,
me
not suffer is
to
light-hearted.
a harvest-day to me.
Another Townsman. I know nothing better on Sundays and holidays than a chat of war and war's alarms, when people are fighting,
stands
at
the
behind,
far
window, takes
painted vessels glide
down
away
off
the
in
his
river
Turkey.
glass, ;
then
A man
and sees the returns
home
glad at heart at eve, and blesses peace and times of peace. 28
BEFORE THE GATE Third Townsman. to
that
they
;
Aye, neighbour,
may break one
another's
everything topsy-turvy, for aught
home remain
have no objection
I
care
I
;
heads,
only
let
and turn things at
as they are.
Old Woman to the Citizens' Daughters. Hey dey: how smart the pretty young creatures. Who would not be smitten with you ? Only not so proud it is all very well and what you wish, I should know how to put you in the
An
!
!
way
of getting.
Come
Citizen's Daughter.
along, Agatha.
not to be seen with such witches
my
Andrew's eve, she showed me
public
in
;
I
true,
take care
on Saint
future sweetheart
in
flesh
and blood.
The
other.
She showed me mine
with other bold fellows but
I
I
;
in
the glass, soldier-like,
I
seek him everywhere,
look around,
can never meet with him.
Soldier.
Towns with
lofty
Walls and battlements,
Maidens with proud Scornful thoughts, I
fain
would win.
Bold the adventure.
Noble the reward.
And
the trumpets
Are our summoners
As So
to joy to death.
That That
is
a storming.
is
a
life
for you!
Maidens and towns
Must surrender. 29
FAUST Bold the adventure, Noble the reward the soldiers
Are
off.
Faust and Wagner. River and rivulet are freed from
Faust.
quickening
budding
And
glance of
the
The
spring.
Old
ice
joys
by the gay
hope
of
are
weakness, has from thence he sends, in his flight, nothing but impotent showers of hail, in flakes, over the green-growing meadows. But the Sun endures no Production and growth are everywhere stirring white. he the
in
dale.
winter,
retreated to the bleak mountains
his
in
;
;
is
The landscape men and women
about to enliven everything with colours.
wants
flowers
instead.
Turn
;
he
.
takes
gaily-dressed
and look back from
this rising ground upon Forth from the gloomy portal presses a motley Every one suns himself so willingly to-day. They
the town.
crowd.
celebrate the rising of the
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from
Lord, for they themselves have
damp rooms
mean
houses, from the bondage of mechanical drudgery, from the confinement of gables and roofs, from the stifling narrowness of streets, from the venerable gloom of churches, are they all raised
arisen
;
the
up to the open
light of
the mass scatters the river,
upon
its
in
mountain,
moves
a
man
;
big
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; here,
I
this last
how
!
many
dresses
little
may be
;
fields
;
how
a merry bark
farthest paths of the
glance
the village
and
quickly
wherry, overladen almost
Even from the
off.
bustle of
of the multitude
am
look, look
through the gardens and
how
gay-coloured
already the
But
day.
breadth and length, tosses
surface, and
to sinking,
I
itself
of
here
upon is
us.
I
hear
the true heaven
are huzzaing joyously.
Here,
one.
Wagner. To walk with you, Sir Doctor, is honour and But I would not lose myself here alone, because I profit. 30
BEFORE THE GATE am
an enemy to coarseness of every sort. sounds thoroughly skittle-playing, are
was
the devil
People run
riot as
merriment,
call it singing.
if
Fiddlinj;;,
detestable
DANCE AND SONG.
The swain dressed himself out for the dance, With party-coloured jacket, ribbon and garland, Smartly was he dressed The ring round the lime-tree was already full, !
all
were dancing
like
mad.
Huzza! Huzza! Tira-lira-hara-la
!
Merrily went the fiddle-stick.
He
pressed eagerly
in.
Gave a maiden a push With his elbow The buxom girl turned round :
And
said
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " Now that
Huzza
!
Huzza
1
call stupid."
!
Tira-lira-hara-la " Don't be so
ill
bred."
Yet nimbly sped
They turned
right,
in the ring they turned left.
it
;
And all the petticoats were flying. They grew red, they grew warm, And rested panting arm-in-arm, Huzza! Huzza! Tira-lira-hara-la
And elbow on "
!
hip.
Have done now
don't be so fond
!
How many
" !
a man has cajoled and Deceived his betrothed, But he coaxed her aside, And far and wide echoed from the lime-tree
Huzza! Huzza! Tira-lira-hara-la
Shouts and
!
fiddle-sticks.
31
to
me.
driving them, and call
RUSTICS UNDER THE LIME TREE.
And
shouting,
it
FAUST Old Peasant.
good of you, not to scorn us to-day, and great scholar as you are, to mingle in this crowd. Take then the fairest jug, which we have filled with fresh liquor I pledge you in it, and pray aloud that Doctor, this
is
really
:
it
may do more than quench your
of drops
which
Faust. all
I
it
thirst
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; may
the
number
holds be added to your days.
accept the refreshing draught, and wish you
health and happiness in return. [The people
Old Peasant.
collect
round him.
Of a surety it is well done of you, to You have been our friend in evil
appear on this glad day.
Many
days, too, before now.
your father tore from the
You
pestilence.
into every sick house
tiie
but you came out safe.
man, went many a dead body was borne forth, You endured many a sore trial. The that time a young
Helper above helped the helper. All. Health to the tried friend
power
to help
Faust.
whom
when he stayed
hot fever's rage,
too, at :
a one stands here alive
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; may
he long have the
!
Bend before Him on
high,
who
teaches
how
to
[He proceeds with Wagner.
and sends help. Wagner. What a feeling, great man, must you experience at the honours paid you by this multitude. Oh, happy he who can turn his gifts to so good an account. The father points you out to his boy all ask, and press, and hurry round. The fiddle stops, the dancer pauses. As you go by, they range themselves in rows, caps Hy into the air, and they all but bend the knee as if the Host were passing. Faust. Only a few steps further, up to that stone yonder Here we will rest from our walk. Here many a time have I sat, thoughtful and solitary, and mortified myself with prayer and fasting. Rich in hope, firm in faith, help,
;
!
I
thought to extort the stoppage of that pestilence from the Lord of Heaven, with tears, and sighs, and wringing of 32
BEFORE THE GATE The applause
hands.
Oh
like derision.
!
the
of
now sounds
multitude
couldst thou read
my
in
inmost
to
soul,
me how
My and son have merited such an honour father was a worthy, sombre man, who, honestly but in his own way, meditated, with whimsical application, on nature father
little
!
who, in the company of adepts, and her hallowed circles shut himself up in the dark laboratory, and fused contraries together after numberless recipes. There was a red lion, a bold lover, married to the lily in the tepid bath, and then ;
both, with
open flame, tortured from one
another.
If
young
the
queen,
with
bridal
varied
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;this
chamber hues,
to
then
the patients was the physic and no one inquired who recovered. Thus did we, with
appeared died,
hellish
the glass
in
electuaries,
worse than the to thousands
;
rage
;
these vales and mountains
in
pestilence.
myself have given the poison
I
they pined away, and
the reckless murderers praised
How
Wagner. account
Is
?
I
must survive to hear
!
can you make yourself uneasy on that
enough
not
it
far
for
a good
man
to
practice
conscientiously and scrupulously the art that has been handed
over to him willingly
If,
?
learn
youth, you honour your father, you will
in
from him
:
if,
in
manhood, you extend the
bounds of knowledge, your son may mount
still
higher than
you.
Oh, happy
who can
still hope to emerge would use the very thing we know not, and cannot use what we know. But let us not embitter the blessing of this hour by such melancholy reflections. See, how the green-girt cottages shimmer in the setting Sun He bends and sinks the day is overlived. Yonder he hurries off, and quickens other life. Oh that I have no wing to lift me from the ground, to struggle after, for ever after, him I should see, in everlasting evening beams, the stilly world at my feet, every height on fire,
Faust.
from
this sea of error
he,
!
We
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
!
!
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
33
FAUST every vale
repose,
in
—the
The rugged mountain, with
streams.
my
would not then break with
brook flowing into golden
silver
godlike course.
heated bays, opens on
its
my
me and the night me the waves. — A
before
under he
is
— Already
gone.
Alas,
no
behind,
— the
defiles,
the sea,
sight.
Yet
But the new impulse
hurry on to drink his everlasting
I
dark
its
enraptured
the god seems at last to sink away.
wakes.
all
light,
— the
day
heavens above, and
as glorious dream bodily wing will so !
is
it
passing,
easily
keep
pace with the wings of the mind. Yet it is the inborn tendency of our being for feeling to strive upwards and
onwards
when, over
;
us, lost
in
the blue expanse, the lark
when, over rugged pine-covered heights, the outspread eagle soars and over marsh and sea, the crane struggles onwards to her home. I myself have often had my whimsical Wagner. sings
its trilling lay:
;
moments, but
never yet experienced an impulse of the soon looks one's fill of woods and fields, I shall
One
kind.
I
never envy the wings pleasures
of
the mind
of
the
bear
us,
bird.
How
differently
from book
to
book,
the
from
page to page. With them, winter nights become cheerful and bright, a happy life warms every limb, and, ah when you actually unroll a precious manuscript, all heaven comes !
down
to you.
Thou art conscious only of one impulse. Two souls, never become acquainted with the other Faust.
!
dwell
in
my
the other.
breast
:
the one would fain separate
The one
clings,
itself
Oh, alas,
from
with persevering fondness, to
the world, with organs like cramps of steel
:
the other
lifts
from the mist to the realms of an exalted ancestry. Oh if there be spirits in the air, which hover ruling 'twixt earth and heaven, descend ye, from your golden atmosphere, and lead me off to a new variegated life. Aye, were but a magic mantle mine, and could it bear me into itself energetically !
34
BEFORE THE GATE foreign
lands,
would not part with
I
for
it
the costliest
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
garments not for a king's mantle. Wagner. Invoke not the well-known troop, which diffuses itself, streaming, through the atmosphere, and prepares danger in a thousand forms, from every quarter, The sharp-fanged spirits, with arrowy tongues, to man. press upon you from the north from the east, they come parching, and feed upon your lungs. If the south sends from the desert those which heap fire after fire upon thy brain, the west brings the swarm which only refreshes, to drown fields, meadows, and yourself. They are fond of listening, ;
ever
keenly alive for mischief: they obey with pleasure, because they take pleasure to delude they feign to be sent from heaven, and lisp like angels when they lie. But let ;
us
be going
chill,
the earth
;
the mist
falling
is
already grown
is
is
it
;
set a proper value on our
Faust. brute
Why What
?
do you stand can thus
is
we
still,
your
fix
Seest thou the black dog ranging through the
corn and stubble
Wagner. as any thing
air
only in the evening that
homes.
and gaze with astonishment thus attention in the gloaming ? Faust.
grey, the
I
?
saw him long ago
he did not strike
;
me
particular.
Mark him
well
!
what
for
do
you
take
the
?
Wagner.
For a poodle, who,
in
his
way,
is
puzzling out
the track of his master.
Dost thou mark how, in wide spiral curves, he quests round and ever nearer us ? and, if I err not, a line of fire follows upon his track. Wagner. I see nothing but a black poodle you may be deceived by some optical illusion. Faust.
;
Faust.
It
appears
to
magical nooses, to form a
me, that coil
35
he
around our
is
drawing
feet.
light
FAUST Wagner. I see him bounding hesitatingly and around us, because, instead of his master, he sees
shily
two
strangers.
The circle grows narrow he is already close. Wagner. You see, it is a dog, and no spirit. He growls and hesitates, crouches on his belly and wags with his tail all as dogs are wont to do. Faust.
;
—
Come
Faust.
Wagner.
It's
to us
!
— Hither
!
Stand speak to him, and he
a droll creature of a dog.
still,
will and he will sit on his hind legs jump upon you lose aught, and he will fetch it to you, and jump into the water for your stick. find no trace of a 1 I believe you are right Faust. ;
;
;
spirit,
and
all
is
training.
Even a wise man may become attached to a dog when he is well brought up. And he richly deserves all Wagner.
your favour,— he, the accomplished pupil of your students, [Tliey enter the gate of the toin'ii. as he is.
FAUST'S STUDY Faust entering with the poodle.
HAVE
night,
and meadow veiled in which wakes the better
soul within
us with a holy feeling of
deep
left plain
foreboding awe.
Wild desires are now
sunk
with
violence
— the Be
What
quiet
sleep,
in :
the love of
man
God
stirring
love of
run
poodle,
every
not
is
without,
;
there
my
is
gambolling,
best
now
so
of
stirring
now. thither.
down cushion for you. As you amused us by
upon the mountain path,
running and
is
and
hither
are you snuffling at on the threshold
behind the stove
deed
Lie
?
my
receive
kindness
welcome quiet guest. Ah when the lamp is again burning friendily in our narrow cell, then all becomes clear in our bosom, the heart that knows itself. Reason begins to speak, as a
!
—
in
and hope to bloom, again yes, for the fountain, of
Growl
not,
;
we yearn
for
brutish
sound
the streams
— oh
life.
poodle;
the
ill
harmonises
now possess my whole soul. men deride what they do not
with the hallowed tones which
We
are accustomed to see
understand
which
is
snarl at
—to
see them
snarl
the good and beautiful,
at
often troublesome to them. it
like
them
?
But ah 37
!
I
Is
the dog disposed to
feel already that,
much
as D
FAUST contentment wells no longer from my breast. Yet why must the stream be so soon dried up, and we again lie thirsting ? I have had so much experience of This want, however, admits of being compensated. that! maj' wish
I
for
it,
We
learn to prize that which
for
revelation,
more
to open the original text feeling, the
—
we
;
long
burns more majestically or
which nowhere
beautifully than in the
not of this earth
is
New
Testament.
feel impelled
I
to translate for once with upright
my
sacred original into
German.
darling
[He opens a volume, and disposes himself for the task. It is I
am
written
"In the beginning was the Word."
:
already at a stand value
possibly
differently,
if
— who
Word am truly
the I
help
will
highly
so
I
;
by
inspired
me
on
line,
the
spirit.
Is
sense that influences and produces every thing? as
I
am
down
writing
this,
It
was the Power."
something warns
It
it
is
Consider well
that your pen be not over hasty.
stand thus: "In the beginning
cannot
I
must translate
written: "In the beginning was the Sense." the Hrst
?
Here
me
it
the
should
Yet, even
not to keep
At once I see my way, comes to my aid and write conHdently "In the beginning was the Deed." If am to share the chamber with you, poodle, cease
to
The
it.
spirit
!
:
I
your howling
— cease
your barking.
I
troublesome a companion near to me. quit
the
It
cell.
is
rights of hospitality
;
with
I
is not the form into the house !
Hery eyes,
key
is
of a
— he
is
!
dog
!
One
reluctance that
the door
see But what do natural means ? Is it shadow broad my poodle grows! He
you.
cannot endure
—
open
I
way come
that
is
reality
it
two must withdraw the
of us
—the
Can
so
is
to
How
?
clear for
pass
by
long and
raises himself powerfully; that
What
a phantom
I
have brought
looks already like a hippopotamus, with
terrific teeth.
good for such a
Ah!
I
am
sure of thee! Solomon's
half-hellish brood. 38
FAUST'S STUDY Spirits in the passage.
One
caught within
is
!
Stay without, follow none
As in the gin the fox, Quakes an old lynx of hell But take heed Hover thither, hover back, !
Up and down. And he
loose
is
can aid him,
If j'e
Leave him not in the lurch For he has already done
Much Faust.
to serve us.
First to confront the beast.
Use the spell of the four: Salamander shall glow, Undine twine, I
Sylph vanish,
Kobold be moving
Who
did not
know
The elements. Their power and properties.
Were no master Over the Vanish
spirits.
in flame,
Salamander Rushingly
!
How
together.
Undine Shine
meteor beauty.
in
Sylph
!
Bring homely help. Incubus
!
Incubus
!
Step forth and make an end of 39
it.
t)
2
FAUST No one
four
the
of
undisturbed and grins at me.
Thou
me
shalt hear
He
lies
have not yet made him
feel.
sticks I
the
in
beast.
conjure stronger.
Art thou, fellow,
A
scapeling from hell
Then see this sign To which bend the dark !
He
is
troop.
already swelling up with bristling hair.
Reprobate
!
Can'st thou read him
The
?
unoriginated,
Unpronounceable,
Through
heaven diffused,
all
Vilely transpierced
Driven behind the stove, fills
it
the whole space,
not to the ceiling I
Down
!
do not threaten
Wait not
in vain.
for the
strongest of
my
it
thrice
is
?
swelling like an elephant
is
it
about to vanish into mist.
Rise
Thou
see'st
at thy master's feet I
!
scorch thee with holy
will
growing
light.
Wait not
fire.
the
for
spells.
[Mephistopheles comes foncard as the mist
siiikr, in
the dress
of a frax^elling scholar, from behind the stove.
Wherefore such a fuss? What may be your pleasure? Faust. This, then, was the kernel of the poodle A The casus makes me laugh. travelling scholar ? !
Mephistopheles.
have made Faust.
Mephistopheles.
one all
who
I
me sweat What is
rates the
your
salute
learned
worship.
You
with a vengeance. thy
name ?
The question
Word
so low
strikes
;
mere outward seeming, looks only 40
me
as trifling for
who, far estranged from to the essence of things.
FAUST'S STUDY With such gentlemen as you, one may generally
Faust.
learn the essence from the name, since plainly,
word,
if
who
your name be art thou then
A
Mephistopheles.
appears but too
it
fly-god, destroyer, liar.
Now,
in
a
?
part
of
that
power, which
ever
is
and ever producing good. Faust. What is meant by this riddle ? Mephistopheles. I am the spirit which constantly denies,
willing evil
and that rightly
for everything that has originated, deserves
;
Therefore better were
be annihilated.
to
should originate. a word. Evil,
Faust.
is
Thus,
my
You
all
that
it
nothing
that you call sin, destruction, in
proper element. yourself a part, and yet
call
stand whole
before me.
you the modest truth. Although commonly esteems himself a whole, I am a part of the part, which in the beginning was all a part of the darkness which brought forth light, the proud light, which now contests her ancient rank and space with mother night. But he succeeds not since, strive as he will, he cleaves, as if bound, to bodies. He streams from Mephistopheles.
I
tell
man, that microcosm of
folly,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
;
;
bodies, he gives beauty to bodies, a
course,
and
so,
hope,
I
he
will
body stops him
perish
with
in
his
bodies before
long.
Faust.
Now
I
know thy
Thou
dignified calling.
art not
able to destroy on a great scale, and so art just beginning
on a small one. Mephistopheles.
been made
And, to say truth,
That which
little
progress has
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
opposed to nothing the I have tried already, I have not yet learnt at it, with waves, storms, earthquakes, fire. Sea and land remain undisturbed after all And the damned set, the brood of brutes and men, there is no such thing as getting the better of them in
it.
is
much as how to come
something, this clumsy world,
!
41
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
FAUST How many
neither.
blood
constantly
is
enough
— germs
not reserved
fii'e,
impotent
go
on
water, earth
air,
fresh
so
—
—
in
is
it
wet,
Had
by thousands evolve themselves.
should have nothing apart for myself.
I
malice,
to
ever
the
Try thy hand
creating power.
And new
!
Things
!
From
!
So thou opposest thy cold
Faust. in
circulating
make one mad
to
dry, hot, cold I
have ah'eady buried
I
stirring,
the
beneficent
else,
wondrous
something
at
clenched
hst,
devil's
son of Chaos.
We
Mephistophelcs.
— more depart
anon
that
of
Might
!
about
will think
in
it
good earnest
be permitted this time to
I
?
Faust.
Here
inclined.
why you
not
see
1
acquaintance with you
;
call
ask.
me
on
future as you
the window, here the door
is
now made
have
I
in
there
;
feel
also
is
a chimney for you.
To confess the
Mephistophelcs.
me from
prevents
walking out
— the
truth, a small
obstacle
wizard-foot upon your
threshold.
Faust.
The Pentagram embarrasses you
thou child of
How was
hell,
such a
if
spirit
angle, the
Faust.
outward one, It
prisoner then.
is
in.
it
is,
a lucky
This
Mephistopheles.
jumped
entrapped
Mark
Mephistophelcs.
The thing
how
that repels thee,
is
me
then,
cam'st thou
in
?
?
well
;
it
is
not well drawn
as thou see'st, a
little
;
one
open.
Thou shouldst be my
accident.
a chance
Tell
?
hit.
The poodle observed nothing when he looks differently
now
;
the devil cannot
get out.
Faust
But why do you not go through
Mephistophelcs.
It
is
a
law
binding
tlie
on
window devils
?
and
phantoms, that they must go out the same way they stole in.
The
first
is
free to us
;
we
second. 42
are slaves as regards the
FAUST'S STUDY Faust
has
Hell itself
laws
its
?
gentlemen
to the letter
But
this
is
will
speak of
it
to let
worth
glad of
it
;
in
made with you
be
What
promised, that shalt thou enjoy
is
not the smallest deduction shall be
;
it.
Faust.
am
?
Mephistopheles.
you
I
may
that case a compact, a binding one,
made from
we
not to be discussed so summarily, and
But
the next time.
me go
most earnestly beg
I
of
this once.
Wait yet another moment, and
me something
tell
telling.
Mephistopheles.
me
Let
go now
!
will
I
soon come
you may then question me as you like. I have laid no snare for thee thou hast run into the net of thy own free will. Let whoever has got hold of the devil, keep hold of him he will not catch him a second time in a hurry.
back
;
Faust.
;
;
Mephistopheles.
keep
you
company
If
you
like,
upon
but
here,
am
I
condition
beguile the time properly for you by
Faust.
I
shall
attend with
ready to stay and
my
pleasure
that
I
may
arts. ;
you may do
so,
provided only that the art be an agreeable one. Mephistopheles.
senses
in this
What
the
My
friend,
one hour, than
you
will gain
more
for your
the whole year's monotony.
in
sing
to you, the lovely images which they call up, are not an unsubstantial play of enchantment. Your smell will be charmed, you will then delight your palate, and then your feelings will be entranced.
No
delicate
preparation
is
spirits
necessary
;
we
are
assembled
all
SPIRITS.
Vanish ye darli Arched ceihngs above
More charmingly look The friendly blue sky
Were
the dark clouds
43
!
in !
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; strike up
!
FAUST Melted aw ay
!
Little stars sparkle,
Softer suns shine
in.
Etherial beauty
Of the children of heaven, Tremulous bcndinj" Hovers across Longing desire ;
Follows after.
And
the fluttering
Ribbons of drapery Cover tlie plains. Cover the bovver,
Where Deep
lovers.
in
thought,
Give themselves for life. Bower on bower Sprouting tendrils Down-weighing grapes !
!
Gush
into the vat
Of the hard-squeezing The foaming wines
Gush
in
press.
brooks,
Rustle through
Pure, precious stones. Leave the heights
Behind them lying, Broaden to seas Around the charm of Green-growing hills. And the winged throng Sips happiness. Flies to meet the sun,
meet the bright which dancingly Float on the waves Where w-e hear Shouting in choruses, Flies to Isles,
Where we
see
Dancers on meads All in th' open air
;
Disporting alike.
Some
are clambering
Over the
heights,
Others are swimming 44
FAUST'S STUDY Over the seas, Others are hovering towards the hfe, towards the far away Loving stars of
All All
Bliss-giving grace.
He
Mephistopheles. delicate youngsters
am
Ye have
!
your debtor for
;
plunge him
conjure long
me
one
;
is
Well done, sung him to
Thou
my
airy,
sleep.
art not yet the
I
man
Play round him with sweet dreamy a sea of illusion.
in
spell of this threshold
!
fairly
this concert.
to hold fast the devil!
visions
slumbers
I
need a
But
rat's tooth.
to break the
have not to
I
already rustling hither, and will hear
a moment. The lord of rats and mice, of flies, frogs, bugs and lice, commands thee to venture forth and gnaw this threshold so Thou com'st hopping soon as he has smeared it with oil. The point which Instantly to the work forth already! in
!
repelled
me
more, and
is is
it
towards the front on the ledge done.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Now
Faust,
dream
on,
;
till
one
bite
we meet
again.
Faust
{waking).
Am
I
then
once
again
deceived
?
Was it in a lying Does the throng of spirits vanish thus dream that the devil appeared to me, and was it a poodle .''
that escaped
.''
FAUST'S STUDY Fal'st.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mephistopheles.
Faust.
OES
any one knock wants to disturb me MepJiistophelcs.
It
Come
Faust.
Come
?
in
Who
!
aijain? is
I.
in.
You must say
Mcp/iistophclcs.
so three
times.
Come
Faust.
then
in,
Mephistopheles.
So
very well together,
I
fancies,
I
am
here,
!
like
We
so good.
far,
hope
for,
;
to chase
shall
a youth of condition,
coat of scarlet laced with gold, a mantle of a cock's feather at
my
my
side.
my
in
And
to
advice to you
is
manner immediatel}', may try what life is. Faust.
In
to
do nothing but
What "
rings in
hour
is
and a long pointed sword
I
dare say,
I
of this earth.
too young to
play,
stiff silk,
that unrestrained, emancipated,
life
can the world afford
Thou
hat,
a
in
make no more words about it, to array yourself in the same
every dress,
torture of the contracted
go on
away your
me
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
shall I
am
feel
the
too old
be without a wish.
renounce " the eternal song which
"
Thou
shalt
!
That is every one's ears which our whole life long, every In the morning hoarsely singing to us. wake
shalt
renounce
!
"
;
I
46
FAUST'S STUDY only to horror. day, which, in
not one
no,
;
would
I
fain
weep
bitter tears to see the
course, will not accomplish a wish for me,
its
wayward
which, with
weakens
captiousness,
even the presentiment of every joy, and disturbs the creation Then again, of my busy breast by a thousand ugly realities. when night comes round, I must stretch myself in anguish
my
on
bed
here, too, no rest
;
dreams are sure in
my
my
to
harrow me
bosom, that can
energies
and thus
— he
is
existence
earnest prayer, and
a load
is
The
up.
my
inmost
me
wild
;
God, that dwells
soul, that
sways
all
regards things without
powerless as
life
;
me, death an object of
to
detestable.
And
Mephistopheles.
welcome
stir
vouchsafed to
is
death
yet
an
never
is
entirely
guest.
Oh
Faust.
happy the man around whose brows he
!
—
wreathes the bloody laurel in the glitter of victory whom, after the maddening dance, he finds in a maiden's arms. Oh tliat 1 had sunk away, enrapt, exanimate, before the great
power
spirit's
And
Mephistopheles.
brown
a certain
Faust.
yet a certain person did not drink
juice on a certain night.
Playing the spy,
it
seems,
thy amusement.
is
know much. Faust. Since a sweet familiar tone drew me from those thronging horrors, and played on what of childlike Mephistopheles.
feeling
times,
remained
— my
I
am
me
in
not omniscient
;
but
I
with the concording note of happier
curse on everything that entwines the soul with
den of wretchedness Accursed, first, be with blinding and flattering influences. Accursed, the lofty opinion in which the mind wraps itself its
jugglery, and spell-binds
it
in
this
1
the
blinding
subdued
!
of
appearances,
Accursed, what
by
plays
dreams,— the cheat of glory, Accursed, what flatters us as 47
of
which
our
senses
the pretender
to
the
a
lasting
of
us
are in
name
property, as wife and child,
FAUST as slave and plough
Mammon when
Accursed he
!
he
stirs
us to bold deeds with treasures, when he smooths our couch My curse on the balsam-juice of the for indolent delight !
grape
!
My
my
on Hope, Patience
curse on that highest grace of love curse on Faith, and
my
My
!
curse, above
curse
all,
on
!
CHORUS OF SPIRITS
Woe, woe, Thou hast destroyed The beautiful world, With violent hand
(iiivisiblc).
it,
;
It
tumbles,
A demigod
We
it
falls
abroad.
has shattered
it
to pieces
!
bear away
The wrecks
And
into nothingness,
wail over
The beauty
that
is
lost.
Mighty
Among
the sons of earth,
Proudlier Build
it
again,
Build
it
up
in
thy bosom
!
A new With
career of life, unstained sense
Begin,
And new
lays
Shall peal out thereupon.
These are the little ones of my train. Listen, how, with wisdom beyond their years, they counsel you to pleasure and action. Out into the world, away from would they solitariness, where senses and juices stagnate Mephistopheles.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
fain lure you.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Cease to trifle with your grief which, like a vulture, The worst company will make you feeds upon your vitals. Yet I do not mean feel that you are a man among men. am none of your great I to thrust you amongst the pack. but if, united with me, you will wend your way men ;
through
life,
I
will
readily
accommodate myself 48
to be yours
FAUST'S STUDY upon the spot. I am your companion, and, if it suits you, your servant, your slave to do for you in return ? Faust. And what am For that you have still a long day of grace. Mephistopheles. No, no the devil is an egoist, and is not likely Faust. Speak to do, for God's sake, what is useful to another. dangerous is a servant such a the condition plainly out !
I
;
;
inmate. Mephistopheles.
will
I
myself
bind
your
to
service
When we and never sleep nor slumber at your call. me. much for as meet on the other side, you shall do if you first care little about the other side I Faust.
here,
:
world to pieces, the other may arise afterwards My joys flow from this earth, and this sun will. if it I can only separate myself if shines upon my sufferings
knock
this
:
from them, what will and can, may come to pass. I will hear no more about it whether there be hating and loving in the world to come, and whether there be an Above or
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Below
in
those spheres too.
Mephistopheles. yourself
by
my
saw
In this
mood, you may venture.
Bind
and during these days, you shall be delighted will give thee what no human being ever I arts ;
;
yet.
What, poor
Faust. mind,
in
of thee
?
its
high
But
if
thou give
devil, wilt
a man's
comprehended by the like thou hast food which satisfies not ruddy ;
a game, at which one never wins is
Was
aspiring, ever
gold which, volatile, like quicksilver, melts
breast,
?
already ogling
my
;
away
in
the hand;
a maiden, who, on
neighbour
;
my
the bright godlike
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Show me the a meteor joy of honour, which vanishes fruit which rots before it is plucked, and trees which every like
!
day grow green anew. Mephistopheles. Such a task affrights such treasures at
my
disposal. 49
But,
me
not.
my good
I
friend,
have the
FAUST when we may
time will come round
good
what
feast on
really
is
peace.
in
Faust.
If
ever
and composed,
myself, calm
stretch
I
upon a couch, be there at once an end of me.
thou canst
If
me into being pleased with myself me with enjoyment, be that day my
ever flatteringly delude
—if thou canst cheat last.
offer the
I
wager.
Done
Mephistopheles.
And my hand upon it moment "Stay, thou art so
Faust. passing
me
cast
into chains
the death-bell
If
!
—
toll
then
;
then
;
will
I
I
ever say to the
readily perish
thou free from
art
mayst thou
fair!" then
The clock may stand, the index-hand may thing no more for me
;
may
then
thy service.
fall
be time a
:
!
Mephistopheles.
Think well of
it
we
;
bear
shall
in
it
mind.
You have
Faust.
a
perfect
right
so
to
do.
am
a
This very day, at the doctor's feast,
I
drag formed no rash estimate of myself. As slave; what care I, whether thine or another's. I
Mephistopheles.
enter upon
shall
guard
my
I
must
on,
I
Only one thing
duty as servant.
accidents,
against
have
I
trouble
you
for
a
— to line
or two.
Hast Pedant, dost thou, too, require writing ? Is it not enough thou never known man nor man's word? that my word of mouth disposes of my days for all eternity? Faust.
to Does not the world rave on in all its currents, and am be bound by a promise? Yet this prejudice is implanted in our hearts who would willingly free himself from it ? Happy I
:
the
man who
have
cause
bears truth pure to
written and stamped,
The word
dies
the mastery.
away What,
in
is
his breast
;
he
will
never
But a parchment, a spectre which all shrink from.
any
repent
in
sacrifice
wax and leather is Brass, wouldst thou of me
the very pen
evil spirit,
30
!
;
in
?
FAUST'S STUDY marble, parchment, paper
pen
?
I
?
Shall
I
write with style, graver,
leave the choice to thee.
How
Mephistopheles.
can you put yourself
a passion
in
and overwork your rhetoric in this manner ? Any scrap do you will subscribe your name with a drop of blood.
will
:
Faust.
this will fully satisfy you, the
If
whim
shall be
complied with.
Blood
Mephistopheles.
is
quite a peculiar sort of juice.
But fear not that I shall break this compact. What promise, is precisely what all my energies are striving I belong only to thy class. for. I have aspired too high Nature shuts herself The Great Spirit has spurned me have The thread of thought is snapped against me. long loathed every sort of knowledge. Let us quench our glowing passions in the depths of sensuality let every wonder Faust. I
:
;
1
;
;
be forthwith prepared beneath the hitherto impervious
veil
Let us cast ourselves into the rushing of time,
of sorcery.
There pain and pleasure, success and disappointment, may succeed each other as they will man's proper element is restless activity. Mephistopheles. Nor end nor limit is prescribed to you. If it is your pleasure to sip the sweets of every thing, to snatch at all as you fly by, much good may it do you only fall to and don't be coy. into the rolling of accident.
—
Faust. I
devote
I
thee again, pleasure
tell
myself
the
to
agonizing
enjoyment
vexation.
My
in
spirit
all
not the question
intoxicating whirl
— to
enamoured
hate
— to — to
the
;
most
animating
itself to
that
is
every pang.
parcelled out
will
I
enjoy
in
among mankind
with the highest and deepest
;
;
my own grapple
heap the weal and
whole race upon my breast, and thus dilate individuality to theirs, and perish also, in the end, them.
woe own
:
breast, cured of the thirst of knowledge, shall
henceforth bare heart's core
is
of the
51
my like
FAUST Oh, believe me, who many thousand
Mephisfopheles.
years have chewed the cud on this hard food, that, from the
human being me, this Whole
cradle to the bier, no
Believe a being like
He
the old leaven.
digests is
only
made
for a god.
us he has brought forth into and only day and night are proper for you. But I will. Faust. That is well enough to say But I am Mephisfopheles. only troubled about one thing; time is short, art is long. I exists in an eternal halo
darkness
;
;
!
should suppose you would suffer yourself to be instructed.
Take
a
poet
imagination
make the gentleman
;
work, and heap
at
honoured head,
— the
fiery blood of the
Make him
counsel
to
find
the enduring firmness of the North.
out the secret
with cunning, and of being
—
I
would
of
I
call
magnanimity
combining
love, after
in
the burning desires of youth.
such a gentleman
noble qualities on your
courage, the stag's swiftness, the
lion's
Italian,
all
his
set
a
set
myself should
plan, with
like to
know
him Mr. A'licrocosm.
What, then, am I, if it be not possible to attain the crown of humanity, which every sense is striving for ? Mephisfopheles. Thou art in the end what thou art. Put on wigs with million of curls set they foot upon ell-high socks, thou abidest ever what thou art. I feel it in vain have scraped together and Faust. accumulated all the treasures of the human mind upon myself and when sit down at the end, still no new power wells up Faust.
—
—
—
I
;
I
within
;
I
am
not a hair's breadth higher, not a whit nearer
the Infinite. Mephisfopheles.
My
good
Sir,
you see things precisely
we must manage matters better, before the joys of life pass away from us. What the deuce And you have surely hands and feet, and head and what enjoy with spirit, is that then the less my own ? If as they are ordinarily seen
;
!
.
I
I
can pay for six horses, are not their powers mine 52
?
I
SCENE WITH THE STUDENT am
dash along and into the is
a proper man, as
if
had four-and-twenty
I
away
Quick, then, have done with poring, and straight
legs.
like
world with me.
you, a fellow that speculates
a brute driven in a circle on
evil spirit, whilst fair
How
Faust.
a place of
we
We
a barren heath by an
meadow
lies
set about
it ?
green
shall
Mephistopheles.
What
tell
I
will just start
martyrdom
everywhere around.
and take our chance.
what a precious
;
life
to lead
!
and a set of youngsters to death. Leave Why will you plague that to your neighbour, Mr. Paunch yourself to thrash straw ? The best that you can know, Even now I hear one in the you dare not tell the lads. wearying one's
self
!
passage.
Faust.
cannot possibly see him.
I
The poor boy has waited long he must not be sent away disconsolate. Come, give me your cap and gown the mask will become me to admiration. Mephistop/ieles.
;
:
[He changes his
Now hour.
trust
In the
to
my
wit.
I
dress.
require but a quarter of an
mean time prepare
for
our pleasant
trip.
[Exit Faust.
Mephistopheles
in Faust's
gown.
Only despise reason and knowledge, the highest strength of humanity only permit thyself to be confirmed in delusion and sorcery-work by the spirit of lies, and I have thee unconditionally. Fate has given him a spirit which is ever pressing onwards uncurbed, whose overstrained striving o'erleaps the joys of earth. Him will I drag through the He wild passages of life, through vapid unmeaningness. shall sprawl, stand amazed, stick fast, and meat and drink ;
—
—
—
shall
hang, for his insatiableness, before
he shall pray for refreshment given himself up to the
in vain
devil,
inevitably be lost.
;
his
lips
and had he not already
he would, notwithstanding, [^4
53
craving
Student
enters.
E
FAUST am pay my
Student. devotion,
to
man whom
with, a
but
I
;
am
come,
full
of
make acquaintance
and
with reverence.
your
by
flattered
Have you
others.
politeness.
made any
yet
?
every good
spirits
to
Interest yourself for me,
Student.
with
me
many
see a man, like
inquiry elsewhere
to,
name I
and
arrived,
just
respects
all
Mephistopheles.
You
but
I
pray you.
I
come
I
money, and youthful my mother could hardly be brought to part with me, would fain learn something worth learning in the a
disposition,
little
world.
You
Mephistopheles.
Honestly
Student.
These
away.
speaking,
these
walls,
The space
taste.
are here at the very place for
halls,
on the benches,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
and
;
in
depends on
It all
kindly to the
soon finds a pleasure
nourishing
experience
in
greater
a
not a
fail
me.
Thus, at
first,
mother's breast, but
itself.
pleasure
is
my
the lecture rooms,
habit.
the child does not take
daily
there
;
hearing, sight and thinking
Mephistopheles.
myself
wisli
by no means to
exceedingly conhned
is
nothing green, to be seen
tree,
already
I
are
it.
Just so will you
at
the
breasts
of
wisdom. Student. tell
me how
I
am
I
to attain
Mephistopheles. faculty you
Student.
should
upon
fix
like to
I
hang delightedly upon her neck: do but
shall
Tell
it.
me
before
you go further, what
?
should wish to be profoundly learned, and
comprehend what
is
upon earth or
in
hea\'en,
science and nature. Mephistopheles.
You
are here upon the right scent; but
you must not suffer your attention to be distracted. am heart and soul in the cause. Student. I relaxation and pastime, to be sure, would not
bright
summer
holidays. 54
A
little
come amiss on
SCENE WITH THE STUDENT Mephistopheles.
Make
the most of time,
glides
it
away
But method teaches you to gain time. For this reason, my good friend, I advise you to begin with a course of logic. In this study, the mind is well broken in, laced up in Spanish boots, so that it creeps circumspectly along the path of thought, and runs no risk of flickering, ignisso fast.
—
Then many
fatuus-like, in all directions. in
teaching you that one, two, three
which formerly you drinking.
—
a day will be spent
is
necessary for that
a blow, as easily as eating and
hit off at
with the fabric of thought as with a weaver's
It is
master-piece; where one treadle moves a thousand threads: the shuttle shoots backwards and forwards
unseen
ties,
:
by thousands, are struck
—he
:
the threads flow blow.
off at a
Your
and proves to you, it must have would be so, the second so, and therefore the third and fourth so and if the first and second were not, the third and fourth would never be. The students of philosopher,
been so
:
the
steps in
first
;
all
countries put a high value on this, but none have become
weavers. living,
He who
seeks
first to
wishes to know and describe anything drive the
the parts in his hand
wanting.
;
out of
he has then
it;
unluckily, the spiritual
only,
Chemistry terms knowing it.
spirit
encheiresis naturce,
it
bond
is
and mocks
herself without
Student.
if
I
cannot quite comprehend you.
Mephistopheles. You will soon improve in that respect, you learn to reduce and classify all things properly. Student.
mill-wheel
I
am
were turning round
Mephistopheles. else,
so confounded by
In
the
my
in
next
all this,
is
not
place,
made
feel as
if
a
head.
you must set to at metaphysics.
conceive profoundly what
I
before
everything
There see that you for
human
brains.
A
fine word will stand you in stead for what enters and what does not enter there. And be sure, for this half-year, to adopt the strictest regularity. You will have five lectures 55
8 2
FAUST Be
every day.
as the
in
clock
strikes.
Be
prepared
well
beforehand with the paragraphs carefully conned, that you may see the better that he says nothing but what is in the
book
;
away as
yet write
zealously as
if
the Holy Ghost were
dictating to you.
You need can imagine how useful Student.
not it
tell is.
me
that a second time.
For what one has
in
I
black
and white, one can carry home in comfort. Mephistopheles. But choose a faculty. I cannot reconcile myself to jurisprudence. Student. I cannot much blame you. 1 know the Mephistopheles. nature of
this
Laws descend,
science.
an inveterate
like
from generation to generation, and glide imperceptibly from place to place. Reason becomes nonsense beneficence, calamity. Woe to thee that thou art Of the law that is born with us of that, a grandson unfortunately, there is never a question. hereditary disease
;
they
trail
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
!
You
Student.
whom
increase
you instruct.
is
so
is
it
like to
poison
in
distinguished from the medicine.
it,
which
he,
study theology.
do not wish to mislead you.
I
so difficult to avoid the
much hidden
Oh, happy
repugnance.
should almost
I
Mephistopheles. this science,
my
wrong way is
hardly
Here, again,
it
is
As ;
for
there to
be
best to
attend but one master, and swear by his words. Generally you will then pass through the speaking, stick to words ;
safe gate into the temple of certainty.
But there must be some meaning connected
Student.
with the word. Mephistopheles.
about that
;
for
it
Right is
;
only
precisely
we must
not be too anxious
where meaning
fails
that
a
most opportunely. Disputes may be admirably a system may be built with words words form a capital subject for belief a word admits not of an iota being taken from it.
word comes
in
carried on with words
;
;
;
56
SCENE WITH THE STUDENT Your pardon, I detain you by my many must still trouble you. Would you be so but add a pregnant word or two on medicine. Three
Student. questions,
I
kind as to
years wide.
God knows,
a short time, and the Held,
is
If
one has but a
one can
hint,
is
feel one's
far
way
too
along
further.
Mephistopheles (aside). style.
must play the
I
The
devil true to character again.
medicine
spirit of
through the great and the end
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;as
scientifically
who
he
about
wanting
God.
It
no man
You
vain
is
learn
will
are tolerably well
in boldness, and
women
you study
that you
wander
more than he can
moment built,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that
nor
will
you do but confide
if
is
;
the
you be
in yourself,
In particular, learn
in you.
other souls will confide
;
[Aloud.
world, and let things go on in
himself of the passing
avails
proper man.
;
easy to be caught
is
little
pleases
it
begin to be tired of the prosing
I
how
to
and ahs so thousandfold, are to be cured from a single point, and if you only assume a moderately demure air, you will have them all under your thumb. You must have a title, to convince them that your art is superior to most others, and then you are admitted from the first to all those little privileges which
treat the
:
their eternal ohs
Learn how to feel the and boldly clasp them, with hot wanton looks,
another spends years pulse adroitly,
around the tapering There Student. rate the
coaxing
in
see
hip, to is
for.
how
some sense
tightly
in that;
it
is
laced.
one sees at any
where and the how.
Mephistopheles.
Grey,
green the golden tree of Student. I
!
!
I
vow
my
dear friend,
is
all
theory, and
life.
to you,
dream to me. Might hear your wisdom speak upon
all
trouble you another time to
is
as a
the grounds. Mephistopheles.
my
poor
I
am
at
your service, to the extent of
abilities.
57
FAUST Student.
album
in
cannot possibly go away without placing
I
Do
your hands.
me
not grudge
my
your
this token of
favour.
Mephistopheles.
With
my
all
heart. [He writes and gh'cs
Student (reads).
malum.
Only follow the
saying
old
some time or other
the snake, and
back.
Deus, scientes bonum
sicut
[He closes the book reverentially, and takes
Mephistopheles.
cousin
Eritis
it
leave.
liis
my
and
you, with
et
your
likeness to God, will be sorry enough.
Whither now ? Where you please to see the little, Mephistopheles. then the great world. With what joy, what proMt, will you Faust
(enters).
;
revel through the course
But
Faust.
manners
of
knew how the
my
with
society.
!
I
long
shall
beard,
fail
in
to present myself in the world
presence of others.
I
want the easy
I
the attempt. ;
I
feel
so
1
never
little
in
shall be in a constant state of
embarrassment. Mephistopheles.
My
dear friend,
own accord so soon as you you know the art of life. Faust. How, then, are we its
;
feel
all
that
will
confidence
in
come
of
yourself,
to start ? Where are your and servants. Mephistopheles. We have but to spread out this mantle Only you will take no that shall bear us through the air. on this bold trip. A little inflammable air, heavy baggage which I will get ready, will lift us quickly from this earth and if we are light, we shall mount rapidly. \\'ish you joy of your new course of life.
carriages, horses,
I
AUERBACH'S CELLAR
LEIPZIG
IN
(Drinking bout of merry Felloxvs.) Frosch.
no one drink will
you are
?
no one laugh
Why,
teach you to grin. like
I
?
wet straw to-day, yet you blaze brightly
at other times
enough.
That
Brander.
you
contribute
is
your fault
nothing towards
it
:
no
nonsense, no beastliness
Frosch [throws a glass of wine over Brander's head). There are both for you !
Brander. Frosch. Siebel.
You double hog
!
Why, you wanted me to be so. Out with him who quarrels !
open heart strike up the song holla, holla, ho
!
swill
With
and shout
!
am a lost man. Cotton, me here the knave splits my ears. Siebel. It is only when the vault echoes again, that
Woe
Altmayer.
is
I
!
!
one feels the true power of the bass. Frosch. Right out with him who takes anything amiss. :
A
!
taralara,
da
!
59
FAUST A
Altmayer.
Our
Frosch. "
The
together
taralara
!
throats are tuned. holy
dear,
!
Romish
[He sings.
empire,
how
psha,
political
A
nasty song
!
a
Thank God every morning offensive song you have not the Romish empire to care no slight gain that
am
I
song
of your
!
it
still
it
?
Brander.
esteem
holds
for.
I,
life,
at
an
!
that
least,
not emperor nor chancellor.
But we cannot do without a head. We will choose a pope. You know what sort of qualification turns the scale, and elevates the man.
Soar up, Madam Nightingale, give sweetheart ten thousand greetings for me. Frosch
No
Sicbel.
of
{sings).
greeting to the sweetheart
I
will
not hear
it.
Frosch.
Thou
shalt not hinder me.
Shut
my
!
bolts
1
bolts
!
in stilly night.
the lover wakes. at morning's
sing
on,
!
and
turn for laughing will come.
May
she will do the same for you. a lover
He may
1
[He sings.
bolts
Aye, sing,
Siebel. ;
sweetheart, and a kiss too
Greeting to the
Open Open
her
;
my
toy with
dawn.
praise
and
celebrate
She has taken me
in
she have a hobgoblin for
An
her on a cross way.
old
on his return from the Blocksberg, may wicker good night to her on the gallop. A hearty fellow of genuine flesh and blood is far too good for the wench. I will hear of no greeting, unless it be to smash her windows. Brander {striking on the table.) Attend, attend listen You gentlemen must allow me to know something to me Love-sick folks sit here, and I must give them of life. something suitable to their condition by way of good night. Attend a song of the newest cut and strike boldly in with he-goat,
;
!
!
!
the chorus.
[He sings. 60
CELLAR
LEIPZIG
IN
There was a rat in the cellar who lived on nothing but fat and butter, and had raised himself up a paunch fit for Doctor Luther himself. The cook had laid poison for him then the world became too hot for him, as if he had love in "
;
his body.
Chorus. "
He
"
he gnawed
and
availed nothing
beast
As
he had love
if
body."
in his
ran round, he ran out, he drank of every puddle
the whole house,
scratched
he gave many a bound of agony
;
he had love
as was soon done " As if," &c. He came running into the for,
if
in
;
but his fury ;
the poor
his body.
Chorus. "
open
daylight,
panted
Ha
!
pitiably.
he
is
fell
on
the
Siebel.
and
earth
lay
convulsed, and
Then the poisoner exclaimed, with a laugh
at his last gasp, as
Chorus.
kitchen, for sheer pain, in
"As
How
if,"
the
if
he had love
in his
body."
&c. flats
chuckle
!
It is
a fine thing, to be
sure, to lay poison for the poor rats.
They stand high in your favour, I dare say. The misadventure Altmayer. The bald-pated paunch makes him humble and mild. He sees in the swollen rat his own image drawn to the life. Brander.
!
Faust and Mephistopheles. Mephistopheles.
Before
all
things else,
I
must bring you
merry company, that you may see how lightly life may With These people make every day a feast. be passed. little wit and much self-complacency, each turns round in the narrow circle-dance, like kittens playing with their tails. So long as they have no headache to complain of, and so long as they can get credit from their host, they are merry and free from care. Brander. They are just off a journey; one may see as
into
6i
FAUST much from
They have not been here
manner.
their strange
an hour.
Thou
Frosch. is
a httle Paris, and gives Frosch.
worm
will
Leipsig
;
the place for
is
me
:
it
folks a finish.
its
What do you take the strangers to be ? Let me alone in the drinking of a bumper
Siebel.
I
art right
;
out of them as easily as draw a child's tooth.
it
They appear
me
to
be noble
to
they have a proud and
;
discontented look.
Mountebanks
Brander. Alt may er.
Now mark
Frosch.
to a certainty,
Mephistopheles scent the devil,
;
I
will
Faust.
to
smoke them. These people would
Siebel.
to you.
Mephistophelhs askance.
[Asiiic, lookiiii^ at
Why
does the fellow halt on one foot
We
liquor,
which
shall is
Frosch.
you sup w
I
not to be had.
dare say you are lately from Rippach
We
Mephistopheles. to-day.
dainty gentleman.
Mr. Hans before you
ith
The
down with
sit
have company to cheer us instead of good
You seem a very
Altinayer.
?
Will you permit us to
Mephistopheles. you.
never
he had them by the throat.
if
Good morrow, gentlemen. Thanks, and good morrow
Faust.
wager.
I
Likely enough.
last
time
say of his cousins
;
left
we
Did
?
him
passed
?
without
stopping
spoke to him, he had much to
he charged
us
compliments
with
to
each. [With an inclination toican's Frosch.
Altmayer
Thou
(aside).
hast
it
there
!
he
knows a
thing or two. Siebel.
Frosch.
A
knowing fellow Only wait, I shall have him presently.
MepJiistopJi-eles.
!
If
I
am
not 62
mistaken,
we
heard some
CELLAR
LEIPZIG
IN
practised voices singing in chorus
echo admirably from Frosch.
I
No doubt
singing
must
this vaulted roof.
dare say you are a dilettante.
Oh, no
Mephistopheles. desire
?
The power
!
is
weak, but the
strong.
is
Give us a song.
Altmayer.
As many as you
Mephistopheles. Siebel.
Only
let it
be brand new.
We
Mephistopheles.
like.
are just returned from Spain, the
wine and song. [He sings. There was once upon a time a king who had a great flea"â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Frosch. Hark A flea Did you catch that A flea fair land of
"
!
!
is
!
a fine sort of chap. "
Mephistopheles (sings). a king
he had a great
;
had been
his
own
son.
flea,
There was once upon a time and was as fond of it as if it
Then he
called his tailor; the tailor
measure the youngster for clothes, and measure him for breeches.' " Brandcr. Only don't forget to impress it on the tailor to measure with the greatest nicety, and, as he loves his came.
head, to
'
There,
make the breeches
and
smoothly.
sit
"
Mephistopheles (sings).
He was now
attired in velvet
had a cross besides, and was forthwith made minister, and had a great star. Then his brothers and sisters also became great folks. And the silk,
had ribbons on
his coat,
and gentlemen at court were dreadfully tormented from the queen to the waiting-woman they were pricked and bitten, yet dared not crack nor scratch them away. But we crack and stifle fast enough when one pricks." Chorus. " But we crack," &c. Frosch. Bravo bravo That was capital. Siebel. So perish every flea. Brander. Point your fingers, and nick them cleverly. ladies
!
!
63
FAUST Liberty for ever
Altmayer.
Wine
!
for ever
!
would willingly drink a glass in honour of liberty, were your wine a thought better. Siebel. You had better not let us hear that again Mephistopheles. I am afraid the landlord would feel hurt, or would treat these worthy gentlemen out of our Mephistopheles.
I
!
I
own
stock.
O, bring
Siebel.
sparing of our praise small
;
;
I
take the blame upon myself.
we
Give us a good glass, and
Frosch.
for
in
it
if
am
I
;
to
only don't let your samples give an
opinion,
be
not
shall
be too
require a regular
I
mouthful.
Altmayer
What
Brander.
guess.
I
Bring a gimlet.
Mephistopheles.
the door
They are from the Rhine,
(aside).
for
You
?
surely have not the casks at
?
Altmayer.
Behind there,
is
a tool-chest of the landlord's.
Mephistopheles {taking the gimlet,
what wine would you wish
to taste
What do you mean?
Frosch.
Mephistopheles.
Altmayer
{to
I
give every
Ah
Frosch).
!
to
Now
Frosch).
say,
?
Have you
so
many
sorts?
man his choice. You begin to lick your
lips
ah'eady.
Well
Frosch. wine.
Our
!
if
I
am
to
choose,
take
will
I
Rhine
father-land affords the very best of gifts.
Mephistopheles {boring a hole in the edge of the table where Frosch is sitting). Get a little wax to make stoppers immediately.
Altmayer.
Ah
Mephistopheles
Brander.
I
!
these are juggler's tricks. {to
Brander).
choose
And you
champagne,
and
?
let
be
it
right
sparkling.
[Mephistopheles bores time prepared the
;
one of
the
others has
wax-stoppers and stopped
64
in
the
the holes,
mean
CELLAR One cannot always lies
so far
A
off.
IN LEIPZIG
avoid what
true
foreign
is
German cannot
what
;
is
good often
abide Frenchmen, but
willingly drinks their wines.
Mephistopheles approaches him). I must own do not like acid wine give me a glass of genuine sweet. You shall have Tokay in a Mephistopheles (bores). Siebel (as
I
;
twinkling.
No, gentlemen
Altmayer.
;
look
me
the face.
in
see
I
you are only making fun of us. Ha ha that would be taking too great a liberty with such distinguished guests. Quick only speak out at once. What wine can I have the pleasure of serving plainly
Mephistopheles.
!
!
!
you with
?
With any
Altmayer.
!
only don't lose time
in asking.
[After all the holes are bvred
Mephistopheles {with strange
and
stopped.
gesttires).
The vine bears grapes. The he-goat bears horns. Wine is juicy, vines are wood The wooden table can also give wine. ;
A
deep glance into nature
!
Behold a miracle, only have
Now draw All (as they
;
the stoppers and be merry.
draw
the stoppers,
runs into each man's glass). for us
faith
Oh
!
and
the
wine he chose
beautiful spring, that flows
!
Mephistopheles.
Only take care not to
spill
any of
it.
[They drink repeatedly.
All
(sing).
We As
are as happy as cannibals,
hundred swine. Mephistopheles. These people are now mark how merry they are. Faust.
five
I
should like to be off now. 65
in
their glory
FAUST But
Mephistopheles.
attend
first
their brutishness will
;
display itself right gloriously.
(drinks
Siebel
and
ground,
turns
carelessly
the
;
Help
Jlame).
to
fire
!
spilt
is
Xi'ine
help
!
upon
the
Hell
!
is
burning.
Be
Mephistopheles {conjuring the flame). element. fire of
{To Siebel.)
it.
it
was only a drop
of the
purgatory.
What may
Siebel.
for
This time
quiet, friendly
It
that be
Hold
?
you
!
seems that you do not know
He
Frosch.
Altmayer.
pay dearly
shall
us.
had better not try that a second time. I
we had
think
better
send
him packing
quietly.
What,
Siebel.
here
dare you play
Sir,
off
your hocuspocus
?
Mephistopheles.
Silence, old wine-butt.
Broomstick Brafider. But hold
Siebel.
you be rude to us or blows shall rain. will
!
!
Altmayer (draws a stopper from burn I burn I
against him). Siebel.
the table; fire flies out
I
!
Sorcery; thrust home [Tliey
too.
draw
!
their knives
the knave is fair game. and fall upon Mephistopheles.
Mephistopheles (with solemn gestures). False form and word.
Change sense and Be here, be there
Frosch. Siebel.
Brander.
stem
!
Where am Vineyards
And grapes
I
?
Can
!
!
stand amazed and gaze on each other.
[Tlicy
Altmayer.
place.
What I
close at
a beautiful country
believe
hand
my
eyes
!
?
!
Here, under these green leaves, see, what a
see what a bunch
!
[He siezes Siebel by the nose.
The others do the same
one with the other, and brandish their knives.
66
CELLAR Mephistopheles
from their eyes jesting
IN
LEIPZIG loose the
Error,
be/ore).
{as
And do ye remember the
!
[He disappears
!
icith
Faust.
devil's
The fellows
bandage
mode
of
start back
from one another. Siebel.
What's the matter?
Altmayer. Frosch.
Brander
How ? Was that
{to
Altmayer. limb
Give
!
And
Siebel). It
me
Frosch.
thy nose
was
?
have thine
I
in
my hand
!
a shock which thrilled through every
a chair,
No, do but
am sinking. what tell me I
;
has happened
?
meet with him, it Where is the fellow? If worth. life is his much as shall be as myself saw him at the cellar door, riding Altmayer. Siebel.
I
I
out upon a cask.
My
feet feel as
heavy as
lead.
[Turning towards the table.
My
1
wonder whether the wine is running still ? It was all a cheat, a lie, and a make-believe. Siebel. Frosch. Yet it seemed to me as if I was drinking wine. Brander. But how was it with the grapes ? I
Altmayer.
Let any one
not to believe in wonders
!
tell
me
after that, that one
is
WITCH'S KITCHEN A
lari^e
cauldron
is
hanging over the
fire
on a low hearth.
Different
fumes wliich rise from it. A Female Monkey is sitting by the cauldron and skimming it, and taking care that it The Male Monkey is seated near with the young does not run over. ones, and warming himself. The xcalls and ceiling are hung with figures are seen in the
tlie
strangest articles of Witch furniture.
Faust.
LOATHE
mad concern of Do you promise me
this
witchcraft.
that
I
recover
shall
insanity.
of
hag's
advice
Do .''
I
thirty
know
if
you
is
already gone.
of
My
wisely
!
youth.
There But it
also
is is
in
this
will
take
really
Woe
.''
is
me,
better! Hope Has nature and has a
nothing
noble spirit discovered no sort of balsam Mephistopheles.
need an old
And
mess of cookery years from my body
chaos
in this
?
now again you speak natural mode of renewing
friend,
a
another book, and
is
a strange
chapter.
Faust. Mephistopheles.
Let
me know
Well
!
it.
to have a
mean without money,
physician or sorcery: betake thyself straightway to the
field,
begin to hack and dig, conhne thyself and thy sense within 68
WITCH'S KITCHEN a thoroughly
food
;
contracted circle
support thyself on simple
;
with beasts as a beast, and think
live
manure the land you crop. That me, to keep you young to eighty.
to
Faust.
I
am
not used to
Mcphistopheles.
Faust.
it
no robbery
the best way, believe
cannot bring myself to take
I
The confined life does not suit me at all. Then you must have recourse to the
the spade in hand.
witch after
it.
is
all.
But why the old woman
you brew the drink yourself
Cannot
particular?
in
?
That were a pretty pastime I would rather build a thousand bridges in the time. Not art and MephistopJielcs.
!
science only, but patience spirit
busy at
is
for years
it
And
fermented liquor strong. curious.
cannot
The make
devil,
it
is
time only makes
;
quiet
this
fine
the ingredients are exceedingly
true, has taught
(Perceiving
it.
A
required for the job.
is
the
See what a
Monkeys).
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that
breed! That is the lass Monkeys). It seems your mistress
pretty
her, but the devil
it
the
not at
is
{To
lad.
home
the
?
Monkeys.
Tlie
At the
feast.
Out of the house, Out and away by the chimney-stone. Mephistopheles.
The Monkeys.
How Whilst
long does she usually rake
we
creatures
warming our paws.
are
What
Mephistopheles (to Faust).
?
think you of the pretty
?
Faust.
The most
Mephistopheles. precisely
Monkeys).
what Tell
disgusting
Nay, a
I
ever saw.
discourse
like
the
present
is
am
fondest of engaging in. {To the me, accursed whelps, what are ye stirring I
up with the porridge ? Monkeys. We are cooking coarse beggars' broth. Mephistopheles. You will have plenty of customers. 69
F
FAUST He
The
Motihey
and fawns oÂŤ
(approaches
Mephis-
TOPHELES). quick throw the dice,
And make me rich And let me win !
My
fate is a sorry one,
And had 1
money should not want I
How
Mephistopheles. himself,
if
for consideration.
happy
the
monkey would think
he could only put into the lottery.
[Tlic
Young Monkeys have,
with a large globe, and
The He Monkey. That is the world It rises and falls,
And It
time,
been playing
forn'ards.
:
soon breaks that hollow within
much
glitters
And
still
am
My
mean
;
rings like glass
How
I
the it
rolls unceasingly.
It is It
in
roll
?
;
here.
more here
alive
!
dear son,
Keep thee Thou must
aloof die
!
It is of clay.
This makes potsherds. Mephistopheles.
The He Monkey should
know thee
What {takes
the sieve for
is it
dozen).
?
Wert thou
a thief,
I
at once.
[He runs
to the
female and makes her look through.
Look through the
sieve
1
Dost thou recognise the thief darest not name him ?
And
70
?
WITCH'S KITCHEN Mephistopheles {approaching the
And
fire).
this pot
?
The Monkeys.
The
half-witted sot
He knows He knows
!
not the pot
not the kettle
Uncivil brute
Mephistopheles.
!
!
The He Monkey. Take the brush the
!
and
here,
sit
down on
[He makes Mephistopheles
settle.
Faust
(who
all
has been standing be/ore a
time
this
down,
sit
now approaching and noic standing off' from it). see ? What a Iieavenly image shows itself in What do O Lo\e lend me the swiftest of thy this magic mirror Ah when do not wings, and bear me to her region venture to go near, can remain upon this spot, when mist. woman The loveliest image of a only see her as in a looking-glass, I
!
!
!
I
!
I
I
!
Is
it
possible,
is
woman
so
lovely
?
Must
see in these
I
recumbent limbs the innermost essence of all Heavens ? Is there anything like it upon earth. Mephistopheles. When a God first works hard for six days, and himself says bravo at the end, it is but natural that something clever should come of it. For this time look I your fill. knovv' where to find out such a love for you, and happy he whose fortune it is to bear her home as a bridegroom. 'fc>' [Faust
coutiniies
stretcliiug
looking
Iiimself
on
mirror.
into
the
the
settle
Mephistopheles,
and playing
xcith
tlie
brush, continues speaking.
Here
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
sit,
like
the king upon his throne
;
here
is
my
want the crown. The Monkeys {who have hitherto been playing all sorts of strange antics, bring Mephistopheles a crown, with loud acclamations). Oh, be so good as to glue the crown with sceptre
I
only
sweat and blood. 71
F 2
FAUST [They
handle
Now
We We
crown
the
is
it
awkwardly, and break
mad
into
tzco
done.
speak and see
;
hear and rhyme
Woe
Fatist [before the mirror).
almost
it
which they jump about.
pieces, with
is
me
I
!
am becoming
!
Mepliisiopheles [pointing to the Mon'keys).
l\ly
own head
begins to totter now. Tlie
Monkeys.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;And
if we are lucky And if things fit, Then there are thoughts.
Faust but
let
{as
before).
My
breast
is
beginning to burn.
Do
us begone immediately.
same
Mep/iisfopheles (in the
Well, no one can
position).
deny, at any rate, that they are sincere poets. [The cauldron, which the She Monkey has neglected, begins a great flame arises, wJiich streams up the
to boil over
;
chimney.
The Witch
the
flame with horrible
The Witch. Ough, ough, ough, ough
Damned
beast
comes shooting down through cries.
!
Accursed sow
!
!
Neglecting the cauldron, scorching your
dame
Cursed beast [Espying Faust and Mephistopheles.
What now ?
Who
are ye
What would
Who
?
ye here
?
hath come slinking
The plague
of fire
Into your bones 72
!
in ?
WITCH'S KITCHEN [She dips
tlic
skiniining
sprinkles flames the
in his hand,
and
To To
inverts
amongst
strikes
pieces
!
pieces
!
There
ladle into
the
It
only carrying on the jest
is
[As the
he holds
pots).
!
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beating
Witch
and
the glasses
the porridge
lies
xvliidi
briisli
Tiicre lies the glass
to thy melody.
cauldron, and
the
Faust, Mephistopheles, and
The Monkeys whimper.
Monkeys.
{who
Mephistopheles
at
time, thou carrion,
steps back in rage
and amazement.
Dost Dost thou know me, thou atomy, thou scarecrow ? What is there to hinder thou know tliy lord and master ? me from striking in good earnest, from dashing thee and thy Hast thou no more any respect monkey-spirits to pieces ? red doublet
for the
feather
myself
concealed this face
I
O
Witch.
it
is
some while
of intellect too,
has even reached the
more
And
Where
name
me
in
society
;
I
?
For,
serve.
each other.
The
the world into shape,
licks all
Where do you
to be seen.
we saw
may
The northern phantom
devil.
as for the foot, which
prejudice
since
which
reception.
then are your two ravens
This once, the apology
Mephistopheles. to be sure,
march
then
I
rough
pardon this
master,
see no cloven foot.
I
Must
?
?
The But
Have
?
Canst thou not distinguish the cock's
?
see horns,
tail
is
now no
and claws ? it would
cannot do without,
many
therefore, like
a gallant,
I
have worn false calves these many years. The Witch (dancing). I am almost beside myself, to see the gallant Satan here again.
The name, woman, beg to be spared. Wherefore ? What has it done to you ?
Mephistopheles.
The Witch.
Mephistopheles.
but
men
I
It
has been long written
are not the better for that 73
;
in
they are
story books; rid
of
the
FAUST wicked one, the wicked have remained. Baron, that will do very well. I am a
You doubt
cavaliers.
my
not of
arms
this is the coat of
bear
I
You may cavalier,
blood
gentle
!
This
the
is
way
Now,
must beg you
sirs,
A
Mephistopheles.
its
see here,
;
That
attend to
friend,
is
in
this.
to deal with witches.
The Witch. I
My
Faust).
[to
other
like
[He wakes an unseemly gesture.
I
The Witch (laughs immoderately). Ha, ha your way. You are the same mad wag as ever. Mcphistoplieles
me
call
to
let
say what you are
for.
good glass of the juice you wot of. it be of the oldest. Years double
power.
The which
Most
Witch.
sometimes
I
no longer stinks the
a
if
you well know he cannot
He
I
will
live
which,
;
out of
bottle
besides,
you a glass with
give
man
this
a
is
myself
little
least.
But
(Aside).
pleasure.
Here
willingly.
sip
drinks
it
unprepared,
an hour.
worthy friend of mine, on whom it will have a good effect. I grudge him not the best Draw thy circle, spell thy spells, and give of thy kitchen. him a cup full. Mephistopheles.
is
a
xcitli strange gestures, draics a circle and places rare things in it; in the mean time, the glasses begin to ring, and the cauldron to sound, and make ntnsic. Lastly, she brings a great book, and places the Monkeys in the circle, xcho are made to serve
[The Witch,
Iter
to
for a reading desk and hold the torches.
Faust
come
of
gestures,
She signs
to
Faust
approach.
Mephistopheles).
(to all
this
this
?
absurd
This
most disgusting
But
tell
apparatus,
jugglery
^
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
me what these
is
to
frantic
know them
of
old and thoroughly abominate them.
Mephistopheles.
be so fastidious.
Pooh
!
that
is
As mediciner she
hocus-pocus, that the dose
only is
fit
to laugh at.
obliged to play
may operate
oft'
some
well on you.
[He makes Faust enter the 74
Don't
circle.
WITCH'S KITCHEN The Witch {with a strong emphasis, begins
from
to
declaim
the book).
You must understand, Of one make ten, And let two go. And three make even Then art thou rich. Lose the
;
four.
Out of five and six. So says the Witch,
Make seven and Then
And And
it
nine
ten
eight,
done.
is
is is
one,
none,
That is the witches one-times-one. It seems to me that the hag is raving. Faust. Mephistopheles. There is a good deal more of it yet know it well the whole book is to the same tune. I have wasted many an hour upon it, for a downright contradiction I
;
remains equally mysterious to wise friend, the art
is
old and new.
It
folks
and
fools.
My
has ever been the fashion
to spread error instead of truth by three and one, and one and three. It is taught and prattled uninterruptedly. Who will concern themselves about dolts ? Men are wont to believe, when they hear only words, that there must be something in it. The Witch continues. The high power
Of knowledge, Hidden from the whole world And he who thinks not. On him is it bestowed
!
;
Faust.
He What
has
it
without trouble.
sort of nonsense 75
is
she reciting to us
?
FAUST My
head
is
splitting
declaiming
idiots
fill
for this draught will of
many [Tlic
with
it
to his luouth
it
not stand
Are you
heart.
[Tlie
lifts
Do
once.
at
the devil, and afraid of
Now
hear a hundred thousand
grades, who has taken many a good gulp already. Witch xi-ith many ceremonies pours the liquor into a cup; as
warm your
soon
to
Enough, enough, excellent Sibyl! Hand the cup to the brim without more ado; do my friend no harm. He is a man
Faust
Down
seem
in full chorus.
Mephistopheles. us thy drink, and
I
!
fire
a
lit^iit
flume arises.
hesitating.
It
will
well-met witli
hail-fellow
?
Witch
dissolves the circle
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Faust
steps out.
You must not rest. The Witch. Much good may the draught do you. Mephistopheles {to the Witch). And if can do any forth at once
!
I
thing to pleasure you, you need only mention
it
to
me on
Walpurgis' night.
The Witch. it
will
Here
is
spirit
a song
!
if
you sing
it
occasionally,
have a particular effect on you.
Mephistopheles it
is
{to
Come
Faust).
quick,
and be guided
absolutely necessary for you to perspire, to
work through blood and bone.
you to value the
nobility of idleness,
long, with heartfelt delight,
1
will
afterwards teach
and you
how Cupid
;
make the
bestirs
will
feel
ere
himself and
bounds hither and thither. Faust. Let me only look another moment in the glass. That female form was too, too lo^'ely. Nay, nay you shall soon see the model Mephistopheles. (Aside.) of all womankind in Hesh and blood. With this draught in your body, you will soon see an Helen in every ;
woman.
THE STREET Faust (Margaret passing
by).
PRETTY LADY, may
take the liberty
I
my arm and escort. am neither lady,
you
of offering
Margaret.
and can go home by myself.
pretty,
[She disengages herself, and
By
Faust. lovely!
She
her.
heaven,
this
girl
have never seen the
I
exit.
is
like of
and virtuous, and some-
so well-behaved
is
nor
I
The redness of her lip, the light shall never forget them all the days of of her cheek my life. The manner in which she cast down her eyes and how tart she was is deeply stamped upon my heart [Mephistopheles enters. it was absolutely ravishing thing snappish withal.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
;
!
me
Hark, you must get
Faust.
Which
Mephistopheles.
the
girl.
?
She passed but now. What, she ? Mephistopheles.
Faust.
confessor,
who
absolved her from
close to the chair.
It
is
Faust.
Yet she
Mephistopheles.
who there
is
all
an innocent
next to nothing to the confessional.
came
She
her
I
stole
up
thing, that
went
for
her
little
from
Over her
sins.
I
have no power.
past fourteen.
You
positively
speak
like
Jack Rake,
covets every sweet flower for himself, and fancies that is
neither honour nor favour which
for the plucking.
But
this will not 77
is
not to be had
always do.
FAUST Faust.
My
your morality.
good Mr. Sermoniser, don't plague me with in a word, I tell you this if the sweet
And,
:
young creature does not midnight our compact is Mephistopheles.
very night
this
lie
my
in
arms, at
at an end.
Consider what
is
possible.
I
need a
fortnight, at least, only to find an opportunity.
Faust.
Had
I
but seven hours clear,
should not want
I
the devil's assistance to seduce such a child. Mephistopheles.
but don't fret about
You
talk
it,
beg.
I
now almost like What boots it
a Frenchman to
:
go straight
enjoyment ? The delight is not so great by far, as when you have kneaded and moulded the doll on all sides with all sorts of nonsense, as many a French story teaches. Faust. But I have appetite without all that. Mephistopheles. Now, seriously and without offence, I tell you once for all, that the lovely girl is not to be had in nothing here is to be taken by storm we such a hurry must have recourse to stratagem. Faust. Get me something belonging to the angel. get me a kerchief from Carry me to her place of repose to
;
;
;
my
love.
That
you
her bosom, a garter of Mephistopheles.
minister to your passion,
very day
I
Faust.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we
may
my
see
will not lose a
anxiety
moment
to this
;
will conduct you to her chamber.
And
shall
Mephistopheles.
the meantime, you,
I
see her
She
No. all
alone,
?
have her
?
will
be at a neighbour's.
and
in
In
may
her atmosphere,
feast to satiety on future joys.
Faust.
Can we go now
Mephistopheles.
It is
?
too early.
Get me a present for her. Mephistopheles. Making presents directly Faust. That's the
many
way
to succeed
a long-buried
!
I
â&#x20AC;&#x17E;g
!
know many a
I
treasure.
[E.vit.
That's capital fine place
must look them o\er a
and bit.
[Exit.
EVENING A
neat
Room.
little
Margaret (braiding and binding up her
WOULD
something to
give
was to-day
that gentleman
bearing, and
a gallant family
on
his
am
I
sure.
brow
else have
only
come Faust
in
I
is
know who
He
!
would not
been so impudent.
Come
in
had
of a noble
could read that
besides, he
;
Mephistopheles Mephistopheles.
hair).
[Exit.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fal'st.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;as
softly as possible
!
[after
Leave me
a pause).
alone,
beg of
I
you.
Mephistopheles [looking round). that
is
is
not every maiden [Exit.
so neat.
Faust
[looking
round).
pervades this sanctuary of love,
It
you who
live
Welcome, sweet
Possess
!
my
twilight,
heart, delicious
languishing on the
dew
of hope
!
that
pangs
What
a feeling of peace, order, and contentment breathes round
What abundance
in this
[He
poverty
titroxc's
liimsetf
!
What
upon the leathern easy chair by the
side of the bed.
79
!
bliss in this cell
FAUST Oh
!
who
receive me, thou,
hast welcomed, with open arms,
joy and sorrow, the generations that are past.
in
often has a
swarm
Ah,
how
of children clustered about this patriarchal
gratitude for her Christmas-box,
throne.
Here, perhaps,
with the
warm round cheek
in
of childhood
—has
my
beloved
piously kissed the withered hand of her grandsire.
Maiden,
abundance and order breathe round me that spirit which daily instructs thee like a mother which bids thee spread the cloth neatly upon the table and curl Dear hand so godlike you make the sand at thy feet. and here {He lifts up a bed-curtain) the hut a heaven linger for Here could what blissful tremor seizes me Nature here, in light dreams, you matured whole hours I
feel thy spirit of
—
1
!
—
;
1
!
!
!
Here lay the child its gentle bosom filled and here, with wcavings of hallowed puritj^
the born angel.
with
warm
!
life;
the divine image developed itself. And thou, what has brought thee hither
moved
I
feel
dream air
in
I
instant
for
wouki'st thou here
?
Poor Faust, no longer know thee. panted so enchanted atmosphere ? enjoyment, and feel myself dissolving into a
heart so heavy
Am
What
!
How deeply Why grows thy ?
of love.
?
I
an
I
Are we the sport
of
every pressure of the
>
And
if
she entered this very moment,
atone for thy guilt
would
lie,
The
!
boaster,
big
how alas,
would'st thou
how
small
!
dissolved away, at her feet.
Mephistopheles.
Quick
!
I
see her coming below.
Away, away I return no more. I Here is a casket tolerably heavy. Mephistopheles. place it instantly in the took it from somewhere else. Only swear to you, she will be fairly beside herself. press here. but child is child, and I put baubles in it to gain another Faust.
!
I
;
play
is
play.
Faust.
I
know not
—shall 80
I
?
w
MARGARET'S ROOM Is that
Mephistopheles.
a.
thing to ask about
Perchance
?
you mean to keep the treasure for yourself ? In that case advise you to spare the precious hours for your lusts, and I I I hope you are not avaricious. further trouble to me. hands scratch my head, rub my [He places the casket
press and closes the lock.
in tlie
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to
bend the sweet young creature to your heart's desire and now you look as if you were going as if Physic and Metaphysic were to the lecture-room
But away, quick
!
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
But away
standing grey and bodily before you there.
!
[Exeunt.
Margaret {with a lamp). here.
{She opens the
-uniidozi\]
warm without. my mother would come home. am a silly, timid woman. I
feels
It
begin to feel
[She begins
so
close, is
not so very I
I
tremble
I
to sing
all
over
There was a king in Thule, Faithful even to the grave,
To whom his dying mistress Gave a golden goblet. prized nothing above
emptied
it
it;
at every feast;
His eyes overflowed as often As he drank out of it.
And when he came
to die.
He reckoned up the cities He grudged none of them But not so with the 8i
in
;
wish but
I
as she undresses herself.
SONG.
He He
sultry
so
And yet know not how. it
his
kingdom
to his heir, goblet.
;
FAUST He
sat at the royal banquet,
With
around him,
his knights
In his proud ancestral hall, there In his castle on the sea.
There stood the old toper. Took a parting draught of life's glow, And threw the hallowed goblet
Down He saw Deep
into the waves.
splash,
it
and sink
fill
into the sea
His eyes
he never
fell,
Drank a drop more. opens the press
[Site
How came locked the
to
put aicay her
beautiful
this
press.
It
clothes,
casket here
very strange
is
and perceives ?
am
I
What
!
the casket.
is
sure in
it,
I
I
wonder ? Perhaps some one brought it as a pledge, and my mother lent upon it. A little key hangs by the ribbon; have a good mind to open it. What is this ? Good heavens I
!
look
days
I
!
!
A
have never seen anything set of trinkets
the highest festival.
whom
!
How
a
like
it
in
all
my
countess might wear such on
would the chain become me
can such finery belong
born
?
To
?
[She puts them on, and walks before the looking-glass. If
the earrings were but mine
figure
in
them.
That may be
all
What
pretty and good, but they let
are praised, half in
hangs
one cuts quite a different avails your beauty, young maiden ? !
pity
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everything. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alas,
;
it all
but after gold presses for us poor ones
!
be.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on
You gold
PUBLIC WALK Faust walking up and down thoughtfully.
To him
Mephis toph eles
all
despised
hell
love
Would
!
By
!
that
worse to curse by
What
Faust. is
the elements of
knew something
I
!
the matter
is
that pinches you
it
so
never saw such a face Mephistopheles. to the devil directly,
Faust.
you
Is
your
were
truly, to rave like a
nose,
is
ever
I
life.
no devil myself. ?
It
becomes
think
A
!
priest
provided for Margaret.
mother gets sight of the have a secret horror of fine
my
?
madman.
Only
carried off the jewels
What
could give myself
I
disordered
brain
Mephistopheles.
a
I
in
?
sharply
has
The
and begins at once to Truly the woman hath her prayer-book, and
thing, it.
snuffling
in
smells in every piece of furniture whether the thing be holy or profane
;
and she plainly smells out
there was not "
much
"
blessing in them.
in
the jewels, that
My
child," said she,
unrighteous wealth ensnares the soul, consumes the blood.
We
Mother of God she will gladden Margaret made a wry face it us with heavenly manna." will
consecrate
it
to the
;
;
is
after
all,
thought she, a
gift
83
horse
;
and
truly,
he cannot
FAUST be godless,
who brought
it
The mother
here so handsomely.
Scarcely had he heard the
sent for a priest.
seemed well pleased with the a good disposition
;
He
sight.
who conquers
spoke
himself,
The church has a good stomach
:
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he
jest,
"
This shows
is
the gainer.
she has eaten up whole
;
countries, and has never yet over-eaten herself. alone,
but he
The church
my good woman,
can digest unrighteous wealth."
That
;
Faiisf.
can do
it
is
a general custom
a
Jew and a King
too.
So saying he swept off clasp, chain and ring, as if they were so many mushrooms thanked them neither more nor less than if it had been a basket of nuts; promised them all heavenly reward and very much Mephistopheles.
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
edified they were.
And Margaret Is now Mephistopheles.
Faust.
to do with herself
the
and
to
trinkets,
more
still
of restlessness
sitting full
knowing what
;
not
thinks day and night on
;
him who brought them
on
her.
Faust.
My
set immediately.
The
Mephistopheles.
the gentleman
Faust.
Get her another
love's grief distresses me. first
Oh
!
were no great things to be
sure, all
is
after
child's
all.
play to
1
Do
her neighbour.
it,
and order
it
as
I
wish.
Stick close to
Don't be a milk-and-water devil
;
and fetch
a fresh set of jewels. Mephistopheles.
With
all
my
heart,
honoured
Sir.
[Faust
A
love-sick fool like this puffs
moon and
stars,
away
exit.
into the air, sun,
by way of pastime for his mistress.
THE NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE Martha
{alone).
forgive
my
dear husband
He
not acted well towards me.
away into the me widowed and
he has
;
goes
and leaves lonely. Yet truly never did anything to vex him God knows I loved him to my heart. {She\ xveeps.) Perhaps he is actually dead. straight
world,
I
Oh, torture
!
Had
;
but a certificate of his death
I
Margaret Margaret
.
Margaret.
have of
ebony,
found
and
enters.
M a rth a What
Martha.
I
My just
things
is
the matter, Margaret
knees such
almost
another grand,
quite
sink
casket far
?
me my press,
under in
costlier
I
I
than
the
first.
Martha. You must say nothing about it to your mother. She would carry it to the confessional again. Margaret. Now, only see do but look at them Martha {dresses her up in them). Oh you happy !
!
!
creature.
Margaret. in
Unfortunately,
I
must not be seen
in
them
the street, nor in the church. 85
G
FAUST Do
Martha.
but
on the trinkets here
down in
And then an
that.
by
little
then
chain,
pearl
observe
not
Walk
we
;
hour up and have our enjoyment
a
shall
little
occasion offers, a
one
little,
the
frequently to me, and put
private.
in
before the looking-glass
where,
will
come over
happens,
holiday
them
see
folks
lets
first
;
a
Your mother, perhaps, may make some pretence
earrings.
one
or
it,
to her.
caskets
There
?
who
But
Margaret.
is
could
have
brought
something not right about
the
two
it.
[Some one knocks.
Good God
Margaret.
Martha come in
can that be
!
my mother
{looking t/irough the bliiuis).
It
is
?
a stranger-
!
MephistopJieles at once
;
I
{enters).
have made free to come
I
have to beg pardon of the
in
ladies.
[He steps back respectfully on seeing Margaret. I
came
to enquire after Mrs.
Martha.
I
am
she
what
;
your pleasure. Sir
is
MephistopJieles {aside to her).
enough.
You have
the liberty
I
Martha
Martha Schwerdtlein. I
know you now
a visitor of distinction
have taken.
I
?
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;that
is
Excuse
there.
will call again in the afternoon.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Only think, child of all things in the world this gentleman takes you for a lady. Heavens, Margaret. I am a poor young creature. Oh the gentleman is too obliging. The jewels and ornaments are none of mine. {aloud).
!
!
Mephistophclcs.
Ah
!
is
it
has a mien, a look, so striking.
She
not the jewels alone.
How
glad
I
am
that
I
may
stay.
Martha.
What do you
Mephistopheles. will
not
make me
I
bring then
wish
suffer for
.-'
I
am
very curious
had better news.
I
it.
sends you his compliments. 86
Your husband
I
is
hope you dead, and
THE NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE Martha.
My
dead
Is
husband
is
dead
Ah,
!
For
Margaret.
me
all
this
reason
my
the days of
Oh, woe
!
me
is
!
!
tale.
should wish
I
The
life.
loss
never to be
would grieve
to death.
Joy must have sorrow
Mephistopheles.
Martha.
Relate to
He
Mephistopheles. in
shall die
I
Listen to the melancholy
Mephistopheles.
love for
soul
Dear, good Martha, don't despair.
Margaret.
in
the good
!
me
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sorrow,
the close of his
lies
buried in
joy.
Padua
life.
at St. Antony's,
a well-consecrated spot for an eternally cool bed of rest.
Have you nothing
Martha.
else for
me
?
Yes, a request, big and heavy
Mephistopheles.
be sure
!
to have three
hundred masses sung for him. For the rest, my pockets are empty. Martha. What not a coin by way of token Not a trinket what every journeyman mechanic husbands at the bottom of his pouch, saved as a keepsake, and rather .''
!
.''
starves, rather begs
Madam, squandered away
Mephistopheles. really has not
I
am his
very
repented of his sins; aye, and bewailed his Margaret.
Assuredly
Ah
that
!
Mephistopheles.
You
are a sweet
Margaret.
It
But
ill-luck still
should
be
he
also bitterly
so
more.
unlucky
1
directly.
girl.
Oh, no, there
Mephistopheles.
meantime.
mortals
He
many a requiem for him. You deserve to be married
will sing
I
sorry.
money.
If
were one
is
time enough for that.
not a husband, then a gallant in the of the best gifts of
heaven to have
so sweet a thing in one's arms.
Margaret.
That
Mephistopheles.
is
not the custom in this country.
Custom or
not,
such things do come to
pass though.
Martha.
But
relate to
me 87
2
FAUST Mephistopheles.
somewhat
by
stood
I
better than
dung,
death-bed.
his
— of
half-rotten straw
died like a Christian, and found that he had
upon
myself a
"How
his score.
— to
my
Oh
manner.
the recollection
!
me
could but forgive
Martha
business and
this life
in
is
much more "must detest I
my
wife
such
in
death to me.
If
she
" !
The good man
(weeping).
but he
;
still
thoroughly," he cried,
run away from
was
It
!
I
have long since
forgiven him.
than
God knows, she was more
" But,
Mepliistopheles.
in fault
I."
He
Martlia.
then
lied
What,
!
tell
lies
on the brink of
the grave
He
Mephistopheles. if
am
I
but
half
certainly fabled with his last breath,
a
occasion to gape for pastime
bread for them
bread
share
— first
He
"
Not so
When
"
he,
to get children,
no
had
and then
—and
could
peace."
in
drudgery by day and night Mepliistopheles.
said
the widest sense,
in
Did he thus forget
Martha.
my
— and
my
not even eat
" I,"
connoisseur.
all
my
truth,
all
my
love
?
he affectionately reflected on
;
left Malta, I prayed fervently for and heaven was so far favourable, that our ship took a Turkish vessel, which carried a treasure Bravery had its reward, and, as was of the great sultan. it.
my
said
:
wife and children
no more than Martha.
right,
How
Mephistopheles.
!
I
I
;
got my Where
fair
share of
it."
Can he ha\'e buried it ? knows where it is now scattered !
Who
A fair damsel took an winds of heaven ? strolling him he was as about, a stranger, interest in She showed great fondness and fidelity towards in Naples. him so much so, that he felt it even unto his blessed to
the
four
;
end. MartJia.
The
villain
!
the robber of his children 88
!
And
THE NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE the wretchedness,
all
scandalous
not check his
poverty, could
the
all
life.
But consider, he has paid for it with would mourn him for in your place, his life. Now, were one chaste year, and have an eye towards a new sweetheart Mephistopheles.
I
I
in
the meantime. shall not Oh God but There could like my first.
Martha. find
another
hearted
fool
he
much, and
:
world
hardly be a kinder-
away from home
too
women, and stranger wine, and
the
only
stranger
easily in this
I
!
being
loved
cursed dicing. Well, well, things might have gone on
Mephistopheles.
very well,
if
he, on
for
I
protest,
you.
his part, only
upon
rings with you myself
Martha.
had the same indulgence
condition,
this
would change
I
!
Oh, the gentleman
is
pleased to
Now
it
is
Mephistopheles [aside).
dare say she would take the devil
How
{To Margaret).
goes
it
off.
I
with your heart? Sir?
Good, innocent
Mephistopheles (aside).
time to be
himself at his word.
What do you mean,
Margaret.
full
jest.
child.
(Aloud).
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Farewell, ladies
Farewell
Margaret.
Martha.
Oh, but
!
me
tell
quickly
have a certificate where, how, and when
was
buried.
like to
was always a
I
read his death
by
manifested
world
over bring
will
;
before
I
my
have
the
love died and
friend to regularity, and should
testimony
the
and
my
to
like
the paper.
in
Aye,
Mephistopheles.
should
I
!
a
judge
madam, the truth is two witnesses all the
good of
gallant for
companion,
you.
I
will
whom fetch
I
him
here.
Martha.
Oh, pray do
Mephistopheles.
And
!
the young lady will be here too 89
?
FAUST a
fine
lad
!
has
and
much,
travelled
shows
all
possible
politeness to the ladies.
Margaret.
I
should be covered with
confusion
in
the
presence of the gentleman. Mephistopheles.
Martha. shall
Behind
In the
the
presence of no king on earth.
house,
there,
expect you both this evening.
in
my
garden,
we
THE STREET Faust â&#x20AC;&#x201D; M ephistopheles. Fausf.
t}'^ goes
it ?
soon do
Is
on
all
fire ?
shortly be yours.
it
see
her
This
is
So
Will
it
at
I
!
neighbour
her
woman
a
find Do Bravo very will Margaret This evening you will
Martha's.
especially chosen, as
far so good.
Mephistoplieles.
Something,
however,
is
required
us.
Faust.
One good
Mephistoplieles.
deposition in
?
were, for the procuress and gypsey calling. Faust.
of
train
?
Mephistoplieles.
you
in
it
that
the
turn deserves another.
We
have only to
make a formal
stretched limbs of her lord repose
holy ground in Padua.
We shall Wisely done take the journey thither, I suppose simplicitas Mephistopheles. Sancta necessity for that. Only bear witness much about the matter. Faust.
!
first
be obliged to
.''
!
91
There without
no knowing is
FAUST Faust.
scheme
have
Oh, holy man
Mcphistophdcs. Is
the
it
testimony
nothing
better
to
the
propose,
an end.
at
is
you
If
time
first
your
in
Have you not
?
now
There's for you
!
that you
life
!
have borne false
given definitions of
confidently
—
God, of the world, and of whatever moves in it of man, and of the workings of his head and heart with unabashed And, looking fairly at the real nature front, dauntless breast ?
—
of things, did
know death
as
you
much
— you
— did
must confess you did not
you
matters as of Mr. Schwerdtlein's
of these
!
Faust.
Thou
and ever wilt be a liar, a sophist. Aye, if one did not look a little deeper.
art
Mephisiopheles.
To-morrow,
you
too, will
honour,
not, in all
poor Margaret, and swear to love her with Faust.
And
truly
my
from
eternal truth and love
— of one
fool of
your soul
.''
heart.
Fine talking
Mephistophclcs.
make a all
Then
!
will
you speak of
all
subduing passion;
I
feel,
and seek a name
for the passion, the phrenzy, but find
none
—
exclusive,
come from the heart Peace it will when
will that also
Faust.
all
my
—
senses
!
through
sublime expressions, and
—
the
Faust. lungs.
Hear
He who
!
is
I
am
mark
—
is
I
help myself.
which
all is
most consuming the
all
that.
beg of you, and spare
my
determined to be right and has but a
tongue, will be right undoubtedly. gossiping.
at
that a devilish play of lies!
right for this,
then range with
;
grasp
call this fiame,
me, endless, eternal, eternal! Mephistophclcs.
world,
}
For you arc
But come,
right, particularly
I
am
because
tired of I
cannot
GARDEN Margaret
07i
Faust's arm, iMartha zvith Mephistopheles,
walking up and dozen. Margaret.
AM
sure, Sir, that you are only trifling
me
with
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; letting
shame me.
yourself
down
to
wont
to
Travellers are
put up with things out of good nature.
know
I
too well that
my
man
cannot entertain a
poor prattle
of your expe-
rience.
A
Faust. thee,
gives
greater
pleasure
glance,
than
all
this world.
[Hc kisses her hand.
Margaret.
can you kiss
been
obliged
mother
is
Don't it.''
It
to
do
inconvenience so
is
coarse,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; heaven
yourself
knows what
And
manner
you,
Sir,
How
!
hard.
so
indeed too close.
Martha. this
word from the wisdom of a
have
I
not
my
;
[They pass on.
are
always
travelling
in
?
Mephistopheles.
should force us to
it
!
Alas,
that
How many
and yet may not tarry in Martha. It does very well
regret,
it
business
a place
and
duty
one quits with
!
in the wild years of youth, rove to about freely through the world. But the evil day
93
FAUST comes grave
and to sneak a solitary old bachelor to the well for any one yet.
at last,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that
was never
Mephistoplieles.
shudder at the distant view of
I
Then, worthy
Martha.
Sir, think better of
in
it
it.
time.
YThey pass on.
Aye
Margaret. sits
easily on
out of sight out of mind
!
But you have plenty of friends
you.
are more sensible than
called
I
me, what
believe
!
name
better deserves the
sensible, often
they
;
am.
O, thou excellent creature
Faust. is
Politeness
!
of vanity
and narrow-mindedness.
How
Margaret. Faust.
Alas,
that
appreciates itself and lowliness
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the
?
own hallowed worth
its
highest
That humility, love-fraught, bounteous
of
gifts
never
innocence,
that
simplicity,
!
nature
Only think of me one have time enough to think of you. Margaret.
You
Faust.
are
much
alone,
dare say
I
Yes, our household
Margaret.
must be looked
We
after.
minute
little
;
?
but small, and yet
is
keep no maid
I
;
am
it
obliged to
And my
cook, sweep, knit and sew, and run early and late.
mother
shall
I
Not that she has such might do more than many others. My father left a nice little propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a small house and garden in the suburbs. However, my days at so precise
is
in
everything
pressing occasion to stint herself.
My
present are tolerably quiet. little
her,
sister
but
I
is
dead.
1
had
my
would gladly take
!
We
brother full
all
is
a soldier
;
my
share of trouble with
the anxiety upon
was the child to me. An angel, if it was like thee
myself
again, so dear
Faust.
Margaret.
was born
after
for lost, so sad
I
brought
my
it
up,
and
father's death.
was the
it
We
I
loved
me
gave up
dearly.
my mother
condition she then lay in 94
It
;
and she
GARDEN very
recov^ered
think up,
all
own.
suckling the poor
of
Thus she could not
by degrees.
slowly,
little
worm, and so
brought
I
it
by myself, with milk and water. It thus became my On my arm, in my bosom, it smiled, and sprawled,
and grew.
You felt, no doubt, the purest joy. Margaret. And many anxious hours too. The Faust.
my
cradle stood at night by
but
I
bed-side
now obliged to now, when bed with me
was awake
it
:
give
;
it
little
one's
could scarcely
move
drink
;
now
to take
would not be quiet, to rise from bed, and walk up and down in the room dandling and early in the morning, stand already at the wash-tub it and so on, day then go to market and see to the house Under such circumstances. Sir, one is not always after day. in spirits but food and rest relish the better for it. to
it
;
it
;
;
;
[Tlicy
Martha.
The poor women have the worst
no easy matter to convert an old bachelor. It only depends on one Mephistopheles.
me
like
of
pass on.
it.
It
is
you to teach
better.
Martha.
me
Tell
plainly.
Sir,
have you never met with
Has your heart never attached itself any where ? Mephistopheles. The proverb says a hearth of one's
any one
.''
—
own, a good wife, are w^orth pearls and gold.
mean, have you never had an inclination ? I have been in general very politely Mephistopheles. Martha.
I
received.
Martha. affected
I
wished to say
— was your heart never seriously
?
Mephistopheles.
One
should never venture to joke with
women. Martha.
Ah, you do not understand me.
Mephistopheles.
understand
—that
I
am
heai'tily
you are very 95
kind.
sorry
for
it.
But
I
[They pass on.
FAUST Faust. I
You knew me
again, you
angel, the
little
moment
entered the garden. Margaret.
Did you not see
And
Faust.
you
cast
down my
liberty
I
eyes.
took
— my
lately leaving the cathedral.
was frightened
I
I
the
forgive
impudence as you were Margaret.
it ?
such a thing had never
;
happened to me before no one could say any thing bad of me. Alas, thought I, has he seen any thing bold, unmaidenly, in thy behaviour ? It seemed as if the thought suddenly struck him, " need stand on no ceremony with this girl." must own, knew not what began to stir in your favour here but certainly I was right angry with myself for not being able to be more angry with jou. ;
I
I
I
;
Sweet love Margaret. Wait a moment
Faust.
!
1
[She plucks a star-Jloxccr, and picks off
tlic
Iciivcs
one after the
other.
Faust.
What
Margaret. Faust.
that for
—a
nosegay
.'
No, only a game.
How
Margaret.
is
!
Go
!
You
laugh at me. leat^es and murmurs
will
[She plucks off the
What are you murmuring ? Margaret {half aloud). He loves me
to herself.
Faust.
Faust.
Thou
angelic being
my
child.
thee
as a judgment
from
Yes,
not
!
!
— not — loves me — not — He loves me fond
Loves me
Margaret continues.
(Pluckitjg off the last leaf with
Faust.
— he loves me
delight).
!
Let this flower-prophecy be to heaven. He loves thee dost !
thou understand what that means
He
?
loves thee
!
[He takes both her hands.
Margaret. Faust. of
the
I
tremble
all
Oh, tremble not.
hand,
say to thee
over
!
Let this look,
what 95
is
let
this pressure
unutterable
!
— to
give
GARDEN ourselves up wholly, and feel a bliss which must be eternal
Eternal
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
its
end would be despair
!
No, no end
[Margaret presses his hands, breaks from away. He stands a moment in thought, and
Martha {approachhig).
The
night
is
no end
!
and
Jiiiii,
tlien
coming
!
runs
follows her.
on.
Aye, and we will away. would ask you to stay here longer, but it is much too wicked a place. One would suppose no one had any other object or occupation than to gape after his neighbour's incomings and outgoings. And one comes to be And our pair of lovers ? talked about, behave as one will. Mephistopheles. Have Hown up the walk yonder. Wanton Mephistoplielcs.
Martha.
butterflies
I
!
Martha.
He seems
Mephistopheles.
the world.
fond of her.
And she
of
him.
Such
is
the
way
of
SUMMER HOUSE
A
Margaret runs
in, gets
of her fifiger to her
lips,
behind the door, holds the
and peeps
tip
throtigh the crevice.
Margaret.
COMES Faust you
thus
Ah, rogue,
[enters)
caught you at
iJie
my
I
heart
?
I
(embracing
love thee
!
her.
and
him
Dearest
kiss).
it
have
[He kisses
last.
Margaret returning
me
with
tfitle
is
from
!
[Mei'mistophelhs knocks.
Who
Faust (stamping). Mephistoplieles.
Faust.
A
Martha (comes
May
Margaret. Faust.
Margaret.
friend.
It
is
up).
it
is
late.
believe.
I
Sir.
accompany you ? mother would farewell
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
My
then go
I
Adieu Till
time to part, Yes,
not
I
Must
Martha.
A
!
brute.
Mephistopheles.
Faust.
there
is
Farewell
?
1
!
our next speedy meeting [Faust a>ul Mephistopheles exeunt.
Margaret.
Gracious God
!
How many
things such a
man can think about! How abashed I stand in and say yea to e\'erything am but a poor cannot understand what he sees innie. !
I
98
his presence, silly
girl
;
1
FOREST AND CAVERN Faust
{alone).
UBLIME me
spirit
everything
didst
thou gavest me, gavest
!
I
prayed
for.
thou turn thy face
in
Not
in vain
fire
to me.
Thou gavest me glorious nature for a kingdom, with power to feel, to enjoy her.
It
visit
that
me
grudgest
thou
not to look
bosom
into the
not merely a cold wondering
is
of a friend.
me
permittest
Thou passest
me the whole series of animated me to know my brothers in the
before
the
air,
roars and
and
in
the water.
in
review
things,
teachest in
thou
;
her deep bosom, as
into
still
And when
and
wood,
the storm
and the giant-pine, precipitating its neighbour-boughs and neighbourstems, sweeps, crushing, down, and the mountain thunders with a dead hollow muttering to the fall, then thou bearest creaks
in
the
forest,
—
—
me
off
to
the sheltered
cave
;
then
thou showest
me
to
wonders of my own breast And when the clear moon, with its soothing influences, rises full in my view, from the walllike rocks, out of the damp underwood, the silvery forms of past ages hover up to me, and soften the austere pleasure myself,
reveal
and
deep
mysterious
themselves.
—
of contemplation.
Oh,
man
!
now With
I
feel
this
that nothing perfect falls to the lot of beatitude,
which brings 99
me
nearer and
FAUST nearer to the gods, thou gavest already
I
cannot do without
degrades me
for that lovely image.
although, cold and insolent, he
Thus do
I
enjoyment languish
in
whom
the companion,
my own eyes, and turns thy gifts to nothing He is ev'er kindling a wildfire in my heart
in
with a breath.
ment, and
;
me
Mephistophcles
{enters).
How
reel
from desire to enjoy-
for desire.
Have you not had enough
any length It is all well enough to try once, but then on of time } again to something new. would you had something else to do than to Faust. this kind of life
.''
can you
of
deligiit in
it
for
I
plague
me
in
my
happier hour.
Mephistophcles.
You need
wish.
Well, well
!
I
will let
not say so in earnest.
you alone
Truly,
it
is
The
an ungracious, peevish and crazy companion One livelong day one has one's hands full.
read
in
lose
if
you
little
in
to
you.
cannot
your worship's face what pleases you, and what to
let alone.
He would fain be That is just the right tone thanked for wearying me to death. what sort of life Poor son of earth Mephistophcles. would you have led without me ? I have cured you, for Faust.
!
!
some time
to come, of the crotchets of imagination, and, but
would already have taken your departure from in caverns and fissures of rocks, like nourishment from sodden moss and an owl ? The dripping stone, like a toad ? A fair, sweet pastime
for me, you this globe.
Why mope Why sip in
!
doctor
still
Faust.
sticks to you.
Dost thou understand what new life-power
this
Aye, could'st wandering in the desert procures for me thou have but a dim presentiment of it, thou would'st be devil enough to grudge me my enjoyment. To lie on Mephistophcles. A super-earthly pleasure the mountains in darkness and dew clasp earth and heaven .''
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
lOO
FOREST AND CAVERN ecstatically
— swell
yourself up to a godhead
— rake
through
—
marrow with your thronging presentiments feel the whole six days' work in your bosom in haughty might know not what now overflow, in love's raptures, enjoy the earth's
—
—
I
into
— and then the a gesture) — must not say how — to end
with your earthly nature cast aside
all,
lofty intuition (xvith
I
Fye upon you That
Fatisi.
Mephistopheles. entitled
cry fye
to
!
not
is
morally
so
!
!
your
to
We
!
mind.
must not
chaste ears what chaste hearts cannot renounce.
You are name toAnd,
a
in
do not grudge you the pleasure of lying to yourself But you will not keep it up long. You are already driven back into your old course, and, if this holds
word,
I
occasionally.
much and
be fretted into madness or torture and
longer, will
Enough
horror.
to
all
her
of this
is
your
!
your passion came overflowing,
first,
rivulet rivulet
love sits yonder at home,
you have poured
;
dry again.
is
You
She loves you
absent from her thoughts.
At
little
confined and melancholy.
subduingly.
snow-flushed
like a
and
her heart,
into
it
all
never
are
lo
Methinks, instead of reigning
!
in
your the
woods, your worship would do well to reward the poor young monkey for her love. The time seems lamentably long to her
she stands at the
;
away over the song, during is
window and watches
all
cheerful, mostly cast
Serpent
Faust. before
my
ai'e
off,
One
while she
—
!
Good
!
if
can but catch you
I
!
!
half-distracted senses again
Mephistopheles. that you
roll
" so runs her
take thyself away, and name not the Bring not the desire for her sweet body
Reprobate
woman.
!
—
serpent
!
the clouds
a bird
down, one while fairly outwept :— all appearance and ever lovesick
Mephistopheles (aside). lovely
I
the day and half the night.
then, again, composed, to
Faust.
"Were
old town-walls.
and
What in
is
!
to be done, then
some manner you lOI
?
She thinks
are.
H
FAUST Fatist.
am
I
near her, and were Nay,
can never forget, never lose her.
ever so far
I
I
off,
I
already envy the
body of the Lord when her lips are touching it. have often Mephistopheles. Very well, my friend. envied you the twin-pair, which feed among roses. Faust. Pander begone. cannot You rail, and Mephistopheles. Good again help laughing. The God, who made lad and lass, well I
!
I
!
understood
But away,
the is
it
noble
of
calling
making
opportunity
mighty matter to be sad about
a
should betake yourself to your mistress's chamber
too.
You
!
— not,
1
think, to death.
What
Faust.
me
arc the joys of heaven in her arms
kindle on her breast
unceasingly
Am
.''
!
Do
I
.''
Let
not feel her wretchedness
— the houseless one rest — who, like a cataract,
not the outcast
I
i"
monster without aim or dashed from rock to rock, in de\'ouring fury towards the precipice ? And she, upon the side, with childlike simplicity, in her little cot upon the little mountain Held, and all her And I, homely cares embraced within tliat little world the hated of God it was not enough for me to grasp the Her, her peace, must rocks and smite them to shatters the
!
—
.''
I
undermine
sacrihce
must
!
!
— Hell,
thou could'st
Devil, help
be, be
quickly
me
!
to shorten
Let her fate
and both of us perish together Mephistopheles. in,
and comfort
outlet,
it
her,
How you
not
it
fool
without
rest
the pang fall
!
Let what
crushing upon me,
!
seethes and glows again !
— When
immediately represents to
bears himself bravely, for ever
!
this
Get
such a noddle sees no
itself
And
!
yet,
the end.
He who
on other occasions,
you have a fair spice of the devil in you. in the world more insipid than a devil that
I
know nothing
despaii's.
MARGARET'S ROOM Margaret
{alone, at the
spinning
PEACE My I
heart
gone
;
heavy
;
is is
shall find
xchcel).
it
never,
And ne\er more.
Where
I
ha\e him not.
the grave to me.
Is
The whole world embittered to me.
Is
My
poor head
wandering,
Is
My
poor sense
Distracted.
My peace My heart is I
shall find
gone heavy
is
;
;
it
never,
And never more. For him alone look Out at the window For him alone go I Out of the liouse
I
!
!
103
H 2
FAUST His stately step, His noble form ;
The smile of his mouth, The power of his eyes,
And of his speech The witching flow The pressure of his ;
And, ah
!
his kiss
My peace My heart is I
shall find
gone
is
hand,
!
heavy
;
;
never,
it
And never more.
My bosom
struggles
After him.
Ah And And
could
I
As
On I
enfold him
I
hold liim kiss I
!
him
would
!
his kisses
should die
away
!
MARTHA'S GARDEN Margaret
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Faust.
Margaret.
ROiMISE me, Henry can Faust. What
!
I
Now,
Margaret. as
feel
don't think
much
you for
life
No more
feel
those
but of
I
I
love,
?
believe
I
you
it.
of that,
you
love
how do You are a
me,
tell
religion
man,
Faust.
down my
to
good
dear,
!
:
I
nor would
my
child
would I
!
lay
deprive
any of their feeling and their church. we must believe Margaret. That is not right ;
in
it.
Faust.
Must we
Ah
.'
had any influence over you Besides, you do not honour the holy sacraments. honour them. Faust. I Margaret.
!
if
I
!
But without desiring them. It is long since mass or confession. Do you believe in God
Margaret.
you went
to
Faust.
may
.''
My
love,
who
dares say,
I
believe in
God
.''
and philosophers, and their answer appear but a mockery of the questioner. ask
priests
Margaret.
You
don't believe, then 105
}
You will
FAUST name him
—and
me not, and who avow
Mistake
Faust. ?
"
thou lovely one "
:
believe
I
in
Who
!
him
r
dare
Who
"
"
him not ? The Allthe AU-sustainer, does he not embrace and sustain thee, me, himself ? Does not the heaven arch itself there above ? Lies not the earth Hrm here below ? And do not eternal stars rise, kindly twinkling, on high Are we not looking into each other's eyes, and is not all thronging to thy head and heart, and weaving in eternal mystery, feel
dare to say
:
believe in
1
cmbracer,
—
— —
?^
invisibly it
God
about thee
With
?
it
and when thou art wholly blest
is,
call
— visibly,
it !
what thou I
wilt
Call
!
have no name for
it
in
thy heart, big as the feeling, then
!— Heart !— Love !— Feeling is all in all. Name
it
!
fill
Bliss
sound and smoke, clouding heaven's glow Margaret. That is all \'ery fine and good. The priest nearly the same, only with somewhat different says
is
!
words. Faust. of
hearts
All
in
all
places under the blessed light
its own language — why not in mine? day say it, each Margaret. Thus taken, it may pass but, for all that, in
;
there
wrong about
something
is
it,
for
thou
no
hast
Christianity.
Dear
Faust.
Margaret. see you
I
child
!
have long been grieved at the company
I
in.
How
Faust.
Margaret.
my
me
in
life
has given
so
.'
The man you have with you
inmost
my
soul.
Nothing
in
is
hateful
the whole course of
to
my
heart such a pang, as the repulsive visage
of that man.
Fear him not, dear child. have Margaret. His presence makes my blood creep. But, much as I long kind feelings towards everybody else. unaccountable horror of that man, I an you, have to see Faust.
I
106
-.'^r
^
_tj
MARTHA'S GARDEN and hold him
God
for a roj<ue besides.
forgive me,
if
I
do
him wronrt.
There must be such oddities, notwithstanding. would not live with the like of him. Margaret. Whenever he comes to the door, he looks in so mockingly, one sees that he and with fury but half-suppressed sympathises with nothing. It is written on his forehead that feel so happy in thy arms he can love no living soul. and his in such glowing abandonment so unrestrained Faust.
I
;
I
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
;
my
presence closes up
heart's core.
You misgiving
angel, you overcomes me to such a degree, that when Margaret. even think I do not love you he but chances to join us, should never be able to any longer. And in his presence, and this eats into my heart. You, too, Henry, must pray
Faust.
!
It
I
I
;
feel the
same.
Faust.
You have an
Margaret. Faust.
I
antipathy, that
all.
is
must go now.
Ah, can
never recline one
I
little
hour undis-
turbed upon thy bosom, and press heart to heart and soul to soul
Margaret.
Ah, did
I
but sleep alone
!
would gladly But my
I
door unbolted for you this very night.
leave the
mother does not sleep sound, and were she to catch us, I should die upon the spot. Faust. Thou angel, there is no fear of that. You see this phial Only three drops in her drink will gently envelope nature in deep sleep. Margaret. What would not do for thy sake It will !
.''
I
do her no harm, Faust. could
hope.
I
Would
I
recommend
it
to you,
my
love,
if
it
?
Margaret. not what drives
If,
me
best of men, to
I
do but look on you,
comply with your 107
will.
I
I
know
have already
FAUST done so much for you, that next to nothing now remains for
me
[Exit.
to do.
Mephistopheles
(icho
The
enters).
monkey
silly
!
is
she gone.
Hast thou been playing the spy again heard what passed plainly enough. Mephistopheles. You were catechised, Doctor. Much good may it do you. The girls are certainly deeply interested in knowing whether a man be pious and plain after the old fashion. They say to Faust.
.''
I
themselves
:
" If
he
is
he
pliable in that matter,
will also
be
pliable to us."
Faust.
how
this
according
Thou, monster as thou fond, to
soul,
faithful
her
notions,
is
full
alone
art,
of
canst not conceive
her
capable
faith,
of
which,
conferring
eternal happiness, feels a holy horror to think that she must
hold her best-beloved for
lost.
Thou
Mephistopheles.
sensual
super-sensual,
by the nose. Faust. Thou abortion of dirt and fire And she is knowing Mephistopheles.
lover,
a
chit of a girl leads thee
!
physiognomy This In my presence she feels she knows not how. too. little mask betokens some hidden sense. She feels that am most assuredly a genius perhaps the devil himself. in
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
To-night, then
Faust.
What
Mephistopheles.
?
that to you
is I
have
my
?
pleasure
in
it,
though.
AT THE WELL Margaret and Bessy with
pitchers.
Bessy.
AVE
you heard nothing of Barbara ? Not a word. I go very Margaret.
httle abroad.
Certainly, Sybella told
Bessy. to-day.
made a
has even
Siie
it
me
fool of
That comes of playing
herself at last.
the fine lady.
How
Margaret. Bessy.
when she
It
is
bad
a
so
?
She feeds two
business.
eats and drinks now.
Ah
Margaret.
!
She is rightly served at last. What a time she has hung upon the fellow There was a promenading and a gallanting to village junkettings and dancing booths she forsooth must be the first in everything he was ever treating her to tarts and wine. She thought great things of her beauty, and was so lost to honour as not to be ashamed to receive presents from him. There was a hugging and kissing and lo, the fiower Bessy.
1
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
is
gone
!
Margaret. Bessy.
Poor thing
You
1
really pity her
at the spinning, our
!
mothers never 109
When let
the like of us were
us go
down
at night.
FAUST She stood sweet with her door, and in
them. in
lover
on the bench before the
;
dark walU, the time was never too
tlie
But now she may humble
a white sheet,
Margaret.
will surely
He would
Bessy.
make her
be a fool
fellow has the world before him.
if
That's not handsome
Bessy.
she gets him,
boys
will
tear
her garland
it
for
he
his wife.
A
did.
Besides, he's
Margaret. If
and do penance,
herself,
the church.
in
He
lonj^ for
brisk
young
off.
!
go her, and will
ill
with
we
her.
The
strew cut
will
sti'aw before her door.
E.\if.
How stoutly I could formerly Margaret {going home). how I could revile, if I saw a poor maiden make a slip !
words enough to speak of another's shame would, it and, blacken it as How it seemed to me was never black enough for me and blessed myself and Yet all felt so grand, and am now myself a prey to sin never
find
1
black
I
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
!
that drove
me
to
it,
was,
God knows,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
so sweet, so dear
ZWINGER //; ilic
niche of the wall a devotional image of the Mater
Dolorosa, with pots of Jlowers before
Margaret (places fresh flowers
it.
in the pots)
INCLINE, Thou full of pain, Thy countenance graciously
to
my
distress.
The swoi'd in thy heart, With thousand pangs Up-lookest thou to thy Son's death.
To the Father look'st And sendest sighs
thou,
Aloft for his and thy distress.
Who feels How rages My torment to the quick How the poor heart in me throbbeth. How it trembleth, how it yearneth, .?
Knowest
thou, and thou alone Ill
!
FAUST Whithersoe'er
What
woe, what woe, what woe,
Grows
within
Hardly, alas, I
go,
I
weep,
I
iMy heart
my bosom here! am alone, I
weep, is
I
weep,
me
bursting within
!
The flower-pots on my window-sill with tears, alas Bedewed I
When
I
!
at morning's
dawn
Plucked these flowers for thee.
When The
brightly in
rising sun's rays shone,
Already, in
Was Help
my chamber
I
!
all
wretchedness,
my
sitting
up
rescue
me from shame and
in
bed.
death
!
Ah, incline,
Thou full of pain. Thy countenance graciously
to
my
distress
NIGHT.-STREET BEFORE MARGARET'S DOOR Valentine
Margaret's
[a Soldier,
brother).
made one of a company, where many like to show of¥, and the fellows were
I
loud
flower of
their praises of the
in
maidens, and drowned their commendation
bumpers,
in
on
leaning
the
— with
board,
my
elbows
sat
I
quiet
in
and listened to all their stroke my beard with a smile, and my hand, and say " All very well there one in the whole country to
confidence,
swaggering
;
then
take the bumper in
its
way
but
!
compare with so
it
in
:
is
my
my
candle to
1
dear Margaret,
sister
went round
!
—who
Hob and Some shouted, ?
"
is
fit
to hold a
nob, kling "
he
is
klang
!
right
;
!
she
is the pearl of the whole sex;" and all those praisers were dumb. And now it is enough to make one tear i^ out one's hair by the roots, and run up the walls shall be twitted by the sneers and taunts of every knave, shall sit like a bankrupt debtor, and sweat at every
—
—
And though
chance word. yet is
I
could not
slinking this
them.
If it is
them
call
way he,
I
?
If
will
I
might crush them at a blow,
liars. 1
Who
comes there
^
Who
mistake not, there are two of
have at him at once
leave this spot alive. 113
;
he shall not
FAUST How
Fatist.
from the window of the Sacristy there,
the h'ght of the eternal lamp flickers upwards, and glimmers
weaker
and
round
Just so
!
weaker is
at
all
sides,
night-like in
And
Mcpliistophcles.
the
and darkness
my
thickens
breast.
feel languishing like the tom-cat,
I
that sneaks along the fire-ladders and then creeps stealthily
round the walls.
quite
feel
I
virtuously,
— with
thievish pleasure, a spice of wantonness.
such a manner
In
does the glorious Walpurgis night already
a spice of
me
thrill
through
The day after to-morrow it comes round to us again there one knows what one wakes for. Fatist. In the mean time, can that be the treasure every limb. ;
rising,
— that
which
You
Mepliistoplielcs.
the casket.
I
see glimmering yonder
I
.''
soon enjoy the
will
lately took a squint at
There are
it.
up of
lifting
capital
lion-dollars within.
Not a trinket
Faust. mistress with
— not
a ring
— to
my
adorn
lovely
.''
Mephistophelcs.
think
I
saw some such thing there
I
as a sort of pearl necklace.
Faust.
That
well.
is
feel
I
sorrv
when
go to her
I
without a present.
You ought
Mephistophelcs.
enjoyment
Now
gratis.
not to regret having
with stars, you shall hear a true piece of
her a moral song, to
make
art.
a fool of her the
I
more
[He sings
"What
some
that the heavens are studied thick will
sing
certainly.
to the guitar.
are you doing here, Catherine, before your lover's
door at morning dawn
?
Stay, and beware
!
he
lets
thee
in
a maid, not to come out a maid. "
poor,
Beware
!
If
it
poor things.
pleasure any spoiler,
be done, then good night to you, you
you love yourselves, do nothing to except with the ring on the finger. If
Valentine [comes forward). 114
Whom
art thou luring here
^
t)
M-
^
STREET by God
thou cursed ratcatcher
!
First, to
!
the devil with
the instrument, then to the devil with the singer.
The
Mepltistopheles. all
up with
Now
Valentine.
It
!
is
then for a skull-cracking.
Don't
Faust).
{to
Stick close, and do as
!
broken to pieces
is
it.
Mephistoplieles
Courage
guitar
you.
I
tell
I
will parry.
Thrust away, and Valentine. Parry that
toasting-iron
give
!
Doctor Out with your way.
!
!
Why
Mephistoplieles.
And
Valentine.
that
Valentine. ?
My
hand
sure.
the
I
believe
is
already disabled.
Mephisiopheles
devil
Valentine falls.
Oh, torture
The clown
must vanish
already raised.
should find
Martha
am
I
{at the
Margaret
screaming and
Out
uundow).
lies
But away
horrible
home with
outcry
the police, but
!
out
Bring a
light
railing
and
scuffling,
Have the murderers escaped
out).
Who !
Valentine.
I
Why
am
dying
do you
!
here and listen to me.
my
!
and sooner stand howling and wailing }
that
women
is
soon
said,
[All
come round him.
Margaret you are still young are not yet adroit enough, and manage your matters little
^
lies here.''
Thy mother's son. Almighty God what misery
Margaret.
ye,
!
is
one dead already.
out).
Margaret {coming
Look
a
fighting.
Martha {coming
done.
tamed now. for
They are
be/ore).
Here
People.
Come
is
perfectly at
window).
{at the
{as
People.
!
hard to clear scores with the criminal courts.
it
Martha
is
!
twinkling,
a
in
What
fighting.
is
Thrust home
Faust).
{to
Mepliistoplieles.
We
still
^
!
To be
Mephistoplieles.
that
not
!
!
you
ill.
I
FAUST you
tell it
confidence, since you are, once for
in
all,
a whore,
be one in good earnest.
Margaret.
Brother
Valentine.
Leave
What
done, alas
is
will
our
?
!
cannot be undone, and things
!
You begin
their course.
What do you mean Lord God out of the game.
God
!
privately with one
;
more
will take
them
of
soon follow; and when a dozen have had you, the whole
town
will
When
have you first
too.
Shame
is
born, she
is
brought into the world
is drawn over her head and ears. Aye, people would fain stiHe her. But when she grows and waxes big, she walks flauntingly in open day, and yet is not a whit the fairer. The uglier her face becomes,
clandestinely, and the veil of night
the more she courts the light of day.
By my
truth,
towns-people
will
already see the time
I
again
!
in
No more
or take pride hide yourself in
in
honest
all
turn aside from you, you whore, as from
an infected corpse. they look you
when
when
Your heart
will
sink within you
You
will
wear no golden chain
the face. will
you stand
at the altar in
the church,
a fair lace collar at the dance.
some dark miserable
You
will
corner, amongst beggars
and cripples, and, even should God forgive you, be cursed upon earth Martha. Commend your soul to God's mercy. Will you yet heap the sin of slander upon your soul. !
Valentine.
Could
shameless bawd,
pardon for
all
Margaret. Valentine.
I
my
My
I
but get at thy withered body, thou
should hope to find a
full
measure of
sins
brother
!
Oh,
Have done with
this agonizing
tears,
me
I
tell
you.
pang
!
When
you
renounced I go through death's sleep unto God, a soldier and a honour, you gave
the deepest heart-stab of
all.
brave one.
^^<^
'^'''s-
CATHEDRAL SERVICE, ORGAN AND ANTHEM. Margaret amongst a number of
Evil Spirit
People.
behind Margaret.
Evil Spirit.
different
was
it
with thee,
Margaret,
When
still
full
of innocence
Thou earnest to the altar there Out of the well-worn little book Lispedst prayers,
Half child-sport, Half
God
Margaret
Where
the heart
in
!
1
is
thy head
?
In thy heart
What crime
?
Prayest thou for thy mother's soul
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who
Slept over into long, long pain through thee
Whose blood on thy threshold And under thy heart Stirs
it
its
.''
not quickening even now,
Torturing
With
.''
itself
and thee
foreboding presence 117
?
I
FAUST Margaret.
Woe
woe
!
!
Would that were free from the thoughts, That come over me and across me 1
me
Despite of
!
Chorus.
Dies
dies
irae,
ilia
Solvet sÂŁeclum
fax
in
[Urgan plays.
ilia.
Evil Spirit.
Horror seizes thee The Trump sounds
!
!
The graves tremble And thy heart
From
the repose of
!
its
ashes
For fiery torment Brought to life again, Trembles up !
Margaret.
Would I
that
feel as
Stifled
breath,
As if the anthem Dissohed my heart's core CItorus.
Judex ergo cum Quidquid
sedebit,
latet adparebit.
Nil inultum remanebit.
Margaret. I
feel so
The
thronged
!
wall-pillars
Close on
me
The vaulted Presses on
!
the organ
if
my
were hence
I
!
roof
me
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Air ii8
!
!
CATHEDRAL Evil Spirit.
Hide thyself Sin and shame Remain, unhidden. !
Air
Light
?
Woe
?
to thee
!
Chorus.
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus Quern patronum rogaturus ?
Cum
vix Justus
sit
?
securus.
Evil Spirit.
The
glorified
from thee
Avert their faces. The pure shudder
To reach thee
Woe
their hands.
!
Chorus.
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus
?
Margaret.
Neighbour
!
your smelling-bottle
!
[Slie sicooiis
away.
\
2
MAY-DAY NIGHT THE HARTZ MOUNTAINS District of Schirke
mid Elend.
— Faust— Mephistopheles.
Mephistopheles.
?
For
of
the
you not long for a broomstick
my
part
be
should
I
By
roughest he-goat. are
still
far
is
my
legs, this
this
road
we
from our destination.
So long as
Fatist.
upon
glad
I
feel
knotted stick suffices me.
the use of shortening the
way
?
fresh
What
To creep along
of the vales, and then ascend these from which the ever-bubbling spring dashes this is the pleasure which gives zest to such a path. The spring is already weaving in the birch trees, and even the pine is beginning to feel it, ought it not to have some effect upon our limbs ?
the labyrinth
rocks,
—
—
Mephistopheles. All is
wintry
and snow upon
my
disk of the red
moon
bad a
light, that,
in
my
path.
Verily,
body, and
How
feel
I I
of
it.
should prefer frost
mournfully the imperfect
rises with belated glare
at every step,
nothing
!
and gives so
one runs against a tree or
With your leave, I will call a will-o'the-wisp. I see one yonder, burning right merrily. Holloa, there, my friend a rock.
!
1
20
MAY-DAY NIGHT may
company
entreat your
I
so uselessly
Be
?
Out
my
subduing
in
wilt thou
away
blaze
so good as to light us up along here.
Will-o'the-Wisp.
succeed
Why
?
reverence,
of
hope,
I
shall
I
Our course
unsteady nature.
is
ordinarily but a zigzag one.
Ha
Mephisiopheles.
But go
straight,
in
ha
!
you think name, or
!
the devil's
to I
men. blow your
imitate
will
flickering life out.
Will-o'the-Wisp.
and
accommodate myself to you. But consider magic-mad to-night, and if a will-o'the-wisp show you the way, you must not be too particular.
will willingly
the mountain is
see well that you are master here,
I
to
is
Faust, Mephistopheles, Will-o'the-VVisp, in altcnialiiig song.
dreams and enchantments, it seems, have we entered. Lead us right, and do yourself credit that we may advance betimes in the wide, desolate regions. See trees after trees, how rapidly they move by and the cliffs, that bow, and the long-snouted rocks, how they snort, how they blow Through the stones, through the turf, brook and brookling hurry down. Do I hear rustling do I hear songs do I Into the sphere of
!
;
!
.-'
hear the sweet plaint of love
— what
we
hope, what
we
?
love
.''
— voices
of those blest days
And Echo,
!
like
.''
the tale of
old times, sends back the sound.
Tu-whit-tu-whoo
—
—
it
sounds nearer
;
the owl, the pewet,
and the jay, have they all remained awake ? Are those salamanders through the brake, with their long legs, thick paunches And the roots, like snakes, wind from out of rock and sand, and stretch forth strange filaments to terrify, to seize us from coarse speckles, instinct with life, they .'
;
set polypus-fibres for the traveller.
And
coloured, in whole tribes, through the
heath
!
And
the
confounding escort.
glow-worms
fly,
the mice, thousand-
moss and through the in crowded swarms, a
FAUST But tell me whether we stand still, or whether we are moving on. rocks and Everythinj.* seems to turn round, trees, which make grimaces, and the will-o'the-wisps, which multiply, which swell themselves out. Here Mephistopheles. Keep a stout hold of my skirt is a central peak, from which one sees with wonder how
—
!
Mammon
glowing
is
How
Faust. red,
in
the mountain.
strangely a melancholy light, of morning
glimmers through the mountain gorges, and quivers even
Here rises a mineHere glow sparkles out of
to the deepest recesses of the precipice.
damp, there float exhalations. vapour and gauze, then steals along then again bursts forth
like
a fine thread, and
like
Here
a fountain.
it
winds, a
whole track, with a hundred veins, through the valley and here, in the compressed corner, it scatters itself at once. There sparks are sputtering near, like golden sand up;
sprinkled.
But, see
!
the wall of rocks
is
on
fire
in
all
its
height.
Does not Sir
Mephistopheles.
palace magnificently for this festival
have seen
it.
Faust.
How
the storm-blast it
Mephistopheles.
thickens the forest
!
it
?
It
illuminate
his
lucky that you
is
already see traces of the boisterous guests.
I
With what thumps the rock, or
Mammon
will
night.
The owls
of the pillars of
is
strikes against
raging through the air
my
neck
!
You must lay hold of the old ribs of hurl you down into this abyss. A mist Hark what a crashing through the
fly
!
scared away.
Hark, to the splintering
the ever-green palaces
!
the crackling and
snapping of the boughs, the mighty groaning of the trunks, the creaking and yawning of the roots
!
— All
come crashing
down, one over the other, in fearfully-confused fall and the winds hiss and howl through the wreck-covered cliffs Dost thou hear voices aloft ? in the distance ? close at hand ? Aye, a raving witch-song streams along the whole mountain. ;
—
—
—
122
% "^%.,
f--*-^^
MAY-DAY NIGHT The Witches, in chorus. To the Brocken the witches The stubble is yellow, the sown-fields are green. repair Sir Urian sits at There the huge multitude is assembled. !
On
the top.
they go, over stone and stock
;
the witches,
the he-goats.
Old
Voices.
Baubo comes alone
;
she
upon
rides
a
farrow-sow.
Then honour
Chorus.
Baubo
whom
to
her,
—
Which way did you come ? there peeped By Ilsenstein.
Voice.
Voice.
I
She gave me such a look
due
I
into
the owl's
!
What a rate you are riding at Oh, drive to hell She has grazed me in passing only look at the
Voice.
!
Voice.
wound
Mother proper sow and is
and lead the way! A then follows the whole swarm of witches.
to the front,
mother upon
nest.
honour
:
!
Chorus of Witches. What mad throng is scratches
:
the child
—
The way is broad the way is long. the besom The fork sticks this
is
.''
suffocated
—
—
the mother bursts.
We steal along like snails in Wizards {half-chorus). for, in going to the their house the women are all before house of the wicked one, woman is a thousand steps in ;
;
advance.
We
do not take that so precisely. The woman does it with a thousand steps but, let her make as much haste as she can, the man does it at a single bound. Come with us, come with us, from Voices (above).
The other Half.
;
Felsensee Voices {from beloxv).
We
should
like to
We wash,
mount with
you.
and are thoroughly clean, but we Both Choruses. The wind is still, the stars fly, the The magic-choir melancholy moon is glad to hide herself. are ever barren.
sputters forth sparks by thousands in
Voice {from below).
Hold
!
123
Hold
its !
whizzing.
FAUST Who
Voice
{from above). the rock ?
in
calls
from the
there,
cleft
Voice {from below). Take me with you take me with I you have been mounting for three hundred years already, and cannot reach the top. I would fain be with my fellows. Both Choruses. The besom carries, the stick carries, !
!
the
fork
such
a
length I
!
he-goat
Who
carries.
cannot raise
lost for ever.
is
Demi-Wiich already
the
carries,
himself to-night
{below).
of
time
have
I
how
;
been
others
the
far
have no rest at home,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
tottering
after
are a-head
and don't get
it
here
neither.
Chorus of
The
Witc/ies.
salve
courage to the
gives
witches a rag is good for a sail every trougii makes a good ship he will never fly, who flew not to-night. Bo/h Choruses. And when we round the peak, sweep along the ground, and cover the heath far and wide with [Tlicy let themselves down. your swarm of witch-hood. Mcphistopheles. There's crowding and pushing, rustling and clattering There's whizzing and twirling, bustling and ;
;
;
!
babbling
A
!
There's glittering, sparkling, stinking,
burning
But stick close to me, or we be separated in a moment. Where art thou ? Faust {in the distance). Here true witch-element
!
shall
!
!
Mcphistopheles.
What
!
already torn
away so
far
?
I
Squire Voland must exert my authority as master. Room Here, comes Make room, sweet people, make room and now, at one bound, let us Doctor, take hold of me !
!
!
!
get clear of the crowd.
me.
Hard by
It
is
too mad, even for the like of
there, shines something with a peculiar light.
Something attracts me towards those bushes.
we
Come
along,
will slip in there.
Faust.
Thou
may'st lead me.
spirit of contradiction
But
it
!
was wisely done, 124
But go on to be sure
!
!
thou
We
MAY- DAY NIGHT repair
Brocken
the
to
when we
isolate ourselves
Faust. see
One
not alone
is
should prefer being above, though
I
and
try
get here.
met together.
is
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to
Only see what variegated flames
Mephistopheles.
merry club company.
Walpurgis' night
on
flame and eddying
Yonder
smoke.
Many
streaming to the Evil One.
A
!
in
a small
I
already
!
multitude
the
is
must there be
a riddle
untied.
And many
Mephistopheles.
Let the great world bluster as ourselves
peace.
in
world one makes
and
naked
little
Be
is
Confounded
jangle
Come
come
along,
and
forward fresh
will,
ones,
old
we
will
I
along,
the great
my
sake
;
cover
the trouble
hear the tuning of instruments.
I
oneself
cannot be otherwise.
it
What
in
prudently
One must accustom
!
anew. here house tied
see young witches,
who
only for
if
great.
and
introduce you,
obligation.
it
Yonder
worlds.
compliant,
small, the sport
also
an old saying, that
is
and
bare,
themselves. is
It
is
a riddle
sayest
I
shall
thou,
lay
friend
?
I
to
it.
go
will
you under a This is no
you can hardly see the end. A hundred fires are burning in a row. People are dancing, talking, cooking, drinking, love-making Now tell me where anything better is to be found Faust. To introduce us here, do you intend to present trifling
space.
Only look
1
!
!
yourself as wizard or devil
Mephistopheles. incognito.
In
?
truth,
I
am
much
used
go
to
But one shows one's orders on gala days.
I
have no garter to distinguish me, but the cloven foot is held in high honour here. Do you see the snail there ? she
comes creeping
and with her feelers has already found out something in me. Even if I would, I could not deny myself here. But come we will go from fire to fire I will be the pander, and you shall be the gallant. up,
1
;
125
FAUST [To some
lolio
arc sitting round expiring embers.
Old gentlemen, what are you doing here at the extremity ? I find you nicely in the middle, should commend you, did Every one is in the thici{ of the riot and youthful revelry. surely enough alone at home. General. Who can put his trust in nations, though he For with the people, as has done ever so much for them with the women, youth has always the upper hand. Minister. At present people are wide astray from the right path For, verily, when the good old ones for me true golden all in all, that was the age. we were Parvenu. We, too, were certainly no fools, and often But now every thing is turned did what we ought not. topsy-turvy, and just when we wished to keep it firm. I
.''
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Author.
!
Who
now-a-days, speaking generally, likes to
read a work of even moderate sense
.''
And
as for the rising
generation, they were never so malapert.
Mephistopheles feel
{who
at
all
once
the people ripe for doomsday,
witch-mountain for the
is
now
that
and because
last time;
runs thick, the world also
appears
come
very I
old).
I
ascend the
my own
cask
to the dregs.
A
Witch {who sells old clothes and frippery). Do not Now is your time. Look pass by in this manner, gentlemen I have them of all sorts. And yet at my wares attentively there is nothing in my shop which has not its fellow upon earth that has not, some time or other, wrought proper There is no dagger mischief to mankind and to the world. no chalice, from here, from which blood has not flowed which hot consuming poison has not been poured into a healthy body; no trinket, which has not seduced some amiable woman no sword, which has not cut some tie asunder, which has not perchance stabbed an adversary from behind. Mephistopheles. Cousin you understand but ill the Happened, done temper of the times. Done, happened I
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
;
;
!
!
126
!
MAY- DAY NIGHT Take
to
dealing
novelties
in
only
novelties
;
have
any
attraction for us.
Faust.
If
I
my
can but keep
senses
This
!
is
a fair
with a vengeance
The whole throng struggles upwards. shove, and you yourself are shoved.
Mephistopheles.
You
think to
Faust.
Who,
then,
Mark her
Mephistopheles.
Faust.
Who
that
is
^
well
!
That
is
Lilith.
?
Adam's first wife. Beware of her fair hair, of that ornament in which she shines pre-eminent. When she ensnares a young man with it, she does not let him off again so easily. Faust. There sit two, the old one with the young one. They have already capered a good bit Mephistopheles. That has neither stop nor stay to-night. Mephistopheles.
!
A new
dance is beginning come, we will set to. Faust {dancing with the young one). I had once upon In it, I saw an apple-tree; two lovely a time a fair dream. apples glittered on it they enticed me, I climbed up. The Fair One. You are very fond of apples, and have been so from Paradise downwards, I feel moved with joy, ;
:
that
my
garden also bears such.
Mephistopheles (with the old one).
had once upon a
I
time a wild dream.
The Old One.
I
present
my
best respects to the knight
of the cloven foot.
Confounded mob how dare you ? Was it not long since demonstrated to you ? A spirit never stands upon ordinary feet and you are actually dancing Procktophantasmist.
!
;
away,
like
us mortals
I
The Fair One. What does he come to our ball for then ? Faust (dancing). Ha He is absolutely everywhere. He must appraise what others dance! If he cannot talk about !
127
FAUST every step, the step is
is
made
as good as never
most vexed, when we go forwards.
turn round
a circle, as he does
in
term that good, him about it.
dare say
I
You
Procktophantasmlst.
are
He
all.
you would but he would
If
his old mill,
in
particularly
;
at
were you
there, then
still
to consult
No, that
!
But vanish We have enlightened the world, you know That devil's crew, they pay no attention We are so wise, and Tegel is haunted, notwithto rules. not been sweeping away standing! How long have It is at the delusion and it never becomes clean unheard of Tlie Fair One. Have done boring us here, at any rate, is
unheard of
!
!
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
!
;
then
!
Prockioplmntasiiiist. I
you,
tell
I
endure not the despotism of the
exercise
succeed
and
still
devils
dancing goes
{Tlie
it.
in
nothing
;
before
hope,
I
spirit.
my
on.)
step,
last
My
To-night,
am always
your faces,
to
spirit
see,
I
cannot I
shall
ready for a journey to
the
get
better
;
of
and poets.
He
MephistopJieles.
puddle
but
Spirits,
;
that
his
is
forthwith,
will,
mode
soothing
of
amused themselves on
leeches have
and spirit. (To Why do you leave the pretty you in the dance
his
girl,
in
a
and when rump, he is cured
himself
Faust, wlio has
of spirits
himself
seat
who sung
;
left
tlie
dance.)
so sweetly to
.''
Faust.
jumped out
Ah
in
!
There
Mcphistopheles.
One must that the in
a
not
of
is
nothing out of the
be too nice about
mouse was not
moment Faust.
middle of the song, a red mouse
the
of her mouth.
grey.
enjoyment.
Then
I
Mcphistopheles.
saw
What ? 128
such
Who
way
matters.
in that.
Enough
cares for such things
MAY-DAY NIGHT Mephisto, do you see yonder a pale, fair
Faust.
standing alone and afar off
She drags
!
girl,
herself but slowly
from the place she seems to move with fettered feet. I must own, she seems to me to resemble poor Margaret. Mepliisiopheles. Have nothing to do with that no good can come of it to any one. It is a creation of enchantment, is lifeless, an idol. It is not well to meet it the blood of man thickens at its chill look, and he is well nigh turned to stone. You have heard, no doubt, of Medusa. Faust. In truth, they are the eyes of a corpse, which there was no fond hand to close. That is the bosom, which Margaret yielded to me that is the sweet body, which I enjoyed. That is sorcery, thou easily deluded Mephistopheles. fool for she wears to every one the semblance of his :
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
;
;
;
beloved.
What
Faust.
bliss
what
!
How
myself from that look.
suffering
no thicker than the back of a
line,
!
cannot tear
I
strangely does a single knife,
red
adorn that lovely
neck.
Right
Mephistopheles.
see
I
!
carry her head under her arm, for
too. She can also Perseus has cut it off
it
the
hill,
But ever this fondness for delusion Come up however here all is as merry as in the Prater
and
if
am
for
is
her.
I
!
;
not bewitched,
going on here, then Servibilis.
They
piece, the last of
many. Excuse
A
me.
is
just
;
what
recommence immediately.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
When I
but
I
approve
and dilettanti play must be off. It is it,
I
find ;
A new
the custom here to give so
is
it
has written
draw up the
Mephistopheles. that
will
Gentlemen,
dilettante office to
What
^.
seven
dilettante
actually see a theatre.
I
curtain.
you upon the Blocksberg,
for
for you. 129
it.
my
this
is
the proper place
MAY-DAY NIGHT'S DREAM; OR,
OBERON AND
TITANIA'S
GOLDEN WEDDING-FEAST INTERMEZZO
INTERMEZZO Theatre-Manager.
we
rest for once
we, the brave
;
sons of Mieding.
damp ry
be
past
show
time to
ye
If
it
:
is
Old mountain the whole
if
wedding-feast
the
are
fifty-years
the quarrel
is
over,
to I
be
shall
the golden the better.
like
Oberon.
That
golden,
but
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that
!
Herald.
may
dale
spirits
with
are
the king and
me, this
is
the
the queen, they are
united anew.
Puck.
When Puck comes
and whirls himself foot goes whisking in the dance,
and his hundreds come after to rejoice along with him.
about,
Ariel.
heavenly purity lures the
;
Ariel
song, trifles,
tones
in
but
it
of
also
fair.
Oberon.
is
the
music lures many
his
Wedded
ones,
a lesson from us two. it
awakes
who would
agree,
To make a couple
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
let
them
take-
love each other,
only necessary to separate them. Titania.
If
the
husband looks
gruff,
and the wife be Conduct
whimsical, take hold of both of them immediately.
me
her to the South, and him to the extremity of the North. 133
K
FAUST Orchestra-Tutti
(Fortissimo).
noses, with their kindred in
the grass
here comes the bagpipe
Hark
bubble. its
the leaves, and cricket
in
they are the musicians.
:
See,
Solo.
and gnats'
snouts,
Flies'
Frog
!
through
Schnecke-schnicke-schnack
the
to
the soap-
is
It
!
snub-nose. Spirit that is fashionitig
and
belly,
make
wings for the
little
an animalcule,
A
it
little
true, but
is
pair of Lovers.
Spider's foot and toad's
itself.
Little
wight
It
!
makes a
it
does not
poem.
little
step and high bound, through
Truly, you trip it me enough, honey-dew and exhalations. but you do not mount into the air. Inquisitive Traveller. Is not this masquerading-mockery }
Can
my
believe
I
here to-night, too
eyes
god, Oberon,
I
No
Orthodox.
To see the beauteous
.''
claws, no
tail
Yet
!
it
stands beyond a
doubt that, even as "The Gods of Greece," so
he too a
is
devil.
What
Northern Artist.
ways as
it
were; but
I
catch,
I
is
at present only sketch-
prepare myself betimes for the Italian
journey.
Ah
Purist.
I
my
ill-fortune
constant scene of rioting
!
me
brings
hither
;
what a
and of the whole host of witches,
only two are powdered.
Young Witch.
Powder as well as petticoats are for sit naked upon my little old and grey women. Therefore he-goat, and show a stout body. Matron. We have too much good-breeding to squabble I
with
But
j'ou here.
I
hope you
will rot,
young and
delicate
as you are.
Leader of don't cricket
swarm in
the
so
Band. about
the grass
!
Flies'
the
snouts and
naked.
Frog
gnats' in
noses,
leaves,
and
Continue, however, to keep time,
beg of you. 134
I
INTERMEZZO Weathercock content
heart's
bachelors,
man
one
{towards
man
for
but
nothing
Truly,
!
Company
side).
brides
the hopefullest people
!
one's
to
young
and
!
!
Weathercock {towards the other side). And if the ground does not open, to swallow up all of them with a quick run,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
immediately jump into
will
I
Xenien.
We
hell.
are here as insects, with
little
sharp nebs, to
honour Satan, our worshipful papa, according to his dignity. Hennings. See how naively they joke together in a crowded troop. They will e'en say in the end, that they had good hearts. !
Musaget. witches
I
like full
for, truly,
;
well to lose myself in this host of
should
I
know how
to
manage these
better than Muses.
With proper
Ci-devant Genius of the Age. becomes somebody. Come, take
hold of
German Parnassus, has Tell me what Traveller.
Blocksberg, like the Inquisitive
that
stiff
He walks
man.
everything he can snuffle.
The Crane. waters.
On
the
I
"
people, one skirt
The
!
a very broad top. is
name
the
He
with
stiff
He
scenting out Jesuits."
is
clear
like to fish in
same
my
principle
steps.
and even
of
snuffles
troubled
in
you see the pious gentlemen
associate even with devils.
Worldling. is
a vehicle.
Aye, for the pious, believe me, everything
They
actually
form many a conventicle, here
upon the Blocksberg. Dancer. distant
hear Here is surely a new choir coming But don't disturb yourselves there are !
drums.
I
!
single-toned bitterns
among
the reeds.
Dancing Master* How each throws up his legs! gets on as best he may The crooked jumps, the clumsy hops, and asks not how it looks. !
*
This and the following stanza were added
in
the last complete Edition of Goethe's
Works.
135
K2
FAUST How
Fiddler.
each other, and
blow
finishing
deeply
how
this
ragamuffins
of
hate
gladly they would give each other the
The bagpipe
!
pack
them
unites
here, as Orpheus'
lyre the beasts.
Dogmatist.
by either
critics
something; for
my
how
mind.
The
doubts.
opinion, not
though,
devil,
must be
else could there be devils.''
Phantasy, this
Idealist. in
or
my
not be put out of
will
I
Truly,
if
once,
be
I
that
too
really
is
All,
masterful
must be beside
I
myself to-day. Entity
Realist.
me much.
but vex firm
upon
my
am
I
stand
I
am
for
here,
the
first
time,
not
feet.
Supeniatitralist.
and
a regular plague to me, and cannot
is
delighted with these
greatly ;
for,
pleased at
from
devils,
being
here,
can certainly
I
draw conclusions as to good spirits. Sceptic. They follow the track of the
flame, and believe Only doubt (ziceifel) rhymes Here I am quite at home. to devil {teufel). Leader of the Band. Frog in the leaves, and cricket in the grass Confounded dilettanti Flies' snouts and gnats' noses you are fine musicians
themselves near the treasure.
!
!
!
;
TIte
Knowing Ones.
Sansoiici, that
is
name
the
of the
There is no longer any walking upon feet, wherefore we walk upon our heads. In times past we have sponged The Maladroit Ones. Our shoes many a tit-bit but now, good bye to all that are danced through we run on bare soles. We come from the bog, from which Will-o'tlie-Wisps. we are just sprung but we are the glittering gallants here host of merry creatures.
!
;
;
;
in
the dance directly.
From on high, in star-and-fire-light, am now lying crooked-ways in the grass
Star-Shoot. hither. will help
I
me upon my
legs
?
136
I
shot
;
who
INTERMEZZO room and round about The Massive Ones. Room so down go the grass-stalks. Spirits are coming, but spirits as they are, they have plump limbs. !
Puck.
Don't tread
and the plumpest on Ariel.
kind
If
wings, follow
my
this
so
wind
elephants'
like
nature
light track
gave
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
if
the
up to the Drifting
hill
!
spirit
calves
in
gave
of roses
clouds,
from on high Breeze the rushes, and all is dissipated
brighten in
heavily,
!
day be the stout Puck himself.
Orchestra {pianissimo). mists,
!
you
!
and wreathed the leaves, and
GLOOMY DAY.-OPEN COUNTRY
A
Faust.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mephistopheles.
Fausi.
MISERY!
Despairing
Lonjt
!
a
wretciied wanderer upon the earth, and
now
/X' ^fsJ^L
a
prisoner
The
!
unhappy
dear,
being, cooped up in the dungeon, as a
malefactor, for horrid tortures to that spirit,
from me
to that
!
and
infuriated
in
head
thy
Given over to
!
man
passing, unfeeling
hast
thou
been
Even
!
concealed
thou
hast
thy devilish eyes
roll
Stand and brave me with
!
A
prisoner!
evil
spirits,
thy unbearable presence!
misery
!
this
Stand, only stand
!
!
Treacherous, worthless
!
lulling
And me, with
In irremediable
and to sentencein
the
tasteless
mean
time,
dissipations,
concealing her growing wretchedness from
me, and
leaving her to perish without help.
Mephistopheles.
Dog
She
is
not the
first.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
monster Turn him, thou Infinite Spirit turn the reptile back again into his dog's shape, in which he was often pleased to ti'ot before me by Faust.
!
horrible
!
!
night,
to
roll
and fasten on into his
before
before
favourite
me
in
the
feet
of
the harmless wanderer,
when he fell. Turn him again that he may crouch on his belly
his shoulders
the
shape,
sand, whilst 138
I
spurn him with
my
foot,
OPEN COUNTRY Not the first Wo! wo! It is inconceivable by any human soul, that more than one creature should have sunk into such a depth of misery,— that the first, in its writhingthe reprobate
!
!
death-agony, was not sufficient to atone for the guilt of all It harrows the rest in the sight of the Ever-pardoning.
—
up my marrow and my very life, the misery of this one thou art grinning away calmly at the fate of thousands. Now are we already at our wits' end Mephistopheles. :
your mortals snaps with overstraining. Why dost thou enter into fellowship with us, canst not go through with it } Will'st By, and art if thou Did we force ourselves on thee, not safe from dizziness
again
where the sense
just
!
of
.'
or thou thyself on us
Gnash not thy greedy teeth thus defyingly
Faust.
me
thee
loathe
I
!
.''
Great,
!
glorious
why yoke me
soul,
this
to
mischief, and battens on destruction
Hast done
Mephistopheles.
Save her
Faust.
!
or
who
who knowest my heart and shame-fellow who feeds on
deignedst to appear to me, thou
my
thou
Spirit,
at
!
.''
woe
to thee
The most
!
horrible
curse on thee for thousands of years Mephistopheles.
cannot
I
avenger, nor undo his bolts.
plunged her into ruin
I
.''
the
loosen
— Save
or thou
her
!
shackles
—Who
was
of
the
it
that
?
[Faust looks wildly around.
Art thou grasping after the thunder ? Well, that it is not To dash to pieces one who given to you wretched mortals !
replies
way
to
you
in
— that
is
just
the tyrant's
of venting himself in perplexities.
Bring
Faust.
me
Mephistopheles.
yourself lies
innocence
all
.?
thither
And
Know, the
upon the town.
of the slain,
and
lie
!
shall be free
I
the danger to which you
guilt
of
Avenging in
She blood,
spirits
expose
from your hand, still hover over the place
wait for the returning murderer. 139
FAUST Faust.
Murder and death of a Conduct me thither, I say, and
That, too, from thee
world upon thee, monster
!
?
free her
Mephistopheles.
hear
Have
!
I
all
I
will
power
cloud the gaoler's senses
in ;
conduct thee, and what
I
can,
heaven and upon earth ? I will do you possess yourself of the
and bear her off with human hand. I will watch The magic horses will be ready, I will bear you off. This keys,
much
!
I
can do.
Faust.
Up and away
!
NlGHT—A COMMON Faust and Mephistopheles rushing along upon black
horses.
Faust.
are
they
working
— those
the Ravenstone yonder Mephistopheles.
Can't
tell
about
?
what they're
cooking and making.
waving
Are
Faust.
downwards — bending Mephistoplieles.
Faust.
A
upwards
— stooping.
witch company.
They are sprinkling and charming.
Mephistopheles.
On
!
on
!
— waving
DUNGEON Faust
{iviih
a bunch of keys and a lamp, before an iron
wicket).
TREMOR,
long
walls,
is
of
!
hitherwards.
On
lock.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Singing
xvithin.
killed
me!
father, the rogue,
That ate me up
My
!
fearest
mother, the whore.
That
My
Thou
!
Thou
thy irresolution lingers death
!
[He takes hold of the
My
man-
her dwelhng-place, and
to go to her
hesitatest
;
Here, behind these
her crime was a good delusion to see her again
me
seizes
concentrated misery
the
kind fastens on me.
damp
unfelt,
little
!
sister
Picked up the bones At a cool place There I became a beautiful !
Fly away
Faust (opening her lover
is
!
the lock).
fly
away
little
wood-bird.
!
She has no presentiment that
listening, hears the chains clank, the
straw
rustle.
[He enters.
Margaret {hiding her face in the bed of straw). Woe They come. Bitter death woe Faust (softly). Hush! hush! I come to free thee. !
!
142
DUNGEON Margaret {throwing herself before human, feel for my wretchedness.
You
Faust.
him).
If
wake the guard by your
will
cries
[He takes hold of the chains
Margaret (on her
power over me
this
Be
midnight.
Who
knees).
merciful and
morning soon enough
let
to
art
!
unlock them.
has given you, headsman,
You come
?
thou
me
for
me
live.
whilst Is
it
yet
is
not to-morrow [She stands up.
?
I and am to die already My true-love was was fair, too, and that was my undoing near he is now far away. Torn lies my garland, scattered Spare Don't take hold of me so roughly the flowers. I
am
yet so young, so young
!
!
!
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
I
me in
Let me done to you never saw you before in all
What have
!
vain
know
I
!
I
.''
not
my
implore life,
you
!
Faust.
Can
I
endure
am now
this
misery
Only let pressed it this whole me first give suck to the child. night to my heart. They took it away to vex me, and now And I shall never be happy again. They killed it. say An old It is wicked of the people. sing songs upon me! Margaret.
I
entirely in thy power. I
I
tale
ends
so,
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;who
bids
them apply
it
.''
A lover lies at Faust (throws himself on the ground). wretchedness. bonds of unloose the thy feet, to Margaret {throws herself by his side). Ay, let us kneel See, under these steps, under the to invoke the saints. The Evil One, with fearful fury, threshold, hell is seething !
making a din. Faust (passionately). Margaret! Margaret! That was my true-love's voice. Margaret (listening). The chains fall off). Where is he ? I (She springs icp. free Nobody shall hinder me. I will him call. I am heard He called Margaret! lie on his bosom! fly to his neck!
is
!
He
stood upon the threshold.
H3
In
the midst, through the
FAUST howling and clattering of scoffing,
knew the
I
Faust.
'Tis
hell,
sweet, the loving tone again.
I.
{Clasping
Ah, say so once again!
'Tis thou!
Margaret.
through the grim, devilish
Whither is all my wretchedness? Whither the agony of the dungeon? the chains? 'Tis thou am saved!— There again already Thou com'st to save me. and the is the street, where I saw thee for the first time cheerful garden, where I and Martha waited for thee. Faust (striving to take her axvay). Come Come with me liUe to stay where thou stayest. Margaret. Oh stay 'Tis he!
him.)
'Tis he!
—
I
I
;
!
!
I
!
[Caressing him.
Haste!
Faust.
pay dearly for
If
you do not make haste,
we
shall
it.
What
you can no longer kiss ? So short time away from me, my love, and already forgotton how to feel so sad upon your neck ? when, in kiss Why do other times, a whole heaven came over me fi-om your words, Margaret.
I
!
your looks
smother
and you kissed me as
;
me
Kiss
!
O woe
him.)
you
!
left
!
me
your
your love
?
!
lips
who
or
I
kiss
will
are cold,
if
!
—are
has robbed
you were going to (She embraces you
me
Where have
dumb. of
it
?
[She turns from him.
Come
Faust.
me
!
follow
my
will press thee to
follow
!
Margaret [turning is
it
thou, indeed
Faust.
'Tis
Margaret.
take courage,
!
my
love.
heart with thousandfold warmth
ask thee but
I
me
to
I
— only
this.
And
him).
is
it
thou, then
?
And
?
I.
Come
along!
You undo my
fetters,
you take
me
to your
How comes it that you are not afraid of bosom again me ? And do you then know, my love, whom you are freeing ? the depth of night is already Faust. Come, come 1
!
passing away. 144
DUNGEON Margaret.
Was
child.
too
mother,
have drowned
I
?
my
—
scarcely believe
I
!
my
killed
on thee, bestowed on thee and me it. Give me thy hand.
not
it
thou
'Tis
?
have
I
—
—
Wipe but oh, 'tis damp no dream thy dear hand Oh, it off. It seems to me as if there was blood on it. thy sword I pray Put up God what hast thou done It
is
!
!
.''
!
!
thee, do
!
Let what
Faust.
is
Thou
past, be past.
No, you must remain behind.
Margaret.
wilt
me.
kill
will describe
1
you must see to them the first thing to-morrow. Give my mother the best place; my brother close by me, a little on one side, only not too far oif And the little one on my right breast no one else will lie the graves to you
;
!
—
—
;
To
by me. delight
were
Faust.
you
you
If
— that
was
a sweet, a dear
and you
;
feel
I
as
if
I
were thrusting me
to you, and you
look, so kind.
feel that 'tis
Out there
Margaret.
I,
come
along.
.''
Into the free air!
Fatcst
Margaret wait,
drawn
yet, 'tis
side,
tliy
never be mine again.
will
it
irresistibly
And
off.
nestle to
But
!
— then
grave
the
If
come
Hence
!
without,
is
the
into
if
death
eternal
lies
in
resting-place,
and not a step further. Thou art now going away Henry, could I but go too
^
O
!
Thou canst
Faust.
!
Only consent
!
The door stands
open.
Margaret.
What is
so
avails
dare not go out
I
flying
it
miserable
conscience, too.
to
.''
;
They are
be obliged
to
there
is
no hope for
lying in wait for me.
beg,
so miserable to
—and
wander
with
an
me
!
It
evil
in a
strange
Margaret. Quick, quick! Save thy poor child. Keep the path up by the brook over the bridge
Away!
land,
— and
Faust.
they 1
It
will
is
catch me, do as
shall be
I
will.
with thee.
—
H5
— into
the
FAUST wood— to
the
and catch hold of help Help struggling quick
!
Be
it
!
it
to
tries
rise
!
still
is
it
!
!
Faust.
Only
where the plank is— in the pond.
left
calm,
I
Only one
pray!
step,
and thou art
free.
Margaret.
Were we stone my
but past the
hill
—
There
!
sits
—
my my
there sits brain grows chill mother on a mother on a stone, and waves her head to and fro. She beckons not, she nods not, her head is heavy; she slept so She slept that we might enjoy long, she'll wake no more. ourselves. Those were pleasant times Faust. As no prayer, no persuasion, is here of any avail,
I
Lay not hold
when
I
bearing thee away.
will risk the
did
me go
Let
Margaret.
me
of
!
No,
!
I
so murderously
!
no
endure
violence
1
Time was, you know,
to pleasure you.
all
My love my love dawning The last day Yes, is growing day Tell no My wedding-day it was to be is breaking in one that thou hadst been with Margaret already. Woe to We shall meet again, over now It is all my garland The day Margaret. Day
Faust.
is
!
!
1
!
1
1
1
!
but not at the dance. The crowd thickens; it is not heard. The square, the streets, cannot hold them. The bell tolls How they bind and seize me! Already the staff breaks! !
am
I
hurried off to the blood-seat!
every neck lies
is
Already quivering for
Dumb
the sharp steel which quivers for mine.
the world as the grave!
Oh
Faust.
that
I
had never been born
Mephistopheles {appears without).
!
Up! or you are
Lingering and prattling Vain hesitation shudder; the morning is gloaming up. Margaret. What rises up from the floor
Send him away! would nie
My
!
!
What would
!
146
.?
He
lost.
horses
!
he at the holy place?
He He
DUNGEON Thou shalt live! Margaret. Judgment of God
Faust.
I
!
have given myself up
to thee.
Mephistopheles
you
{to
Come! come!
Faust).
I
will leave
the scrape with her.
in
Margaret.
am
Thine
I,
Father!
Save me, ye Angels! about, to guard me
Ye Holy Hosts, range yourselves round tremble to look upon thee. Henry !
!
I
Mephistopheles.
She
Voice front above.
Mephistopheles
{to
Is
is
judged
saved
Faust).
!
!
Hither to
me
!
[Disappears with Faust.
Voice from within, dying away.
Henry
!
Henry
!
APPENDIX
SCENES FROM THE FAUST OF GOETHE Translated by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
PROLOGUE The Lord and
the
IN
HEAVEN. Enter three Archangels.
Host of Heaven.
Raphael, Gabriel, Michael.
The sun makes music as Amid the rival spheres of Heaven Raphael.
On
predestined circle roll'd
its
With thunder speed: the
Draw
of old
Ans^els even
strength from gazing on
its
glance.
Though none its meaning fathom may The world's unwither'd countenance Is bright
Gab.
:
as at creation's day.
And
swift
and
The adorned Earth
swift, with rapid lightness.
spins silently.
Alternating Elysian brightness
With deep and dreadful night
;
the sea
Foams in broad billows from the deep Up to the rocks, and rocks and ocean, Onward, with spheres which never Are hurried in eternal motion.
sleep,
Mic.
And tempests
From
land to sea, from sea to land
in
contention roar ;
And, raging, weave a chain of power.
Which
A
girds the earth, as with a band.
flashing desolation there,
Flames before the thunder's way; But thy servants, Lord, revere The gentle changes of thy day. 151
L2
APPENDIX Chorus of the Three.
The Angels draw strength from
thy glance,
Though no one comprehend thee may Thy world's unwither'd countenance Is
;
bright as on creation's day.*
Enter Mephistopheles.
Meph. As thou, O Lord, once more art kind enough To interest thyself in our affairs And ask, " How goes it with you there below ? " '
Rap.
The sun sounds, according
to ancient custom,
In the song of emulation of his brother-spheres.
And
its
fore-written circle
Fulfils with a step of thunder. Its
countenance gives the Angels strength
Though no one can fathom The incredible high works
it.
Are excellent as at the first day. Gab. And swift, and inconceivably swift The adornment of earth winds itself round. And exchanges Paradise-clearness With deep dreadful night. The sea foams in broad waves From its deep bottom, up to the rocks, And rocks and sea are torn on together In the eternal swift course of the spheres.
Mic. And storms roar in emulation From sea to land, from land to sea, And make, raging, a chain
Of deepest operation round about. There flames a flashing destruction Before the path of the thunderbolt. But thy servants, Lord, revere
The gentle alternations of thy day. Cho. Thy countenance gives the Angels Though none can comprehend thee
strength.
;
And
all
thy lofty works
Are excellent as
Such
is
at the first day.
the literal translation of this astonishing chorus
to represent in another language the
;
it is
of the versification
impossible ;
even the
and delicacy of the ideas escape in the crucible of translaand the reader is surprised to find a caput mortuum. Translator's Note.
volatile strength tion,
melody
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS And as indulgently at other times Thou tookedst not my visits in ill part, Thou seest me here once more among thy
household.
Though I should scandalize this company, You will excuse me if I do not talk In the high style which they think fashionable
My
Had you
not long since given over laughing.
Nothing know I
;
pathos would certainly make you laugh too,
I
suns and worlds
;
how men plague themselves
observe only
The little god As wonderful
to say of
o'
the world keeps the
as on creation's day
;
same stamp.
:
A
little better would he live, hadst thou Not given him a glimpse of heaven's light. Which he calls reason, and employs it only To live more beastlily than any beast. With reverence to j'our Lordship be it spoken,
one of those long-legg'd grasshoppers,
He's
like
Who
flits
The same Burying
and jumps about, and sings old song
his
nose
The Lord.
i'
in
for ever
There
the grass.
him
let
lie.
every heap of dung.
Have you no more
Do you
to say.
come here Always
to scold,
and
Seems nothing ever Mepli.
Even I
I
No, Lord!
am
cavil,
and complain
right to I
?
you on earth
?
find all there, as ever,
bad at best.
sorry for man's days of sorrow
could myself almost give up the pleasure
Of plaguing the poor things. The Lord. Knowest thou Faust Meph. The Doctor? The Lord. Ay my servant Faust. ;
Meph.
He
serves you
And
In truth in
a fashion quite his
own
;
the fool's meat and drink are not of earth.
His aspirations bear him on so far That he is half aware of his own folly,
For he demands from Heaven 153
its fairest star,
?
APPENDIX And from Yet
the earth the highest joy
things far, and
all
Though he now serves me
The Lord.
him
will soon lead
I
That
bears,
the deep emotions of his breast.
To calm
When
it
things near, are vain
all
in
a cloud of error,
forth to the clear day.
trees look green
well the gardener
full
knows
and blooms will deck the coming year. What will you bet? now I am sure of winning
fruits
—
Mcph.
me full permission my path.
Only, observe you give
To
lead him softly on
As long
The Lord.
As he Is
upon the earth, so long
shall live
nothing unto thee forbidden
Must err
till
— Man
he has ceased to struggle.
Thanks.
Meph.
And I
that
I
ask
for willingly
;
never make acquaintance with the dead.
The And For
A
is all
full
fresh cheeks of youth are food for me,
a corpse knocks,
if
am
I
little
like
—
I
not at home.
like to
play
with the mouse before
The Lord. His
a cat
am
I
spirit
Well, well
from
its
!
springs
it is ;
eat
it.
Draw thou
permitted thee.
as thou find'st power,
Seize him and lead him on thy
And stand ashamed when
I
downward path
;
failure teaches thee
That a good man, even in his darkest longings, Is well aware of the right way. Well and good. Mcph. I
am
And
not in if I
much doubt about my
lose,
then
'tis
your turn
Enjoy your triumph then with a
Ay
;
bet.
to
crow
full
breast.
dust shall he devour, and that with pleasure.
my
Like
old paramour, the
Tlie Lord. I
famous Snake.
Pray come here when
it
suits
never
Had much dislike for people of your sort. And, among all the Spirits who rebell'd. The knave was ever
the least tedious to me. 134
you
;
for
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS The
He
man soon
active spirit of
unbroken quiet
seeiis
Have given him
and soon
sleeps,
therefore
;
I
the Devil for a companion,
Who may
provoke him to some sort of work,
And must
create for ever.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; But ye, pure
Children of God, enjoy eternal beauty
;
Let that which ever operates and lives
Clasp you within the limits of
And The
floating
[Heaven Mcph.
And Civil
To
its
love
;
and melancholy thoughts phantoms of its loveliness.
seize with sweet
From
closes
time to time
I
the Archangels exeunt.
;
visit the
Old Fellow,
take care to keep on good terms with him.
I
enough
this
is
same God Almighty,
talk so freely with the Devil himself.
MAY-DAY NIGHT. Scene
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The
Hartz Mountain, a desolate Country. Faust, Mephistopheles.
Meph. I
wish
I
Would you
For we are Faust.
Whilst Is
1
not like a broomstick
had a good stout ram to ride still
far
from
This knotted feel fresh
upon
th'
there in making short a pleasant
;
enough
way
?
ever-babbling springs
the true sport that seasons such a path.
Already Spring kindles the birchen spray. the hoar pines already feel her breath
Shall she not
work also within our limbs 155
for me.
of the vales.
Precipitate themselves in waterfalls.
And
for
What good
legs.
To creep along the labyrinths And climb those rocks, where Is
As
appointed place.
staff is help
my
?
?
:
me
APPENDIX Nothing of such an influence do
Mcpli.
My
body
wintry, and
is all
I
I
feel.
wish
The flowers upon our path were frost and snow. But see, how melancholy rises now. Dimly uplifting her belated beam. The blank unwelcome round of the red moon,
And gives so bad a light, that every step One stumbles 'gainst some crag. With your I
an Ignis-fatuus to our aid
call
I'll
see one yonder burning
my
Halloo,
Would
Why
friend
may
!
permission,
:
jollily. I
request that you
company?
favour us with your bright
should you blaze away there to no purpose
Pray be so good as light us up this way. With reverence be it spoUen, Ignis-FafiiKS.
I
?
will try
To overcome the lightness of my nature Our course, you know, is generally zig-zag. ;
Mcpli.
With men.
Or
Ha, ha! your worship thinks you have Go straight on, in the Devil's name.
shall puff
I
your flickering
life
out.
Well,
li>.-Fat. I I
see you are the master of the house will
to deal
;
accommodate myself to you.
Only consider, that to-night this mountain Is all enchanted, and if Jack-a-lantern Shows you his way, though you should miss your own.
You ought
not to be too exact with him.
Faust, Mephistopheles, and Ignis-Fatuus, ill
alternate Chorus.
The limits of the sphere of dream, The bounds of true and false, are
past.
Lead us on, thou wandering gleam, Lead us onward, far and fast,
To But
tiie
see,
wide, the desert waste.
how
swift
Trees behind
advance and
trees,
shift.
row by row,
136
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS How,
clift
by
clift,
rocks bend and
lift
we
go.
Their frowning foreheads as
The giant-snouted
How
crags, ho
they snort, and
!
ho
how they blow
!
Through the mossy sods and stones. Stream and streamlet hurry down A rushing throng A sound of song Beneath the vault of Heaven is blown !
!
notes of love, the speaking tones
Sweet Of this bright day, sent down That Paradise on Earth
to say
known.
is
Resound around, beneath, above. All we hope and all we love Finds a voice
in this blithe strain.
Which wakens hill and wood and rill. And vibrates far o'er field and vale, And which Echo, like the tale Of
old times, repeats again.
To whoo to whoo The sound of song, !
near, nearer
!
now
the rushing throng
Are the screech, the lapwing, and the All awake as if 'twere day? See, with long legs and belly wide,
A
salamander
Every root
And along
in the
is like
brake
!
jay.
!
a snake,
the loose hill-side.
With strange contortions through the
night.
Curls, to seize or to affright
And, animated, strong, and many.
They dart
forth polypus-antennas.
To blister with The wanderer.
spume Through the dazzling gloom
their poison
The many-colour'd mice, that thread The dewy turf beneath our tread. In troops each other's motions cross.
Through the heath and through the moss And,
in legions intertangled,
137
APPENDIX The
fire-flies
Till all
flit,
and swarm, and throng,
the mountain depths are spangled.
we go or stay? we onward ? Come along
Tell me, shall
Shall
Everything around
is
!
swept
Forward, onward, far away
!
Trees and masses intercept The sight, and wisps on every side
Are
puff'ed
Meph.
Now
up and multiplied. vigorously seize
my
skirt,
and gain
This pinnacle of isolated crag.
One may observe with wonder from this point, How Mammon glows among the mountains.
Ayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Faust.
And
A
strangely through the solid depth below
melancholy
light, like
the red dawn.
Shoots from the lowest gorge of the abyss there lightning hitherward
Of mountains,
:
rise
Pillars of smoke, here clouds float gently by
Here the
light
burns
soft as the
enkindled
;
air,
Or the illumined dust of golden flowers And now it glides like tender colours spreading And now bursts forth in fountains from the earth And now it winds, one torrent of broad light. Through the far valley with a hundred veins; And now once more within that narrow corner ;
;
Masses
itself into
And near
us, see,
intensest splendour.
sparks spring out of the ground,
Like golden sand scatter'd upon the darkness;
The pinnacles That hems us
of that black wall of in,
are kindled.
Rare,
Meph.
Does not
Sir
Mammon
His palace for
A I
mountains in faith
gloriously illuminate
this festival
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
it is
pleasure which you had not
known
spy the boisterous guests already. 158
before.
!
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS How
Faust.
children of the wind rage in the air
The With what
upon
my
neck
!
Cling tightly to the old ribs of the crag.
Meph.
Beware
fierce strokes they fall
for
!
if
with them thou warrest
In their fierce flight towards the wilderness,
Their breath
Thy body
A
sweep thee into dust, and drag
will
to a grave in the abyss.
cloud thickens the night.
Hark how the tempest crashes through the The owls fly out in strange aff^right The columns of the evergreen palaces !
and shatter'd The roots creak, and stretch, and groan And ruinously overthrown, The trunks are crush'd and shatter'd
Are
By
split
forest!
;
;
the fierce blast's unconquerable stress.
Over each other crack and crash they and intertangled
In terrible
And through The
all
fall
the ruins of the shaken mountain
airs hiss
and howl
not the voice of the fountain,
It is
Nor
the wolf in his midnight prowl.
Dost thou not hear
?
Strange accents are ringing Aloft, afar,
anear
The witches are singing The torrent of a raging wizard song !
Streams the whole mountain along. Chorus of Witches.
The stubble
is
yellow, the corn
green,
Now
to the
Brocken the witches go
;
The mighty multitude here may be seen Gathering, wizard and witch, below. Sir
Urean
Hey over
is
sitting aloft in the air;
and hey over stone 'Twixt witches and incubi, what shall be done Tell
it
stock
who dare
!
!
!
tell it
who dare 159
!
?
is
APPENDIX A
Upon
Yoicc.
a sow-swine,
whose farrows were
nine,
Old Baubo rideth alone.
Honour
Chorus.
her, to
whom honour
Old mother Baubo, honour
you An able sow, with old Baubo upon her. Is worthy of glory, and worthy of honour
The
legion of witches
is
due.
!
!
coming behind,
is
and outspeeding the wind Which way comest thou
Darkening the
A A
to
Voice.
night,
!
Over moonshine the white awake in The owl was I saw her at rest in her downy nest. Voice.
And she
me with her broad, And you may now as well,
stared at
Voices.
Ilsenstein
bright eye.
take your course on
to Hell,
Since you ride by so
A
Voice.
on the headlong
fast,
She dropt poison upon as
blast.
past.
I
Here are the wounds
Come away
Chorus of Witches.
!
come along
The way is wide, the way is But what is that for a Bedlam throng
!
long.
?
Stick with the prong, and scratch with the broom.
The
child in the cradle lies strangled at
And
the mother
is
Like snails when the
And from
Woman
home.
clapping her hands.
Seniichorus of Witches
We
I.
women
are
all
away
glide in
;
a house once given over to sin
has a thousand steps to stray.
Semichorus
A
II.
thousand steps must a
woman
take.
Where
a
man
but a single spring will make.
Come
Voices Above.
with us,
come with
us,
from
Felunsee.
With what joy would we
Voices Beloxv. the upper sky
We
are wash'd,
But our
toil
fly,
through
!
we are
'nointed, stark
and our pain 1
is
60
;
naked are we
for ever in vain.
;
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS Both Choruses. The wind is still, the The melancholy moon is dead The magic notes, like spark on spark.
stars are fled,
;
Drizzle, whistling through the dark.
Come away
!
Stay, oh, stay
Voices Below. Voices Above.
Who
of the crannies of the rocks.
Oh,
let
calls ?
Voices Below. I,
!
Out
me
your flocks
join
!
three hundred years have striven
To catch your skirt and mount to Heaven, And still in vain. Oh, might I be With company akin to me Some on a ram and some on a Botli Choruses. !
prong.
On
poles and on broomsticks
Forlorn
is
the wight
A Half-Witch
who
along
flutter
I
have been tripping
less
methinks
this
:
Are the others already so far before ? No quiet at home, and no peace abroad
And
;
can rise not to-night.
Below.
many an hour
we
is
!
found by the road.
Chorus of Witches.
Come onward away
!
aroint
thee, aroint
A
witch to be strong must anoint-
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; anoint
Then every trough will be boat enough With a rag for a sail we can sweep through the sky, Who flies not to-night, when means he to fly ? Both Choruses. We cling to the skirt, and we strike ;
on the ground
;
Witch-legions thicken around and around
Wizard-swarms cover the heath
all
;
over.
[They descend.
Meph.
What What
What
thronging, dashing, raging, rustling
whispering, babbling, hissing, bustling
glimmering, spurting, stinking, burning.
As Heaven and Earth were overturning. There
;
is
a true witch element about us, i6i
;
APPENDIX Take hold on me, or we
Where
are you
Faitst (from
shall he divided
;
?
a distance).
Here!
What Meph. must exert my authority in the house. Place for young Voland pray make way, good people. Take hold on me, doctor, and with one step Let us escape from this unpleasant crowd I
!
:
They are too
mad
for people of
my
sort.
Just there shines a peculiar kind of light
Something attracts me This way
we
:
in
there
Spirit of Contradiction
Faust.
Come
those bushes.
down
shall slip
in
a minute.
Well, lead on
!
'Twere a wise feat indeed to wander out Into the Brocken upon May-day night.
And
then to isolate oneself
in
scorn,
Disgusted with the humours of the time. Meph. See yonder, round a many-colour'd flame
A
merry club is huddled altogether: Even with such little people as sit there
One would
not be alone.
Would that Up yonder in the glow and whirling smoke, Where the blind million rush impetuously To meet the evil ones there might solve Many a riddle that torments me Faust.
were
I
I
;
!
Yet
Meph.
Many
a riddle there
Inextricably.
is
tied
anew
Let the great world rage
!
We
will stay here safe in the quiet dwellings.
'Tis
an old custom.
Men have
Their own small world I
in
ever built
the great world of
all.
see young witches naked there, and old ones
Wisely attired with greater decency. Be guided now by me, and you shall buy
A pound I
of pleasure with a
dram
of trouble.
hear them tune their instruments
Get used
to this
damn'd scraping. 162
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;one must Come,
I'll
lead you
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS Among them
and what there you do and
;
As a
fresh
How
say you
Look
forth,
compact
now
'twixt us
two
this space is
?
see,
shall be.
wide enough
you cannot see the end of it An hundred bonfires burn in rows, and they Who throng around them seem innumerable
Dancing and drinking, jabbering, making
:
love,
And cooking, are at work. Now tell me, friend, What is there better in the world than this ? In introducing us, do
Fatist.
The character MepJi.
In truth,
In strict incognito
To wear I
you assume
of wizard or of devil ? I
;
generally go about
and yet one
likes
one's orders upon gala days.
have no ribbon at
my
knee
;
but here
At home, the cloven foot
is
See you that
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she comes creeping up.
And I
honourable.
with her feeling eyes hath smelt out something
could not,
Come I'll
snail there ?
if I
would, mask myself here.
now, we'll go about from
fire to fire
:
be the pimp, and you shall be the lover. \_To
some Old Women, who are heap of glimmering coals.
sitting
round a
Old gentlewomen, what do you do out here You ought to be with the young rioters Right
?
in the thickest of the revelry
But every one General.
is
Who
best content at home.
dare confide
in right
or a just claim ?
So much as I had done for them and now With women and the people 'tis the same, Youth will stand foremost ever, age may go !
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
To
the dark grave unhonour'd.
Nowadays
Minister.
People assert their rights
:
they go too far
;
But as for me, the good old times I praise Then we were all in all, 'twas something worth One's while to be in place and wear a star That was indeed the golden age on earth. ;
163
APPENDIX We
Parvenu*
What we
we did and do and yet we now things are whirl'd round and
too are active, and
ougiit not, perhaps
Will seize, whilst
all
;
round,
A
spoke of Fortune's wheel, and keep our ground.
Who now
Author.
can taste a treatise of deep sense
And ponderous volume ? 'tis impertinence To write what none will read, therefore will I To please the young and thoughtless people try. MepJi. {Who at once appears to have grown very I
Since
And So
find the people ripe for the last day, I
as
is
came up
last
my
little
to the
wizard mountain
the world drain'd to the dregs.
Look here,
Pedlar-Witch.
Gentlemen
And I
;
do not hurry on so
fast
lose the chance of a
have a pack
Of every
like
Nothing that
Men and There
full
sort,
nothing
Is
;
cask runs turbid now,
good pennyworth. of the choicest wares
and yet in all my bundle what may be found on earth
in a
moment
will
make
;
rich
the world with fine malicious mischief
no dagger drunk with blood
no bowl consuming poison From which may be drain'd By innocent and healthy lips no jewel, The price of an abandon'd maiden's shame No sword which cuts the bond it cannot loose. is
;
;
;
Or
stabs the wearer's
enemy
in
the back
;
Noâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Meph.
What
Gossip, you
know little of these times. what is done, is past.
has been, has been
;
They shape themselves into the innovations They breed, and innovation drags us with it. The torrent of the crowd sweeps over us. You think to impel, and are yourself impell'd. Faust.
Who
is
A
that yonder ?
sort of fundholder.
164
old).
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS Mark her
Meph.
well.
It is
Lilith.
Who ?
Faust.
Meph.
Lilith, the first wife of
Beware
Adam.
of her fair hair, for she excels
women in the magic of her locks And when she winds them round a young man's All
;
She
not ever set him free again.
will
There
Faust.
Seem
necic,
sit
a girl and an old
woman
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;they
to be tired with pleasure and with play.
There is no rest to-night for any one one dance ends another is begun Come, let us to it We shall have rare fun. Meph.
When
:
;
;
\_Faust dances
and
sings with a Girl,
Woman.
Mephisfopheles with an Old
What
Brocto-Phantasmist.
about
is this
and
cursed multitude
?
Have we not long
since proved to demonstration
That ghosts move not on ordinary feet ? But these are dancing just like men and women. The Girl. What does he want then at our ball Is far
?
Oh! he
Faust.
above us
all in his
conceit
Whilst we enjoy, he reasons of enjoyment
And any
step which in our dance
we
tread,
be left out of his reckoning,
If
it
Is
not to be consider'd as a step.
There are few things that scandalize him not And when you whirl round in the circle now.
As he went round
He
the wheel
in his
says that you go wrong in
Especially
Upon
if
old mill,
respects,
all
you congratulate him
the strength of the resemblance.
Fly
Brocto-Phant.
Vanish
!
Unheard
of
impudence
!
What,
still
there
In this enlighten'd age too, since you have been 165
M
APPENDIX
—
But this infernal brood Proved not to exist Will hear no reason and endure no rule. Are we so wise, and is the pond still haunted ? How long have 1 been sweeping out this rubbish !
Of
superstition,
Come
and the world
clean with
Unheard of The Girl.
Of
I
To-night I
Then leave
To
it is
a case
I
tell
teasing us so.
off
you, spirits, to your faces now,
but that mine can wield shall
I
will take
Before
—
should not regret this despotism
spirits,
Yet
pains
!
Biocto-Phaut.
That
my
all
will not !
my
make poor work
it
of
not.
it,
a round with you, and hope
dance
last step in the living
beat the poet and the devil together.
Mcph.
At
last
he
down
will sit
in
some
foul puddle
his way some leech, diverted with his gravity, Cures him of spirits and the spirit together. [To Faust, who has seceded from the
That
of solacing himself;
is
Until
Why Who
do you
let
that fair girl pass from you.
sung so sweetly to you
Faust.
A
dance.
in
the dance
?
in the middle of her singing
red mouse
Sprang from her mouth. That was all right, my Meph. Be it enough that the mouse was not grey. Do not disturb your hour of happiness
With close consideration Faust. Then saw I
of such
Seest thou not a pale.
Faust. girl,
trifles.
What ?
Meph. Fair
far, far
standing alone,
away
?
She drags herself now forward with slow And seems as if she moved with shackled she I cannot overcome the thought that Is like
friend.
poor Margaret.
Meph. No good can come of
Let it
— 1
it
it is
66
be
— pass on
not well
steps, feet
;
SHELLEY'S TRANSLATIONS To meet it— it
is
an enchanted piiantom,
A
lifeless idol
It
freezes up the blood of
Who
meet
its
Like those
;
with
numbing look, man and they
its
;
ghastly stare are turn'd to stone,
who saw Medusa. Oh, too true
Faust.
Her Which no beloved hand has
!
eyes are like the eyes of a fresh corpse
That
is
closed, alas
!
the heart which Margaret yielded to
me
Those are the lovely limbs which I enjoy'd Meph. It is all magic, poor deluded fool She looks to every one like his first love. Faust. Oh, what delight what woe I cannot turn My looks from her sweet piteous countenance. !
!
!
How
strangely does a single blood-red
Not broader than the sharp edge Adorn her lovely neck
line.
of a knife.
!
Ay, she can carry
Meph.
Her head under her arm upon occasion
;
These pleasures
Perseus has cut
it
End
in delusion.
— Gain this rising ground.
It is
as airy here as
And
if I
I
am
Attendant.
this
mean
?
Quite a new piece, the last of seven,
actors
to represent that
number.
by a Dilettante, and
who perform
Excuse me, gentlemen
am
]
[
'tis
'Tis written
I
a
—What may
The custom now The
in
not mightily deceived,
see a theatre
for
off for her.
;
are Dilettanti
but
I
must
;
vanish,
a Dilettante curtain-lifter.
M
2
NOTES
NOTES Page sang my
Tliey hear not the folloxving lays
3.
first.
—To understand
to the history of the book.
P.
See Preface,
Prologue for the Theatre.
5.
the theatre
common
the Dedication,
is
—
— the
it
whom
souls to
I
necessary to refer
is
p. xiv.
must be borne
It
in
mind that
one of those temporary theatres or booths whicii are
at fairs,
and that the company
is
supposed to be an itinerant
one. is your duty. It was a favourite theory power of caUing up the most vivid emotions was in no respect impaired by age, whilst the power of pourtraying them was greatly improved by experience. P. 9. Use the greater and the lesser light of heaven. " And God made two great lights the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser
P. 9.
That, old gentlemen,
of Goethe, that the
—
;
light to rule the night;
P. 11.
he made the stars also."
Prologue in Heaven.
—The
from the Book of Job, chapters
the guise
in
introduces his Mephistopheles, a great difference his
mode
of
treating
Klopstock, Milton, and
the
17.
principle
of
evil,
Lord Byron
in
Cain.
which represents Satan as an angel of
is
is
taken
worthy of
which the poet
in
is
to be seen
between
and that followed by has also been a
It
matter of course, to hold to one side only of the
biblical
tradition,
through pride and
light fallen
haughtiness, endeavouring to disturb the glorious
Supreme Being.
i.
" It
and 2nd.
1st
remark," says Dr. Schubart, "that
Gen.
idea of this prologue
creation
of
the
Goethe, on the contrary, has adhered rather to
the other side of the tradition, of which
Book
Job is the groundwork, according to which Satan or the Devil forms one of the Lord's Host, not as a rebel
the
against his
will,
tempter, authorised and appointed as such," &c. P. 12.
day.
—
"
But thy messengers, Lord,
but as a powerful
[Vorlesungeu).
respect the mild going of thy
Canst thou send lightnings, that they 171
of
may
go,
and say unto
APPENDIX them, Here we are?"
Who
maketh
Paul, Heb.
St.
is
and
as above,
in
my
I
of the angels
lie
saith,
his ministers a flame of fire."
his dark
in
untranslatable, though the
it
"And
xxxviii. 35.
7.
i.
A good man
P. 13.
passage
—Job.
his angels spirits,
strivings, &c.
meaning
is
— Drang
in
this
In rendering
clear.
had the striving of jarring impulses (Coleridge's Aids)
mind.
The
P. 13.
the least
scoffer is
offensive to me.
convey the character of Mephistopheles, nor The meaning must be: word that would.
who laughs
roguish devil
my
or scoffs at
does not
there any English
is I
—This
prefer a
works, to one
malicious,
who openly
defies.
P. 14.
translates
/
like
the
see
to
den Alien, the Old
—
One occasionally. Shelley But the term may allude
Ancient Fellow.
merely to "The Ancient of Days," and spectful
am
A
one.
is
not necessarily a disre-
correspondent proposes The Old
also told that der Alte
In allusion to Mephistopheles liking to see
Dr. Hinrichs observes is
still
amongst the P. 15.
story
is
it,
—
fallen angel, as
I
The Lord
occasionally,
Shakspeare himself says,
Lord occasionally, and avoids find Mephistopheles in heaven
likes to see the
wherefore we
him,
host."
p. 37.
First Scene.
the Faustus of
quote
— "A
an angel, who
breaking with
I
:
Gentleman.
a slang expression for the father.
is
— The opening
Marlow bears any
scene
is
the only part in which
similarity to the Faust of Goethe.
with the Chorus, in which an outline of the traditional
sketched
:
Enter Chorus.
Not marching
in
Where Mars
did
Nor sporting
in
the fields of Tharsinicn,
mate the warlike Carthagen
In courts of kings,
Nor
in
the
pomp
where
state
is
ovcrturn'd
;
of proud audacious deeds,
Intends our muse to vaunt his heavenly verse this, gentles, we must now perform, The form of Paustus' fortunes, good or bad
Only
:
And now to patient judgments we appeal, And speak for Faustus in his infancy:
Now In
is
;
the dalliance of love,
he born of parents base of stock,
Germany, within
a
town
call'd
Rhodes;
;
NOTES At riper years to Wittenburg he went So much he profits in divinity, That shortly he was graced with Doctor's name, Excelling all, and sweetly can dispute In th' heavenly matters of theology Till, swoln with cunning and a self-conceit. His waxen wings did mount above his reach And melting heavens conspired his overthrow ;
;
;
For
falling to a devilish exercise.
And
glutted
now
with learning's golden
gifts,
He surfeits on the cursed necromancy. Nothing so sweet as magic is to him, Which he prefers before his chiefest bliss. Whereas his kinsman chiefly brought him up. And this the man that in his study sits.
ACT THE FIRST.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SCENE Faustus
I.
in his Study.
Settle thy studies, Faustus, and begin. the depth of that thou wilt profess Having commenced, be a divine in show, Yet level at the end of every art. And live and die in Aristotle's works,
Faust.
To sound
;
Sweet analytics, 'tis thou hast ravished me. Bene disserere est fines logicis. Is, to dispute well, logic's chiefest end ? Affords this art no greater miracle ? Then read no more thou hast attain'd that end, A greater subject fitteth Faustus' wit ;
Bid economy farewell and Galen come. Be a physician, Faustus heap up gold. :
;
eternized for some wondrous cure Summon bonum medicinje sanitas The end of physic is our bodies' health
And be
;
;
Why,
Faustus, hast thou not attain'd that end
?
Are not thy bills hung up as monuments, Whereby whole cities have escaped the plague. And thousand desperate maladies been cured ? Yet thou art still but Faustus and a man. Could'st thou make men to live eternally. Or, being dead, raise them to life again. Then this profession were to be esteem'd. Where is Justinian ? Physic, farewell !
Si
una eademque res legatur duobus, 173
APPENDIX Alter rem, alter valorem
A
rei,
&c.
petty case of paltry legacies.
Exhereditari
Such
And
is
filiiim
non potest pater
nisi,
&c.
the subject of the institute,
universal body of the law.
fits a mercenary drudge, aims at nothing but external trash, Too servile and illiberal for me.
This study
Who
When
all is
done, divinity
is
best.
Jerome's Bible, Faustus view it well. Stipendium peccati mors est: ha! stipendium, &x. The reward of sin is death that's hard. Si peccasse negamus, fallimur, et nulla est in nobis Veritas If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and there is no truth in us. Why then belike we must sin. And so consequently die. Ay, we must die an everlasting death. What doctrine call you this ? Che sera, sera :
:
What
will be, shall
be
;
divinity, adieu
These metaphysics of magicians, And necromantic books are heavenly
:
!
!
Lines, circles, letters, characters
Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires. Oh what a world of profit and delight. !
Of power,
of honour, and omnipotence, promised to the studious artisan All things that move between the quiet pole. Shall be at my command. Emperors and kings Are but obey'd in their several provinces; But his dominion that exceeds in this. Stretches as far as doth the mind of man A sound magician is a demigod. [Enter Wagnek. Here tire my brains to get a deity. Marloiv's Works, vol. ii. Is
!
:
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
The commencement
Lord Byron's Manfred is clearly traceable His own and Goethe's opinions to Faust, either Marlow's or Goethe's. on this matter may be collected from the following extracts, which form part of a note to the last edition of Byron's Works, vol. ii. p. 71. In June, 1820, Lord Byron thus writes to iMr. Murray: " Enclosed is something will interest you to wit, the opinion of the Europe, perhaps in upon one of the great greatest man in Germany, tnen of your advertisements (all famous hands, as Jacob Tonson of
;
174
NOTES used to say of his ragamuffins),
There
Manfred.
one
;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; keep them
in
upon
short, a critique of Goethe's
the original, an English translation, and an Italian
is
all
in
your archives, for the opinions of such a man
as Goethe, whether favourable or not, are always interesting, and this
more so, as favourable. His Faust German; but Matthew Monk Lewis,
never read, for
I
in
know
don't
I
1816, at Coligny, translated
most of it to me viva voce, and I was naturally much struck with it but it was the Steinbach, and the Jungfrau, and something else much
more than Faustus, that made me write Manfred.
The
first
scene,
however, and that of Faustus are very similar."
The following
is
part of the extract from Goethe's Kimst
AUerthum, which the above "
me
Byron's tragedy, Manfred, was to
a wonderful phenomenon,
and one that closely touched me.* This singularly has taken my Faustus to himself, and extracted from nourishment the
for
his
hypochondriac humour.
impelling principles
itnd
letter inclosed:
in
his
own way,
He
for his
intellectual poet it
the strongest
has made use of
own
purposes, so
them remains the same and it is particularly on this The whole is in account that I cannot enough admire his genius. this way so completely formed anew, that it would be an interesting that no one of
;
task for the critic to point out, not only the alterations he has made,
but their degree of resemblance with, or dissimilarity in
the course of which
I
to,
the original
cannot deny that the gloomy heat of an
unbounded and exuberant despair, becomes at last oppressive to us. Yet is the dissatisfaction we feel always connected with esteem and admiration."
Lord Jeffrey, in the Edinburgh Review, thus distinguishes Marlow's hero from Manfred " Faustus is a vulgar sorcerer, tempted to sell his soul to the devil for the ordinary price of sensual pleasure, and earthly power and glory and who shrinks and shudders in agony when the forfeit comes to be exacted. The style, too, of Marlow, though elegant and scholar-like, is weak and childish compared with the depth and force of much of Lord Byron, and the disgusting buffoonery of low farce, of which the piece is principally made up, place it more in :
;
contrast, than
in
any terms of comparison,
witli
that of his
â&#x20AC;˘ There is a translation of one of Manfred's soliloquies by Goethe complete edition of his Works, vol. iii. p. 207.
in
noble the last
APPENDIX In the tone
successor.
the character of
and pitch of the composition, as well as in solemn parts, Manfred in the more
the diction
reminds us more of the Prometheus of ^schylus than of any more modern performance." The following extracts from Captain Medwin's Conversations may also be placed here with propriety "
The Germans,"
consider that of that
Byron, " and
said
have taken great
I
drama
:
Goethe himself,
believe
I
liberties with
'
All
Faust.'
know
1
from a sorry French translation, from an occasional
is
reading or two into English of parts of Diodata, and from the
by
it
Monk
Lewis,
when
at
Hartz-mountain scene that Shelley versified
from the other day.
Nothing
I
read that astonishing production
envy him so much as in
the original.
As
to be able to to originality,
Goethe had too much sense to pretend that he is not under obligations to authors ancient and modern; who is not? You tell me the plot
almost entirely
is
argument
about the
The
Calderon's.
the
Scholar,
the selling himself to the
Logos,
afterwards denying his power the enchanted mirror, are
Fete,
;
his
and
disguise of the plumed cavalier,
That utagico prodigiosa
from Cyprian.
all
fiend,
the
nobody seems to know anything Then the vision is not unlike that oi" Marlow's in his Faustus.' The bed-scene is from 'Cymbeline;' the song or serenade, a translation of Ophelia's in 'Hamlet; 'and more than all, the prologue is from Job, which is the first drama in the
must
be
about
worth
reading,
and
but you and Shelley.*
it
'
world, and perhaps the oldest poem.
but
found
I
with
it
too sublime.
I
There
had an idea of writing a is
'
Job,'
no poetry to be compared
it."
"
him that Japhet's soliloquy in Heaven and Earth,' and address to the Mountains of Caucasus, strongly resembled Faust's. I shall have commentators enough by and by,' said he, to dissect my I
told
'
'
'
thoughts, and find owners for them.'
Lord Byron, Again
:
pp. "
I
"
Medwin's Conversatio7is of
141, 142.
have a great curiosity about everything relating to
Goethe, and please myself with thinking there *
The
almost
all
trifling
is
some analogy between
analogy that really does exist between the works,
the Commentaries.
It is
is
mentioned
in
hardly possible for Shelley to have said that Gothe's
is almost entirely Calderon's, and Captain Mcdwin had probably been enlarging Lord Byron on what Shelley had incidentally mentioned as coincidences.
plot
176
to
NOTES So much interest do I take in him, that any person who would translate his 'Memoirs'
our characters and writings. offered to give 100/. to
I
my own reading. Shelley has sometimes explained part of them He seems to be very superstitious, and is a believer in
for to
me.
astrology,â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or rather was, for he was very young when he wrote the part of his
first
original.
I
life.
'
Wallenstein
venture to attempt "
" " p.
How
to read
have been urging Shelley to translate
the translator of
For a man
would give the world
I
it
;
to translate
'
it,
was the only person
'
Faust
'
in the
but he said that living
who
could
that he had written to Coleridge, but in vain. it
he must think as he does."
I, "the first line, 'The sun thunders through the sky?' He speaks of the music of the spheres in Heaven," said
where, as
do you explain," said
in Job, the first
scene
Medwins
is laid."
he,
Conversations,
267.
Tieck, towards the end of his
masterly Introduction to Lenz's
Works, discountenances the notion that either Byron or Scott was under any literary obligation to Goethe. This notion, as regards Scott, is in
part supported by reference to individual characters or passages
in his
works, (as Finella copied from Mignon, or the interview between
Leicester and
Amy,
at
Cumnor, imitated from Egmont,) but von
by supposing that the translation of Gotz
principally
Berlichingen
first
inspired him with a taste for that style of writing in which he afterUnluckily for this wards so pre-eminently distinguished himself.* theory, it is now well known that he had this taste already ;+ and even
without any direct evidence upon the point,
it
seems more probable
that the taste originated the translation, than the translation the taste.
Scott says that the rhythm and irregular versification of The Lay of
were imitated from Christabel; but were not these Faust? " I was once pressed many years ago to translate the Faust and I so far entertained the proposal as to read the work through with great attention, and to revive in my mind my own former plan of Michael Scott. But then I considered with myself whether the time taken up in executing the translation might not more worthily
the Last Minstrel
peculiarities of Christabel imitated from
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
*
Mr. Carlyle (Specimens of German Romance,
t
See the Annotated Edition of the Waverley Novels,
177
vol. iv. p. 6,) starts this supposition, vol.
i.
General Preface.
APPENDIX be devoted to the composition of a work which, even
some
and therefore more
execution,
version which
whether
thought
you
make
could
I
;
secondly,
Coleridge's Table Talk, vol.
For
P. 15.
my own
blasphemous.
and
English
— much
Lo,
saying,
from me.
am come
I
any
—
"
I
— and
of which
need
I
117, 118.
pp.
ii.
this very reason is all joy torn
heart,
motive and
not
tell
Faust."
pen to paper as a translator of
put
in
debated with myself
I
to render into
countenance to language
licentious,
never
I
my
lend
vulgar,
that
with
—and,
in
and valuable than
interesting
became my moral character
it
so far, certainly, I
Faust, should be truly original
points to the
parallel
if
communed
great estate, and
to
have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem, yea, my heart hath great experience of wisdom and knowledge. "
and
And
gave
I
folly:
my
know wisdom, and
heart to
perceived that this also
I
much wisdom
is
much
increaseth sorrow."
grief
Eccl. c.
to
vexation of
is
know madness For
spirit.
and he that increaseth
:
in
knowledge,
1.
—
have therefore devoted myself to magic. Goethe tells us, in his Memoirs, that whilst he was confined by ill-health, he and Miss von Klettenberg read through several books on alchemy Opus Mago-Caballisticum, Theophrastus Paracelsus e.g., Welling's P. 16.
/
;
Valentinus,
Basilius
Homeri.* to
The study
Helmont,
Starkey,
and
the
subsequently induced Goethe
of these writers
put up a small chemical apparatus, of which he says
were
certain
dealt with
enters
of
ingredients
an
animated
:
—
"
Now
Macrocosmus and Microcosmus In
fashion."
after a strange
upon
the
Catena
Aurea
defence of
his
Farbenlehre, also,
natural
magic.
It
is
he
clear
from many passages in his Memoirs, that the reflections on the insufficiency of knowledge which he has here put into the mouth
—
For instance " The were his own at one period. found many an answering Faust fable of remarkable puppet-show echo in my breast. I too had ranged through the whole round of of
Faust,
:
knowledge, and was early enough led to see its vanity." Nostradamus. " Nostradamus, properly Michel Notre P. 16.
—
Dame, born *
Doring
in
1503,
at
St.
(Life of Goethe, p. 72)
Remy
in
Provence, of a family of
mentions the circumstance and connects
Faust.
178
it
with
NOTES Jewish
medicine,
studied
origin,
quackery,
and
at
fell
The prophecies which, from made known in rhymed quatrains under
Henry
seclusion
his
the
of
title
at '
his
to
age,
Salon, he
Centuries of
excited great notice by their style and their obscurity.
the World,'
him
malady of
favourite
astrology.
somewhat
himself
applied
the
into
last
the Second, King of France, sent for the author and rewarded
When, subsequently, this monarch was wounded believed that the prophecy life, men
royally.
a tournament, and lost his this
was
event
Century
found
be
to
quatrain
35th
the
in
of
the
in
of
First
:
"
'
Le
lion
jeune
En camps
le
vieux surmontera,
bellique par singulier duel,
Dans cage d'or les yeux lui crevera. Deux plaies une, puis mourir mort cruelle.' "
The most distinguished persons of his time visited him at Salon. There were not Charles the Ninth appointed him his physician. wanting people, however, who made light of his prophecies. So were prohibited by the Papal Court, because the
late as 1781, they
He
downfall of Papacy was announced in them. 1565."
Conversations-Lexicon,
P.
Dr.
and to
Macrocosm,
17.
Hinrichs says
opposed
is
think
"
:
fit.
and Spirit of The Macrocosm
Microcosm,
to
Macrocosm
means
weakness
in
the
which
at
the
same
Falk,
the
multiform universality of the earth
in
But
and
the
"
incline
Spirit
of
The mighty and
— that focus of
itself
within
I
accounting for Faust's
says,
latter,
contains
time
—
59.
p.
—
Nature, as such,
signifies
Universe,
the
presence of
Earth or Microcosm.
the
man."
as
Thus
Earth, the Earth generally.
died at Salon in
Nostradamus.
itself
all
sea,
phenomena, mountain,
Homer, Phidias, Raphael, storm, earthquake, Newton, Mozart, and Apelles whom, appear when and where it might, would it not strike with trembling, fear, and awe ? " p. 247. The Ganzen (I am here adopting the gloss of a friend) is the Omncity of the metaphysicians, and Eins in dem Andern wirkt tind lebt, is The Immanence of All in each of Plato. " But the best commentary on the whole of the passage in which these words occur, is to be found in the first chapter of Herder's tiger,
lion,
lamb,
—
—
Ideen,
who
Goethe.
(according to
The
analogy
Falk) of
the
received
many
following 179
of his notions from
passage
is
sufficiently
APPENDIX marked
—
:
"
this
therefore,
can, from
whole."
measureless palace, which alone, and everywhere, to
the whole to the
Ideal,
The
b.
Spirits'
i.
open the great book of Heaven, and
I
Godhead only has power
the I
When,
me
see before
frame
" !
Water, &c., "According
Mr. Heraud, "the macrocosm
Paracelsus," says
the great world, and
man
Moral Mask,"
which Nature, Earth,
in
dramatis personte.
&c., figure as
to
"A
(vol. v.) is
Microcosm," by Thomas Nabbs,
Fire,
is
the microcosm, or a
Oswald
kind of epitome of the great.
most
from the particular to the
— the web of human things.
Old Plays
In Dodsley's Collection of
is
conclude, as undistractedly as
c. 1.
Birth and the grave
"
I
chaunt probably suggested Shelley's—
" Nature's vast
entitled
fill,
particular,
Crollius,
illustrious Prince Christian Anhaltin,' in his
'
world
little
physician
— the
to
admonitory preface
Books of Philosophy, delivers himself right learnedly on both worlds, macros and micros."
to
Three
Paracelsus's
How
P. 17.
heavenly powers,
S-c.
— "And he dreamed, and behold,
a ladder set up on the earth and the top of
it reached the heaven and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it."
Genesis,
c. xxviii. v.
A
P. 18. "
12.
cold shuddering, &c.
;
—
Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made
all
my
bones
to shake.
Then a spirit passed before my face the hair of my flesh stood The Book of Job, ch. iv. P. 19. Enter Wagner. The traditional Faust had a disciple or pupil named Wagner or Wagenar, who figures in all the dramas or "
:
up."
—
histories
founded on the
Translation
of
serviteur qu'il
Widman
fable.
—
He
is
thus described
in
Cayet's
Le Docteur Fauste avoit un jeune avoit elev6 quand il etudioit Wittenberg, que vit :
"
;i
toutes les illusions de son maitre Fauste, toutes ses magies et tout
un mauvais gargon, coureur
et debauche demeurer a Wittenberg il mendoit, et personne ne le vouloit prendre a cause de sa mauvaise nature le nommoit Christofle Wagner, fut et des-lors serviteur du garfon se
son art diabolique.
du commencement
II
etoit
qu'il vint
:
;
Dr. Fauste;
il
Tappeloit son
se tint tres bien avec fils
:
il
alloit
ou
il
lui,
en sorte que
vouloit, quoiqu'il
i8o
le
allat
Dr. Fauste tout boitant
NOTES et de
travers."
A
book entitled " Christoph. Wagner's Magic Arts
and Life of Dr. Faust," was published
Berlin, in
at
1714,
assumed
to be by the veritable attendant of the philosopher.
Dr. Hinrichs has a strange theory about this character. opinion,
Faust
represents
Philosophy,
and
Philosophy being Germany, and Empiricism
all
Wagner,
In his
Empiricism;
the rest of the world.
also worthy of remark that one of Goethe's early friends was Wagner. He signalized himself by stealing from Faust (which was communicated to him in confidence previously to publication) the tragic portion relating to Margaret, and making it the subject of a tragedy, called the Infanticide. Goethe expresses great indignation It is
called
at the treachery.
Memoirs, B.
14.
To possess li-liat thou hast inherited from thy sires, enjoy it. The inscription on an old tomb-stone may serve to illustrate the meaning of this passage " What I gave, I have what I spent, I had what I left, I lost." P. 23.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
:
;
;
P. 28. Behind, far away,
Germany
Turkey.
in
The common people
in
are wont to consider themselves as placed forward in the
world, and speak of certain distant or outlandish countries as behind.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
" There is a belief that on St. Andrew's eve, St. Thomas's eve, Christmas eve, and New Year's eve, A table must be a maiden might invite and see her future lover.
P. 29. Saint Andrew's eve, &c.
Whatever the lover leaves behind
covered for two, but without forks.
him, on going away, must be carefully picked up himself to her
who
possesses
should never be allowed to
it,
come
;
he then attaches
and loves her ardently. to the sight of
it
But he
again, or he will
think of the pain he endured on that night by supernatural means,
and becomes aware of the charm, whereby great unhappiness is occasioned. A beautiful maiden in Austria once sought to see her lover according to the necessary forms, whereupon a shoemaker and immediately disappeared She took up the dagger and locked it away in a chest. Soon again. afterwards came the shoemaker and sought her in marriage. Some
entered with a dagger, threw
it
to her,
years after their marriage, she went one Sunday after vespers to the chest to look out something which she wanted for her next day's work.
husband came to her and insisted on looking in she held him back, but he pushed her aside, looked into the chest, and saw his lost dagger. He instantly seizes it, and requires
As she opened the
chest, her
;
i8i
N
APPENDIX to
know,
in a
word,
how
she got
it,
as he had lost
it
at a peculiar time.
was unable to think of an excuse, and freely same dagger which he had left behind on that night when she required to see him. Upon this he grew furious, and exclaimed, with a fearful oath Then thou art the girl, who tortured In her confusion she
owns
that
it
the
is
'
:
me
And
so inhumanly that night.'
with that he struck the dagger
right through her heart.
"The
like
is
related in various places of others.
Orally, of a
huntsman who left his hanger. During her first confinement the wife sent him to her chest to fetch clean linen, forgetting that the charmed instrument was there, which he finds and kills her with it." (Deutsche Sageii. Heraiisgegebcii von den Brildern Grimm. Berlin, 1816, No. 114). The same work (No. 118) contains a story founded on the superstition of the magic mirror (alluded to in the next line but one), in which absent friends or lovers
may
be seen.
This superstition, however,
is
not peculiar to Germany. P. 30.
River and
rivulet, &c.
—To
understand Faust's position
in
must fancy a town on a river, like most of those upon the Rhine, with a suburban village on the opposite bank. Falk makes this scene the groundwork of a commentary on the advantages of the Sabbath a fair specimen of the mode in which most of the commentaries on Faust are eked out. P. 33. There was a red lion, &c. Mr. T. Griffiths, of Kensington, who delivered an extremelj' interesting lecture on Alchymical Signs at the Royal Institution, enables me to furnish an explanation of this passage, which has generally been passed over as (what M. SaintAulaire is pleased to term it) galimatias. There was a red lion. This expression implies the red stone, red
this speech, the reader
;
—
—
mercury, or cinnabar.
A
bold lover.
—This
expression alludes to the property the above
compound possessed (according
to the adepts) of devouring, swallowing,
or ravishing every pure metallic nature or body.
—married. —This
simply implies the conjoining or union of two
bodies of opposite natures
;
red and white were supposed to be male
and female.
—
to the lily.
lilium albified
—This
term denotes a preparation of antimony, called
Paracelsi the white stone, or perhaps mercury, sometimes called the " white fume," or the " most
minerale, or lilium
milk-white swanne."
;
jga
NOTES
—in the or a "
tepid bath.
—This denotes a vessel
filled
with heated water,
balneum Marise," used as a very convenient means of elevating
the body of an aludel or alembic slowly to a gentle heat.
—and
then with open flame.
—This
means the
and
direct
fierce
its removal from the water bath, marriage had taken place betwixt the " red and the white."
application of fire to the aludel upon after the
—tortured.—The
pleasure and pain bodies
;
deemed
adepts
compounds
their
the heat of the open
fire
sensible
of
tortured the newly united
these therefore endeavoured to escape, or sublime, which
;
the sense in which the word tortured
—from
one bridal chamber.
which they were
first
placed,
is
to be taken.
is
—This means the body of the aludel,
in
and which had been heated to such a
degree as to cause their sublimation.
—
to
another
— This signifies the glass head or capital placed on the
which received the sublimed vapours. Many heads body were put on in succession, into which the vapours successively passed. // the young queen. This implies the supposed royal offspring of the red lion and the lily, or its alliance to the noble metals the of the aludel,
—
—
sublimer products.
—with
varied hues then appeared.
— During
hues appeared on the sublimed compound
;
the process, various
according to the order of
their appearance, the perfection or completion of the great
judged
of.
work was
Purple and ruby were most esteemed, for being royal
colours they were good omens.
—in
the g/ass.— This
means the
glass head or capital of the aludel,
as before noticed.
—
this
both the
was
the medicine.
elixir to heal
—The term
human
of metals into the purest gold
bodies,
and
medicine was used to express
and that
to
transmute the bodies
silver.
The passage divested of alchymical obscurity would read thus " There was red mercury, a powerfully acting body, united with Then tincture of antimony, at a gentle heat of the water-bath. :
the
being exposed to the heat of the open filled its
heads
in succession,
which,
fire
if it
was the desired medicine." In his note to me, Mr. Griffiths adds
may
be found in alchymical works
;
it
:
in
an aludel, a sublimate
appeared with various hues,
— is
" All the
terms
it
contains
a very good specimen of
mystical writing." 183
N 2
APPENDIX The
P. 34.
sih'er brook flowing info golden streams.
—This
may
sunbeams come to play upon them, or to another natural phenomenon, which I will explain by an anecdote. In the summer of 1831, it was my good
allude to the gradual gliding of the waters, as the
fortune to pass through the beautiful valley of Ahrenberg, a valley
which wants but a Moore to make an Ovoca of it. Whilst we were changing horses, I walked with a German student to a rising ground
The setting sun was shining the beams massed themselves on a broad part
to get a better view of the scenery. in
of
such a manner, that the stream, and
transversely over a tributarj' brook, thus
fell
giving a rich golden glow to the river and the appearance of a white silvery line to the rivulet.
my
We
fellow-traveller exclaimed "
Den Silberbach
had hardly gained the height, when
:
in
goldne Stroma flicssen."
The realms of an exalted ancestry.— This alludes to a spirit of man, or to " For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Phil. i. Christ, which is better." P. 34.
—
supposed divine origin of the soul or
P.
35.— Invoke not
tcell-known
the
troop,
&c. — " The
streaming, through the atmosphere,
which diffuses
itself,
spirits of the aire will
mix themselves with thunder and lightning, and so infest the clyme where they raise any tempest, that soudainely great mortality shall ensue to the inhabitants." cited in
(Pierce Pennilesse his Supplication, 1592; "
Steeven's Shakspeare.)
summer, as maintains." P. 35.
at
it is
all
Burton, Anat. part
A
line
The
not so
air is
full
of flies in
times of invisible devils; this Paracelcus
of
stiffly
i.
fire follotvs
upon his
track.-
— In
his
work on
Colours, Goethe gives the following explanation of this phenomenon "A dark object, the moment it withdraws itself, imposes on the eye Between jest and the necessity of seeing the same form bright. :
earnest,
I
shall quote a
passage from Faust which
and
in half
twilight, a black poodle ran
applicable here.
This had been written some time,
(Then follows the passage.) poetical intuition
is
consciousness,
by
— when, as
my window
—
in
— from
was growing the street, and drew it
the undefined image of his Such phenomena occasion the more pleasing surprise, as they present themselves most vividly and beautifully, precisely when we suffer our eyes to wander unconsciously.
a clear, shining appearance after him, passing form remaining
in
the eye.
184
NOTES There
whom
no one to
is
such counterfeit images have not often
appeared, but they are allowed to pass unnoticed
who teased themselves on this symptom of the diseased state of
persons be a
explanation which
had
I
the highest satisfaction.
it
in
my power
He who
is
;
yet
have known
I
account, and believed
to
it
whereupon the them with
their eyes,
to give inspired
instructed as to the real nature
remarks the phenomenon more frequently, because the reflexion immediately suggests itself. Schiller wished many a time that this of
it,
theoi-y had never been communicated to him, because he was eveiywhere catching glimpses of that the necessity for which was
known one.
to him." The phenomenon is now a recognised and familiar See Sir David Breicster's Letters on Natural Magic, p. 20.
Lay
In a note to the following lines in the
there
a strange
is
black dog
story of a fiend
shape of a
the
in
:
"
For he was speechless, ghastly, wan. Like him of whom the story ran.
He evil
of the Last Minstrel,
appearing
spoke the spectre-hound
in
Man."
Canto
6.
According to the tradition, Faust was constantly attended by an spirit in the shape of a black dog. This four-footed follower
has a place
most of the old
in
pictures, those
Auerbach's cellar
in
not excepted. P. 37.
We
understand. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is
are accustomed to see
" It has often
men deride what
and with truth been
an inverted superstition, and our age
noble deed
is
said,
barely possible, denied."
We
long for
that he
is
when
to the
that
nay, what
is,
comes
is
forth,
so long as
it
is
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
It
Goethe, Farbenlehre. revelation,
clear from Goethe's Memoirs,
that,
;
stranger, everything of the highest excellence that
P. 38.
A
it.
attributed to selfishness, an heroic action to vanity, an
everything most worthy of remark that occurs,
is
that unbelief
greatly by
suffers
undeniable poetic production to a state of delirium still
they do not
zchich
nowhere burns,
and many other parts of own mind
here describing the workings of his
<&c.
his works, in
youth
;
was tormented by doubts, he constantly referred consolation, and found it there. It also appears
his spirit
Bible for
he occasionally struggled to penetrate below
the
surface
in
somewhat the same manner as Faust. " So far as the main sense was concerned, held by Luther's edition in particulars, I referred I
;
185
APPENDIX occasionally to Schmidt's verbal
my
Hebrew
little
as
useful
as
and sought
translations,
could."
I
It
is
make
to
a singular fact that,
next to the Bible, the book which Goethe was fondest
and which
of,
confessedly exercised the greatest influence on his mind, was Spinosa.
So constantly, indeed, was he studjnng one occasion
that
this writer,
said to have exclaimed to him,
is
never read any Latin book but Spinosa
Why
"
Herder on
you
literally
" !
one of Lessing's plans for a drama to be founded on Faust,
In
Faust was to be studying Aristotle {Ueber Goethe's In Calderon's El Magico Prodigioso, Cyprian
Salamander,
P. 39.
by
conjuration
Faust's
Undine,
an
Kobold.
SyJpJi,
extract
Fatisf, &â&#x201A;Ź., 82).
studying Pliny.
is
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
from a very
shall
I
illustrate
Coiufe de Gabalis, by M. de which Salamanders, Undines, Sylphs, and Kobolds {alias
Eutretiens
les
stir
Villars, in
Sciences secretes dn
Gnomes) are described: " When you shall be enrolled among the children '
philosophers, and your eyes fortified by the that
discover
will
elements
the
creatures, of the knowledge of
are
whom
has other inhabitants than birds and than whales and sprats " '
The
air
is
full
by
inhabited
very
Adam
the sin of
flies
;
the earth was not
;
the desolating flame
is
of
use of the holy
the
elixir,
perfect
deprived his
The immense space between earth and sky
unfortunate posterity.
nor
work,
singular
the ocean
made
other guests
for moles
alone,
a desert.
itself
of beings of
human
form, proud in appearance,
but docile in reality, great lovers of science, officious towards sages,
Their wives and daughters are masculine
intolerant towards fools.
Amazonian beauties "'How! you do not mean to say that spirits marry?' " Be not alarmed, my son, about such trifles believe what '
'
;
to be solid it
true, and the faithful epitome of cabalistic science, which depend on yourself one day to verify by your own eyes.
then that seas and rivers are inhabited as well as the air
that ascended sages have given the
beauty
is
extreme
name
;
the
;
and
Nymphs to women overflow
of Lindanes or
They engender few males
this floating population.
their
say
and
will only
Know
I
daughters of
men
;
:
are incomparably
inferior.
"'The earth
down to its very centre with Gnomes, a people wardens of treasures, mines, and precious stones.
is filled
of small stature, the
i86
NOTES command. They money they want, and ask honour of being commanded.
ingenious, friendly to man, and easy to
They are
furnish the children of sages with
the
all
as the reward of their service only the
women
Their "
As
'
are small, very agreeable, and magnificent in their attire.
for
Salamanders, who inhabit the
the
any eagerness
wait on the sages, but without
females are rarely to be seen.'
fiery region, they
for
the
task;
their
"
This book probably furnished Pope with machinery for his Rape
and
of the Lock, suggested the plot of Idris
De
gave
P. 40. scholar.
—
Zeiiide to Wieland,
"
not without significance.
(scholasticus),and therefore as a philosopher,
is
For on seeing him Faust knows that he
approached as a
himself
and
Motte Fouque a basis for his delightful story of Undine. Mephistopheles comes forward in the dress of a travelling That Mephistopheles comes forth as a travelling scholar
la
being
devoted
philosophy
to
is
and
;
even
friend, he
expression
the
fahrender scholast expresses the unquiet with which Faust is filled. The wandering about through the world for example, of Jordanus
—
Bruno, &c. impelled
—
is
by which
place to place." p.
64,)
viewed with reference to internal restlessness, these philosophers wandered unceasingly from
to be
Dr. Hinrichs
furnishes
Aisth. Vorl.
some curious
p.
particulars
Dr. Stieglitz (Sage,
91
as
to
these scholastici
would seem that they did not fill a very respectable station in society; and it is no compliment to Giordano Bruno (a man of distinguished merit) to be put forth as an
vagantes as they were
called,
from which
it
example of the character. P. 41. Fly-god, of a
Hebrew word P. 41. /
"
And
am a
—
i.e.
Beelzebub, whose
signifying
name
part of the part
icliich
in the
the earth was without form and void
the face of the deep.
And
is
partly
compounded
fly.
the Spirit of
;
beginning was
all.
—
and darkness was upon
God moved upon
the face of
the waters. " "
light
And God said, Let And God saw the
from the darkness."
and there was light. was good and God divided the
there be light light,
that
Gen.
c.
it
:
:
i.
"
Granted, that day, proceeding from the original source of deserves all honour, because it invigorates, quickens, gladdens
light,
—
still
it does not follow that darkness must be addressed and shunned as the evil principle, because it makes us uneasy, and lulls us to sleep
187
APPENDIX we
rather see in such an effect the characteristics of sensuous beings
controlled by phenomena."
That which
P. 41.
is
Goethe.
opposed
to nothing.
— Dr. Schubart
cautions
us against supposing that under the term iiichts a complete void intended, as
it
means merely
the original state of things under the
reign of Chaos.
From
P. 42.
air, tcater, earth, Sc.
the marshes, in the sand,
—
—
Herder, Ideen
The Pentagram. Drudenfuss, was a Pentagonal P.
—
42.
—supposed
to possess the
the air, in the water, in
" In
genera and species multiplied, and Philosophie, &c.
zitr
The
Pentagram,
sort of
believe
b. 2, c. 4.
Pentalpha,
figure like the following
same
I
same proportion with the
that they will continue to multiply in the
course of discovery."
is
or
:
power which used popularly
to be attributed to the horseshoe amongst us.
Those who wish Schol.
to
in
more information on
for
Aristoph. Nub. 599, and
inter saliitandiim
—
in
this subject
Lucian's
Dialogue
may refer Dc lapsu
Amsterdam quarto edition of 1743, vol. i. The Pentalpha is also mentioned in Hobhouse's
the
pp. 729, 730, in notis.
Historical Illustrations of the Fourth Canto of Childe Harold, In
one of a series of engravings by a Dutch
artist of the
p.
334.
beginning
Sichem by name), Faust is represented standing within two intersecting circles, upon two intersecting of the seventeenth century (Van
squares, conjuring Alephistopheles,who P. 43.
whether
—
me something worth
gtite Miilir zit
P. 46. "
Tell
What
Thon shall
is
just appearing in his true shape.
mean afford me
sagen does not
can
tlie
xcorld
renounce!" — "Our
— —
telling.
It
?
us, "
book
That we
shall
renounce."
a matter of doubt
" T/ioti shall renounce
physical
as well as social
manners, customs, worldly wisdom, philosophy, to
is
to fell one's fortune. " !
life,
religion, all e.xclaim
Dichtung und Wahrheif, part
ii.
17.
P. 48.
That highest grace
d'amoureux merci, or the P. 49. traditional
—Meaning
probably
le
don
last favour.
And what am compact was
of love.
I to do for you in return
to the following effect
i88
:
?
—The
actual or
NOTES "Puis
D. Fauste regoit son sang sur une
le
charbons tout chauds,
et ecrit
comme
s'ensuit
ci
tuile, et
apres
y met des
:
"'Jean Fauste, Docteur, reconnois de ma propre main manifestement pour une chose qu'apres que je
dons qui m'ont
me
ratifiee,
en
ce
et
mis a speculer
suis
les
dela-haut
ete distribuez et departis
dans
vertu
de
cet
ecrit
el^mens, et apres les :
mon entendement.
lesquels
Et de
n'ont
que autrement des hommes, lors je me suis je n'ai peu etre enseigne presentement adonne a un Esprit, qui s'appelle Miphistophilcs, point trouve d'habitude
ce
qui est valet du prince infernal en Orient, par paction entre
moi, qu'il m'adresseroit et m'apprendroit,
comme
promis
ai
lui
et
m'etoit predestine,
il
promis de m'etre
Partant et a I'opposite, je
choses. d'ici
m'a
reciproquement
aussi
qui
lui
en
sujet et
lui
toutes
que
certifie,
a vingt-quatre ans de la date de ces presentes, vivant jusques-
m'enseignera en son art et science, et en comme me maintiendra, gouvernera, conduira, et me fera tout bien, avec toutes choses necessaires a mon corps, a mon ame, a ma chair, mon sang, et a ma sante: que je suis et serai sien a jamais. la
completement,
il
ses inventions
a.
Partant, je renonce a tout ce qui est pour la vie du maitre celeste et
de tous
les
hommes,
de
ma
et
que
je sois
en tout
grande confirmation,
certitude, et plus
propre main, et
I'ai
ma
pensee et volonte, et
Widtnan part In
mon propre sang que je me mon sens et de mon jugement,
sousecrit de
suis tire expressement pour ce faire, de
de
I'ai
arrete, scelle et testifie, &c."
Cayct's
i.
Marlow's Faustus the instrument
P. 49.
Pour plus grande promesse
sien.
ecrit la presente
j'ai
But
if
thou hast food, &c.
is
formally set out.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;This
passage has caused a
good deal of puzzling, though neither FalU nor Schubart seems be aware of any difficulty
to
:
"
I
know thy
rotten
goods of the earth
will'st
gifts,"
says
thou offer
Faust.
me
thee ever be capable of measuring the
?
"
Which
How
unquiet
of thy
could the of
man's
fine
like
of
breast.
Hast thou food to serve up which never satisfies ? Or canst thou I loathe only show trees which daily bloom anew and bud again ? this foliage
of yesterday, this tale, which, ever the same,
away again fault eh' man sic
is
told in
the morning, and in the evening dies " Zeig
mir die Frucht die
Und Baume
bricht
die sich tiiglich neu begriinen."
Falk, 189
p.
283.
APPENDIX " This (Mephistopheles' promise) appears to
What
can a devil give a
of giving
delusion, and melt
gold
:
away
gifts
is
not capable
of a devil," he says,
same manner as
the
in
Faust but mockery.
when he
to satisfy him,
The
himself?
to
it
man
"are but
his quicksilver-like
thus he can only bestow fruits which would not rot before the
plucking, but no ever-budding tree sprouts forth beneath his
skill
and
fostering."—Sc/(?/6a/-f, 198.
None
of the
editions
that
have seen make the hast du an it. There are authorities,
I
interrogatory, as Falk seems to understand
however,
construing
for
Though
it
thou
hast,
&c.
It
is
also
contended that "
Doch hast du Speise
Du is
die nicht siittigt, hast
rothes Geld, &c."
to be construed affirmatively:
satisfies,"^&c.;
saying
" :
"However, thou hast food which never &c., is ironical and tantamount to thou canst show me." But on this construction
—and that the zeig mir,
This
is all
do not see how the inversion of the second hasf du is to be justified, whilst the answer of Mephistopheles clearly implies that the zeig mir, &c., was a demand on the part of Faust. The most probable I
supposition
that Faust's meaning was pretty nearly the same as in the subsequent speech, in which he expresses a wish to enjoy all that is is,
among mankind.
parcelled out
we may
well suppose
Taking
him saying —
value in the eyes of a
:
man
"
You can
me
like
wish into consideration,
this
;
but
give nothing of any real
if
perishable enjoyments of humanity to bestow, P. 50.
At
the doctor's feast.
—Alluding
you have the common me have them."
let
to
the inauguration-feast
given on the taking of a degree. P. 52. /
am
not a hair's breadth higher,
S-c.
— "Which
taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?" P. 53.
instruction
admired.
A
Student enters.
—This
scene
of you by
Matt.
vi.
27.
a satire on the
modes of pursued in German Universities, and has been much But the effect is in a great measure produced by the is
happy application of pedantic phrases and college slang, which are no more capable of being relished in England than such terms as
-n'ooden-spoou,
little-go,
cranuiiing,
plucking,
in
Germany.
A
distinguished scholar thus mentions this scene and the three other
scenes which have been thought to resemble great and overwhelming tragic powers I go
it
in
tone
:
—
"
To the
of Goethe, Aristophanes, of
NOTES can make no
course,
pretension
;
but in their
preference of
come very
arbitrary comic to the comic of manners, the two writers close together
and both writers should have
;
Stael expresses
when there was an
it,
Madame
de
intellectual chaos, similar to
Had Aristophanes
the material chaos.
lived, as
the
modern
written in
times,
is,
perhaps, not impertinent to suggest, that the Auerbach's
in
Leipzig,
it
Keller
Hexenkiiche, the Walpurgisnacht, and perhaps the
the
quizzing scene with the young student just fresh from his university, are precisely the sort of scenes which would have fallen from
MitcheU's Translation of Aristophanes, Preface,
pen."
It is
many passages
evident from
his
in
his
p. xxvii.
Memoirs, that Goethe's
early impressions of university pursuits were pretty nearly what he
has put into the mouth of Mephistopheles Falk, did his opinions "
Our
change materially
men
scientific
nor,
;
so happy as to have a different ;
that
But what am
When
I
I
'
quartz {Keiserlerde)
is
the better
hear them
name
They count
if
I
am
separate
lots,
That and this
for every lot. ;
that
is
this,
ever so perfect
always think of the old
I
in
to believe
:
are rather too fond of details.
out to us the whole consistency of the earth [Thonerde]
we are
if
in after-life
in all
lines in
Eiiclieire sin naturce nennt's die
these
and are is
argil
is
that.
names?
Faust
Chemie
Bohrt sich seiber Esel und weiss nicht wie!'
"What am want
to
I
the better for these lots? what for their
know what
it
is
that impels every several
names?
portion of
I
the
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
some other portion, either to rule or to obey it, and qualifies some for the one part and some for the other, according to a law innate in them all, and operating like a voluntary choice. But this is precisely the point upon which the most perfect universe to seek out
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
and universal silence prevails." " Everything in science," said he turn of thought, "
is
at another time, with the
become too much divided
into
same
compartments.
In our professors' chairs the several provinces {Fiicher) are violently
and
arbitrarily
severed,
and
alloted
into
half-yearly
courses
of
The number of real discoveries is small, especially when one views them consecutively through a few centuries. Most of what these people are so busy about, is mere
lectures, according
to
fixed
plans.
what has been said by this or that celebrated predecessor. Such a thing as independent original knowledge is hardly thought of. repetition of
19:
APPENDIX Young men are
driven
want of any
for
insight which
in flocks into
lecture-rooms, and are crammed,
nutriment, with quotations and words.
real
The
wanting to the teacher, the learner is to get for himself as he may. No great wisdom or acuteness is necessary to perceive
is
that
this
is
an
mistaken
entirely
Mrs. Austin's
path."
Characteristics of Goethe. It is worthy of note that Burton {Attaf. part i., sect. 2, sub-sec. remarks on the several sciences in somewhat the same spirit as
7),
Goethe.
Spanish
P. 55. torture, like
boots.
— The
Spanish boot was an instrument of
boot mentioned
the Scottish
in
Old Mortality
(vol.
ii.
p. 406).
Then many a day
P. 55.
" In logic
me
struck
it
dismember, and, as
mind which youth,
in
I
it
xvill
be spent
as strange that
in
teaching yon, &c.
was so
I
were, destroy those
to
pull
pieces,
to
very operations of the
had gone through with the greatest ease from
order
to
perceive
proper
the
—
use
of
them."
my
Goethe's
Memoirs. P. 56. As if was the custom enough for their
Holy Ghost were dictating
the in
Germany
pupils
the
for
professors
to you.
to
—
read
them with the pen.
to follow
It
is
or
slowly
This
was
called dictating.
P. 56.
—
cannot reconcile myself to jurisprudence. Here again repeating his own sentiments. He was originally destined /
Goethe is by his father reluctance
for
that
he
the
law,
could
be
but
was
it
brought
only
to
with
qualify
the
himself
greatest for
the
necessary examination at Strasburg, where such examinations were comparatively light. He says, that he had no turn for anything positive. {Memoirs, book ix.) The exclamation, " Woe to thee that thou
art
a grandson,"
alludes
systems which people coming find
may to
them.
The law
common
parlance
entailed upon
suppose, what assist
in
to
the
that is
is
and
complicated
world are pretty sure to born with us, means, I
called
future translators, not versed
be told, that
artificial
late into the
in
the law of nature.
German
It
jurisprudence,
means enactment, and Reeht, Gesetz, and Rechte, therefore, are
Gesetz, in strictness,
law or a rule of law, generally. both included under the term laws. P. 57.
Tlie spirit of medicine.
— Goethe
ig2
associated a good deal
NOTES with medical students at Strasburg, and took considerable interest in the studies usually followed in
P. 59.
Atierbach's
cellar
connection with medicine. Leipzig.
in
same
place of public entertainment of the
—Auerbach's
cellar
is
a
and character as the Garden. I supped there class
Maiden Lane, Covent during my last visit to Germany, and took some pains to ascertain the traditions connected with it, which the waiter seemed to have a Cider
Cellar
in
He
particular pleasure in communicating.
was not the shadow in
of a doubt as to
my
me
assured
being seated
which both Faust and Goethe had caroused
;
in
the very vault
and producing an old
copy of Widman, he avowed himself ready to make oath that been
was
in
had
it
the cellar, as a sort of heir-loom, for 300 years at the least.
really a very curious copy, but bore the date of
principal curiosities of the vault are like
there
that
the segment of a circle, painted,
It
MDCXCV. The
two very old paintings, shaped it
is
Faust's presence and achievements there.
supposed, to commemorate The one represents him at
the table drinking to the sound of music, with a party of students
;
the
other represents him in the act of passing out of the door upon a cask,
The
whilst the spectators are holding up their hands in astonishment.
first-mentioned bears a Latin inscription, which has proved a puzzler to the philologists " Vive, Bibe, Obgregare,
Memor
Fauste hujus et hujus Paenrc. Aderat claudo hsc 1525." Asterat ample Gradu.
—
A
distinguished scholar. Dr. Maginn, proposes to read " Vive, Bibe, Obgregare,
it
thus
:
Memor
Fausti hujus et hujus
PKnte. Ast, erat
Aderat clauda haec
ampla Gradu.— 1525."
Over the other are inscribed the "
lines following
:
Doctor Faust zu dieser Frist
Aus Aurbach's Keller geritten ist, Auf einem Fass mit Wein geschwind, Welches gesehen viel Mutterkind. Seiches durch seine subtile Kraft hat gethan, Und des Teufel's Lohn empfangen davon. 1525."
—
It
has been
made a doubt whether
this date (1525) refers to the
time at which the pictures were painted, or to that at which the 193
APPENDIX adventures took place.
The following are the
of the magical exploits in the text "
At the
city of
Prague
best traditional accounts
:
known by the sign of was upon a tour.
a publican's house,
is
the Anchor, where the Doctor one day called as he
among
Seating himself
them
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
wines '
'
the travellers, in a short time he thus accosted
Gentlemen, would you
in
Yes, yes
the world !
' '
?
'
Then
you
will
partake of
like to
The whole first
kinds of foreign
all
one accord, cried
party, with
out,
the French, Spanish,
like to taste
Rhenish, Malaga, or any other kind?' continued he, 'whichever you
most approve.' "
Upon
one of the
this
whatever wine you please of disposing of
guests
exclaimed
we
to furnish, Doctor,
:
'
Doctor
Faustus
to
plenty of bottles and glasses, and he would supply the rest.
This being
done, he bored several holes in the table, and placing a funnel
he held the bottles under
it,
much wine
and decanted as
!
some means provide him with
shall find
Whereupon he begged them
it.'
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
each,
in
as they would
them down one after another, the delighted guests heartily, and heartily did they regale themselves." laugh to began The other adventure, in Roscoe's German Novelists, vol. i. p. 377. which the guests of Faust seize each other's noses mistaking them The old French version of for grapes, is also told by Mr. Roscoe. contain.
As he
Widman
runs thus
"
laid
:
Le Docteur Fauste
principaux pour
Quand done
ils
les
en un certain
avoit,
sans
traiter,
furent venus,
cuisine 6toit encore froide.
ils
II
qu'il
eut
lieu, invito
appret6
des
hommes
aucune
chose.
virent bien la table couverte, mais la
se faisoit aussi des noces, le
meme
soir,
d'un riche et honnete bourgeois, et avoient et^ tous les domestiques de la maison empechez, pour bien et honorablement traiter les gens qui y ^toient invitez. Ce que le Docteur Fauste aiant appris, commanda a
son Esprit que de ces noces
il
lui
apportat un service de vivres tout
appretez, soit poissons ou autres, qu'in-continent traiter ses h6tes.
Soudain
noces, un grand vent par
toutes les chandelles.
les
y eut en
la
il
les enlevat
le
la
pour les
vent fut cesse, et les chandelles
eurent vu
d'oii
le
tumulte avoit
manquoit a un mets une piece de
roti,
poule, a un autre une oye, et que dans la chaudiere
de grands poissons.
de
maison, ou Ton faisoit
cheminees, fenetres et portes, qui eteignit
Apres que
derechef allumez, et qu'ils trouverent, qu'il
il
Lors furent Fauste 194
il
et6,
ils
a un autre une
manquoit aussi pourviis de
et ses invitez
NOTES vivres,
mais
manquoit
vin
le
Mepliosfophiles fus fort bien
Fougres dont ils
il
toutefois
:
pour
long-temps, car
pas
voiage de Florence dans les caves de
aii
en apporta quantite
;
desiroient (qui est ce pour quoi
qu'il leur fit
non
mais apres
qu'ils eiirent
ils
Lors
quelque tour d'enchantemens.
plaisir
mange,
etoient principalement venus,) il
leur
fit
une vigne avec ses grappes de saison, dont un chacun en prit sa part. II commanda puis apres de prendre un cotiteau, et le mettre a. la racine, comme s'ils I'eussent vouler couper. N^anmoins,
venir sur
ils
et
la table
n'en purent pas venir a bout: puis apres,
ne tarda gu6res sans revenir
I'un I'autre ils
par
voulurent,
le nez, et
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Part
lors
Soar
P. 60.
up,
greetings
Quand done
puis apres
Cela leur fut ainsi mis
qu'il les
eut
fait
venir toutes
ch. 33.
The adventure on the cask thousand
s'arreterent tous et se tinrent
les grappes.
eurent bien voulu
ils
iii.,
ils
s'en alia hors des ^tuves,
un coiateau dessus.
purent couper
ils
aucunement, mais meures."
;
il
Madame me.
for
Goethe probably had
in
his "
also recorded in this history.
is
Nightingale, give
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The mind
following
my
is
sweetheart ten
the
song
which
:
FRAU NACHTIGALL.
" Nachtigal, ich hor dich singen
Das Herz mocht mir im Leib zerspringen, doch und sag mir bald,
Komme Wie
ich
mich verhalten
soil.
" Nachtigal, ich seh dcih laufen,
Au dem Bachlein thust du saufen, Du tunkst dein klein Schniiblein ein IMeinst es
war der beste Wein.
wo ist gut wohnen, Auf den Linden, in den Kronen, Bei der schon Frau Nachtigal, Grilss niciii Schatzchen tausendinal."
" Nachtigal,
This song
is
in
the collection of Alte Deutsche Lieder, entitled
Knaben Wunderhorn, compiled by MM. von Arnim and Brentano. The plan was probably suggested by Dr. Percy's Relics
Des
;
a book
which
others,)
has exercised at
literature as
(translated
on our own.
and least
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; See
imitated as
great
some
by Burger, an
influence on
interesting
i.
p.
and
German
remarks on
subject in the last edition of Wordsworth's Works, vol 195
Herder,
329.
this
APPENDIX Leipsic
P. 62.
that
&c.
the place,
is
when Goethe commenced
—
appears from his Memoirs,
It
his college studies at Leipzig, a great
amongst the students. Did you sup / dare say you are lately from Rippacli ? P. 62. Leipzig, near village Rippach is a ? you Hans before left with Mr. and to ask for Hans von Rippach, a fictitious personage, was an
affectation of politeness prevailed
—
amongst the students. The ready reply of Mephistopheles indicating no surprise, shows Siebel and Altmayer that he is up to
old joke
it.
Hans
is
the
German
Hans
Jack, as
der Reisentodter, Jack the
Giant-killer.
P.
Mephistopheles
63.
Weimar is said Falk, " who was
alluded
be
to
sin,qs.
—A
favourite
to.
treasurer to the Duke, used
the
at
" Bertuch,
the
court
father,"
of
says
times to speak
in after
with great glee of a singular head in the accounts which he had to consisted almost entirely of breeches, It submit in those days.
wandering
found
be
stockings
he
German
literati,
who were
provided
slenderly
with
This song was set to music by Beethoven. The best commentary on this scene
—
Outlines.
Retzsch's
in
represented as something but
for
Weimar,
gates of
Witches' Kitchen.
P. 68. to
the
within
those articles."
is
and
shoes
waistcoats,
himself told
me
between
the
that Meerkatze
The monkeys are there monkey and the baboon ;
is
the
common
little
long-
monkey. The term is thus used in a German translation of " Eine Hurenjager, unvergleichliche Ausflucht fiir einen Lear. Act i. zu legen." zur Last Sternen den Meerkatzen-Trieb seinen de Madame sc. 2, in Edmund's Speech on Planetary Influences. Stael considers it to mean something between a monkey and a cat.
tailed
—
The save
following
which Goethe
(in
the reader a good deal of
in spirit
the
profitless
is
the speaker)
puzzling
:
— " For
may thirty
Germans) have been sorely vexed and tormented on the Blocksberg and the cat's dialogue broomstick by the Witches' kitchen, which occur in Faust, and all the
years they
in
passage
interpreting
(the
and allegorising of
this dramatic-humoristic
extravaganza
Really people should learn when have never thoroughly prospered. they are young to make and take a joke, and to throw away scraps as scraps." P. 69.
Falk.
At
the feast, &c.
— Falk
of these three lines, that Faust
observes, in allusion to the text
and Mephistopheles are greeted 196
in
NOTES a tone which, through the diphthong the language of monkeys. P.
Coarse
69.
beggars'
bears a strong affinity to
att,
— "The
broth.
Bettel-Siippen
breifen
have an ironical reference to the coarse superstitions which extend shade
palpable
with a thick
amongst
throughout the
nations
all
whole history of the world." Falk. Take the brush here, &c. Retzsch represents Mephistopheles P. 71
—
.
as holding a light screen or fan in his hand. P.
Oh!
71.
be
good as
so
glue the crown,
to
S-c.
—"A
wish
which, profoundly considered, sounds so politically, that one would
swear
had
monkey-spirits
the
Romish
and
read
new empire,
the
both
history of
the
by
chapter
dethronings and assassinations, from the beginning of the
end of the
war."
last
the
old
all
its
first to
the
with
chapter,
Falk.
Thou atomy.— " Thou atomy, thou!" Shakespeare. P. 73. The northern phantom is now no more to be seen. Where do you now see horns, tail, and claws ? The old German catechisms, P. 73.
—
from Luther's time downwards, were generally adorned with a
above-mentioned appendages.
piece, representing the devil with all the
That
P. 75.
For a downright
P. 75.
on
this
Hegel,
the witches' one-times-one.
is
passage
is
:
—
A
"
call for
it,
both wise
was a
men and
Margaret.
P. 77.
to a milliner.
rank
He was
multiplication-table.
— Dr.
it
— for
was
in
this
among
in his
love
was
called Margaret.
others,
She
apprenticed, during the love-affair,
fifteen
at the
commencement
of the
Previously to the
the habit of following her to church, but never
— See the Dichtung und Wahrheit, — Many of the songs in
h. 5.
There was a King in Thule.
Memoirs
that of
Das Seyn away those who have no
frightens
first
in life,
about
ventured on accosting her. P. 81.
like
instance,
acquaintance, and she two or three years older. introduction he
Hinrichs' note
fools."
— Goethe's
girl of inferior
i.e.,
system of philosophy which,
Nichts, has the advantage that
ist
—
contradiction, &c.
such a contradiction,
begins with
frontis-
were not originally written
for
it.
Faust,
Goethe mentions
that he sung this song with considerable applause in a
social meeting.
P. 89. of
Germany
/ icould
change rings with you myself.
— In some countries
the bridegroom, instead of placing the ring on the finger
of the bride, gives
one to her and receives one 197
in return.
o
APPENDIX Two
P. 89.
xcifiicsses.
forms the basis of
non audiatiir.
oinniito
Were
P. 101.
"
I
— Alluding to the rule of the
the
all
— Cod.
a
bird,
Wenn
German
systems.
Uiiiiis
civil law,
which
rcspoiisio
testis
4, 20, 9.
&c.—
ich ein Voglein wiir,
Und auch zwei Flog ich zu dir
Fliigeln
hiitt,
;
Weils aber nicht kann seyn, Bleib ich "
Bin ich gleich weit von dir. Bin ich doch im Schlaf bei
Und
red mit dir
Wenn
dir,
;
erwachen
ich
Bin ich "
all hier.
thu,
allein.
Es vergeht keine Stund
Da mein Herze nicht Und an dich gedenkt, Dass du mir
viel
in
her Nacht,
erwacht,
tausendmal
Dein Herze geschenkt." Herder's Volkslieder,
b.
Wunderhoni, part P.
The
102.
twin-pair,
breasts are like two
the
young roes
Song of Solomon,
lilies."
ch.
P.
1828,
Name
106.
the
stands
it
is
it.
— "The
-Nature
'
Persian poet Saadi of
—
edition
Works commenced
of Goethe's
mentioned
incident
rest
till
good bring
;
for,
a
in
had introduced
I
of Werther's
Charlotte),
like
hateful to
is
Goethe's
my
friend
Memoirs Merk at
with
" Mephistopheles Merk,"
:
—
"
I
is
nte,
him."
Goethe
c-c.
copied
from
could scarcely
Lotta's (the original
but his presence in this circle did
Mephistopheles, go where he
blessing
in
sound Mid smoke.
is
Margaret's intuitive apprehension of Mephistopheles
an
two
among
Who
The man you have with you
P. 106.
— "Thy
knows God, is silent.' " sound and smoke. In most of the editions
collected :
231.
iv., v. 5.
Schiraz says, according to Herder: —
preceding
roses.
p. 67.
p.
that are twins, which feed
I have no name for
P. 106.
among
which feed
i.,
i.,
will,
always
he
called
will
this
me no hardly friend
and gives a strange account of the mingled
goodness and devilishness of his disposition. 198
NOTES Full of her faith,
P. 108.
"
^-c—The words :—
Der ganz
allein
machend
Ihr selig
have here the same meaning as
in
Ueber Alleinseligmachende Kirche;
We
P. 110.
i.e.,
ist,
Dr. Carove's celebrated work the Catholic Church.
will strew cut straw before her door.
German custom something analogous
to a
this country.
—This
alludes
Skimmerton-riding
to
consists in strewing cut or chopped straw
It
in
before
whose virtue is suspected, the day before the The garland (like the snood) is a token of virginity,
the door of a bride
wedding.
and a ruined maiden
is
said to have lost her garland.
Zwinger. — Zwinger
is untranslatable, and a good deal meaning of the term. " Zwinger (says a learned correspondent) from Zwingen, to subdue, is a name given to castles found in some of the free towns, and formerly held by an imperial governor. They are often in the middle of the town, and have a passage wherein a devotional image with a lamp has occa-
P.
111.
of doubt exists as to the
sionally been placed, not expressly for the sake of devotion, but to
lighten
up
a
and prefers firmed
to
dark passage
conversation by Retzsch.
in
Margaret
Virgin
placed in a niche
from
represented
is
says
we
unobserved,
his
"
:
outline
of the
image
of
Mr. Dovvnes,
a church.
Countries,
Goslar to the Rammelsberg)
In
kneeling before an
close to
Continental
be
to
This account was con-
this lonely spot to the chapel."
me
scene,
Letters
Margaret wishes
;
On
our
visited the Zwinger,
of three stories, containing a saloon for masquerades.
the his
in
way
(frohi
old tower
an
The
walls are
so thick as to admit of a small side apartment adjoining one of the
windows.
A
scene
perhaps identical with P.
111.
Faust
Goethe's
in
entitled
is
it
is
Manzoni
(a
;
this."
Mater
Dolorosa.
great favourite of Goethe) in
—The his
following
hymn
lines of
the Virgin,
to
supposed to have been suggested by this scene "
Zwinger
might be
:
La femminetta nel tuo sen regale La sua spregiata lagrima depone,
E
a
te,
beata, della sur immortale
Alma
gli
A
che
te,
affanni espone i
:
prieghi ascolti e
199
le
querele
o
2
APPENDIX Non come
E
suole
de' grandi
il
mondo, ne dcgV imi
dolor col suo crudele
il
Discernimento estimi."
Can
P. 114.
the treasure rising, &€.
that be
—This
superstitious belief that the presence of a treasure
blue the
Intermezzo, and also
Schatzgrdber
114.
little
:
"
P.
a
in
indicated by a
is
The same allusion occurs in poem by Goethe, called Der
or flame to the initiated.
light
alludes to a
Und Und
ich sah ein Licht
es
Lion-dollars
kam
gleich
— The
von weitem,
einem Sterne."
Lmventhaler
a coin
is
first
struck by
Bohemian Count Schlick, from the mines of Joachims-Thai in Bohemia; the finest in the years 1518-1529, under Ludovick, the The one side represents the first king of Hungary and Bohemia. fork-tailed lion, with the inscription "Ludvvig I. D. G. Rex Bohm." The reverse, the full-length image of St. John, with the arms of
the
—
Kohlers Miintz-Beliistigiingen.
Schlick.
The common people
in
Germany
believe
(or believed) that
rat-
catchers, by whistling or piping a peculiar note, could compel the rats to follow
them wherever they chose.
This
Deutche Sagen, No. 245.
accounts for the application of the term to a serenading seducer. P. 115. it
hard
name
to
/
am
perfectly at
home with
the police, but should find
clear scores ivith the criminal courts.
—Bhitbann The
for criminal jurisdiction in the general sense.
is
an old
distinction
between Polizei-Uebertretungen and Verbrechen, to which the above passage might otherwise be supposed to the
German systems
not
till
in imitation of the
refer,
into
consequently
;
long after the period at which this scene was written.
— See
To make matters
sure,
Mittermaier's Strafverfahren, pp. 10 and 16. I
was introduced
French code
referred both Blutbann and Blutschuld to M. Mittermaier himself. It
is
common
Germany
in
unter ihrem
Herzen —
P.
/ feel
to say. Sic triigt das
Pfand der Liebe
" She bears the pledge of love under her heart." Thus Schiller in Die Kindesmorderin " Nicht das Knablein unter meinem Herzen?"
118.
Goethe's
works
(I
describes the Dies
—
as if the organ, forgot
irce
to
note
&c.
down
—There the
is
place)
a in
passage
which
as having a similar effect upon himself. 200
in
he
NOTES P.
Schirke
120. May-Day Night. and Elend. Walpurgis
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
The Hartz Mountains. the
is
name
May-day Night
converted the Saxons to Christianity. to
The Hartz
her.
is
of
who
dedicated
is
the most northerly range of mountains in
Germany, and comprises (according 1350 square miles,
about
District
of the female saint
to
the Conversations-Lexicon)
mostly within
The Brocken or Blocksberg
is
summit
the
the
Hanover.
of
district
of the chain, on the top
the witches of Germany hold an annual meeting. Elend are two villages on or near the Brocken. As these mountains are now a favourite resort of tourists, it is useless to add a minute description of them. Mr. Downes, in his Letters from Continental Countries, has given a con amore description of the localities; and Heine has supplied some curious particulars in the of
which
all
Schirke and
volume of his Reisehilder. Dr. Schubart says, that, as the Greeks had their Olympus, the Jews their Sinai, the Spaniards their first
Montserrat, the Indians the Himelaya mountains, so have the their Blocksberg.
assignable causes for the superstitions associated with to that which
Druids are said
in addition
it,
On
the wildness of the mountain affords.
establishment of Christianity, the refuge on
Germans
In the case of the Blocksberg, however, there are
the
first
have taken
to
and the lights and noises attendant on the celebration were mistaken by the surrounding peasantry for sorcery. of Goethe's minor poems. Die erste Walpiirgisnacht, it
;
of their rites In
one
spiritedly
translated
by Dr. Anster, the effects of this belief are
Another cause is to be found in a phenomenon thus described by the author of Waverley. " The solitudes of the Hartz forest in Germany, but especially the mountains called
vividly pourtrayed.
Blocksberg, or rather Brockenburg, are the chosen scenes for the tales
of witches, demons,
inhabitants,
who
are either miners or foresters,
them peculiarly prone phenomena which they witness renders
subterraneous
The occupation
and apparitions.
profession,
are
interference of goblins or the
to in
often
is
superstition,
pursuit set
of
down
power of magic.
legends current in that wild country, there
is
of a
and their
by
kind
the
that
natural
solitary
them
Among
the
of
to
or the
the various
a favourite one, which
supposes the Hartz to be haunted with a kind of tutelar demon,
in
the shape of a wild man, of huge stature, he head wreathed with oak-leaves, and his middle cinctured with the same, bearing in his 20
APPENDIX hand a pine torn up by the roots. It is certain that many profess have seen such a form traversing, with huge strides, in a line
to
own
parallel to their
divided from is
course, the opposite ridge of a mountain,
by a narrow glen
it
when
and indeed the fact of the apparition modern scepticism has only found refuge deception." The Antiquary, vol. i. p. 249. ;
so generally admitted, that
by ascribing
to optical
it
This optical deception admits of a simple explanation
—
:
"
When
the rising sun throws his rays over the Brocken upon the body of
a
man
standing opposite to fine light
hovering past him, he needs only
collection
of
own shadow
German
The First of May ;
Hibbert on Apparitions,
Natural
on
Letters
stories,
or,
or
or six hundred feet, at the distance of
five
about two miles before him." s
around
floating
be will see the singular spectacle of his
in all probability
extending to the length of
Brewster
clouds
eye steadily upon them, and
fix his
Magic,
there
Lett.
440, note.
p.
Mr.
In
6.
Gillie's
a very interesting one called
is
Walburga's Night.
Goethe's
little
poem
called
Die Harz Reise has no perceptible connection with the Hartz.
Through
P. 121.
ling hurry down. trickles
Again,
—
"
the stones, through
and
murmuring and
—the
rustling
little
There
cascades.
is
brook-
silver-clear,
among the stones, and bathes the naked roots and in many places, the water spouts more freely from
rocks and roots, and forms
songs
the turf, brook
Here and there on rushes the water,
fibres.
out
of
such a strange
—the birds sing broken snatches of languishing
trees whisper as with thousands of maidens' tongues
;
as
with thousands of maidens' eyes the rare mountain flowers gaze upon us,
and stretch out towards us
leaves,"
P. 121.
Heine, Reisebilder, vol.
&c.
&c.,
account of the
their singularly broad, conically forked
rise of the Use, p. 223.
And
the roots, like snakes, &c.
rocky nature of the ground, the roots are
i.
p.
173.
— " In in
See also
his
consequence of the
many
places unable to
and wind, snake-like, over the huge blocks of granite, which lie scattered everywhere about, like huge play-balls, for the unearthly revellers to throw at each on May-day night." Reisebilder. penetrate
P.
it,
122.
It
scatters
—masses
vereinzelt sich
the contrast glittering
Sc.
at
—shows
once.
— probably
more complete.
near,
proper one.
itself
itself
— Shelley
But the next
clearly
has
translated
under the notion of making
that the
line
There sparks are
literal
version
is
the
NOTES "
But not long
after there arose against
called Euroclydon."
Sir Urian.
P. 123.
Germany. P.
Voland
By
123.
it
a tempestuous wind,
English Bible.
— This
(post)
believe,
is, I
Ilsenstein.
—
common name
a
is
for
the devil in
one of the names of Beelzebub.
Ilsenstein
a high granite rock on the
is
Brocken, so called from the brook Use, which, according to tradition,
was
originally a
Felsensee (rock-lake)
princess.
is
another of the
localities.
Make room,
P. 124.
most sweet
Now
P. 126.
—" And
— Probably
sweet people.
an allusion to your
voices, in Coriolanus.
that I ascend the witch-mouiitain for the hist time.
because the contradictions of
and thought have reached their end and
life
same time have found
their highest pitch, but at the
solution, does Mephistopheles convince himself that he has
time?"
the Blocksberg for the last P. 127.
Lilith.
—
I
have received several suggestions as to
The following passage, p. 916),
i.
which
(for
extracted from Gesenius's vol.
have to thank
I
Commentary on
" Lilith, f\''7w (itocturna),
Isaiah, (Leipz. 1821, 8vo,
is,
in the
popular belief of the Hebrews,
a female spectre in the shape of a finely-dressed
Striges Fast.
wait for and
in
amongst the Romans. This
123.
vi.
appears old, as variation,
Lilith.
Rosen),
Dr.
the fullest and most satisfactory:
is
particular, lies
ascended
Ueber Goethe's Faust, Leipzig.
amongst
— See
to be found
all
woman, which,
children, like the Lamiaj
in
and
Horace, Art, Poet. 340; Ovid,
the Rabbinical account, and the superstition
is
is
it
kills
same form, and with little More recently they themselves
the
in
other people.
it into a kind of system, and turned Lilith into a wife Adam's on whom he begot demons, and who still has power to lie with men and kill children who are not protected by amulets, with which the Jews of a still later period supply themselves as a protection
have brought
of
against her.
—
S.
Buxtorf, Lexicon. Talmudic,
Entdecktes Judenthum, vol.
Jewish Antiquities,
Burton
tells
vol.
us
:
ii.
"
p.
ii.
413,
p.
P.
1140; Eisenmenger's
See also Brown's
273.
Anat. of Melancholy, Part 127.
p.
seq."
The Talmudists say
called Lilis before he married Eve, devils."
et
Procktophantasmist.
1,
Adam had
a wife
Sect. 2, Sub-sec. 2.
— The
203
that
and of her he begat nothing but person
intended
is
now
APPENDIX understood to be Nicolai of
generally
enjoyed a considerable
medium
by him about 1765
established
Mendelsohn, written
exercised
a
spirit,
and a
Bibliothek,
twenty
The
literature.
prosaic
cold
a writer
Berlin,
Germany,
years
who once
through
widely -spread
a
severity of his criticisms,
him
involved
in
many
disputes;
among
others, with Wieland,
He had
also given offence to Goethe, by publishing a parody on
Sufferings of Werther,
Fichte,
Herder, Lavater, and Goethe.
"The Joys
entitled
the
work Lessing and
periodical
with
co-operation
in
nearly
for
German
upon in
of
the AUgemeine Deutsche
of
influence
reputation
The
of Werther," in which
Werther is made to shoot himself with a pistol loaded with chicken's blood, and recovers and lives happily. Goethe judiciously carried on the joke by writing a continuation, in which Werther, though is represented as blinded by the blood, and bewailing his ill
alive,
fortune in not being able to see the beauties of Charlotte.
says
tliat
Nicolai of
though only circulated
literary consideration.
He
in
beyond
his
own contracted "
Was
schiert
notions of excellence
man
of
Und wer mich the very last,"
says
!
nicht verstehen kann
Der lerne besser
To
:
mich der Berliner Bann
Geschmackler-Pfaffenwesen
"
manuscript, deprived
speaks of him as a
but incapable of allowing merit in anything which went the
talent,
least
reply,
his all
Goethe
lesen."
Goethe. " Nicolai
Mr. Carlyle,
persuade himself, that there was anything
never
could
heaven or earth that
in
He was animated with a fierce most people thought him partly right but when he wrote against Kant's philosophj% without comprehending it, and judged of poetry as he judged of Brunswick mum, by its ittility, many people thought him wrong. A man of such spiritual
was not dreamt
of in his philosophy.
zeal against Jesuits
habitudes Nicolai
is
;
in
now by
this,
Germans
the
called
a Philistcr,
Philistine.
earned for himself the painful pre-eminence of being Erz-
German Romance,
Philistine, Arch-Philistine."
In 1791
vol. iv. p. 15.
mental agitation produced such an effect on his nerves,
that for several weeks he appeared to himself continually surrounded
with
phantoms,
whom
he
distinctly
knew, however,
creations of his imagination.
An account
by
quoted
the
sufferer
himself,
is
204
by
to
of his malady,
Dr.
Hibbert
be mere drawn up
(Theory
of
NOTES and may be seen
Apparitions)
Nicholson's Philosophical Journal,
in
Bleeding by leeches was one of the remedies resorted
vol. vi. p. 161.
to; this explains the subsequent allusion to them.
The
commentators. Tegel
were
selves very highly on their enlightenment,
story of a ghost,
No
Tegel. forth
died in 1811.
a small place about eight or ten miles from
is
In the year 1799, the inhabitants of Berlin,
Berlin.
He
phrase, es spitld in Tcgel, has sadly puzzled both translators and
said
pride them-
taken in by the
haunt the dwelling of a Mr. Schulz at
to
than two commissions of distinguished persons set
less
investigate
to
who
fairly
character
the
the
of
betook themselves to the house on the waited from eleven at night
one
till
apparition.
13th
in the
of
The
first
September,
1797,
morning, heard a noise,
and saw nothing. The second party were more fortunate, for one of them rushed with such precipitation towards the place from whence the noise proceeded, that the ghost was under the necessity of decamping in a hurry, leaving the instruments with which he made the noise (very clumsy contrivances) as spolia opiina to the conquerors.
Thus began and ended the Tegel ghost's rivalled our Cock-lane ghost
deal
of
controversy.
published in
1798,
in
This
statement
8vo, with
nascetur ridiculus mus."
Dr. Hitzig
free
We
is
motto
the
prejudice)
and
Tegel
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;" Parturiunt I
am
montes,
indebted for
it)
:
me
Berlin folks (enlightened by
from
:
whom
(to
proposes the following interpretation "
who however fully and gave rise to a good taken from an account
career,
in celebrity,
Nicolai) are so wise (so
haunted
is
notwithstanding
(we
notwithstanding suffer our heads to be turned by a ghost story, so stupid as this of Tegel.")
Shelley and M. Stapfer say Brocktophantasmist.
This alteration
destroys the etymology, which the allusion to the leeches shows to
be
HpcuKTos.
A
P. 128.
red mouse
incident occurred
beginning of
at
jumped
out of her mouth.
a nobleman's
the seventeenth
room, when a
laid herself
down, apart but not far
she had laid
still
one another.
Thiiringen,
becoming sleepy,
a short time, a
the
left
the others and
After
mouse crept out of her people saw it, and showed it red
Most of the The mouse ran hastily 205
about
on a bank, to repose.
off,
little
mouth, which was open. to
at
The servants .were paring
century.
fruit in the
girl
seat
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;"The following
to the
open window, crept
APPENDIX through, and remained a short space without.
A
forward waiting-
maid, whose curiosity was excited by what she saw, spite of the
remonstrances of the
rest,
went up
inanimate maiden, shook
to the
her, and removed her to another place a
little
further
and then the former
off,
Shortly afterwards the mouse returned, ran to
left her.
had crept out of the maiden's mouth, ran up and down as if it could not find its way and was at a loss what to The maiden, however, was dead, and do, and then disappeared. familiar spot,
remained
where
dead.
it
The forward waiting-maid repented of what she In the same establishment, a lad had before then
had done in vain. been often tormented by the sorceress and could have no peace Deutsche Sagen, No. 247. this ceased on the maiden's death." of two maidens who were story The same work contains a accustomed to dispatch their souls on evil errands in the shape of ;
smoke, and a story of a maiden whose soul used to leave her in the shape of a cat (Nos. 248, 249) but I find nothing about a gray mouse. ;
As merry
P. 129.
as in the Prater.
—Alluding
Vienna.
When
P. 129.
I
find yon upon the Blocksberg.
to
the
—To
Prater of
wish a
man
—
upon the Blocksberg Ich wiinsche den Kerl auf dem Blocksberg is This speech has in German wishing him at the devil, in English.
like
the effect of a pun.
The
P. 133.
the English reader
Intei-mezzo.
—
It
is
more than a very
quite
impossible to convey to
faint notion of this scene.
The
allusions, quaintly
is produced almost exclusively by rhymed, to things and persons not generally known even in Germany though no one who has ever witnessed the delight with which Germans belonging to the inner circle of educated society dwell upon it, can It is doubt that it possesses merit of a high order in its way.
satirical
effect
impossible to explain the
of
limits
the allusions v.'ithout rambling far beyond
all
a note.
I
must,
therefore,
confine
myself to
such
particulars as admit of compression.
The Midsummer Night's Dream and Wieland's Oberon have furnished the basis of the first seven or eight stanzas and some of the
last.
Mieding, mentioned
Weimar
Theatre.
his death
in
the
first
couplet,
was scene-painter to the little poem on
Goethe has immortalised him by a
:
2o6
NOTES "
Dach Ach Die Arbeit stockt, die Hand wird jedem schwer, Dcr Lcim wird halt, die Farhe fliesst nicht melir."
Wie
Mieding todt
!
erschallt bis unter's
?
Das hohle Haus, von Echo kehrt
There are other
me
lead
Dohring stiff full
lines
in
1
poem, however, which would rather stage-manager. He is mentioned by
the
him
suppose
to
ein
(p. 198).
The
Inquisitive
man
smelling after Jesuits
Traveller
Nicolai
is
and the allusion to the
;
He had
to him.
is
written Travels
of denunciations of popery.
have been told that the words put into the mouth of the northern artist are intended as a quiz on the style of expression I
German Goethe's own
affected by the
allude to to
have revolutionised
Italian
rather think they
A
German
distinguished
critic
Fernow is The Gods of Greece Die Goffer Griechenlands is the title a well-known poem of Schiller's, which somewhat scandalised to.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Some
the strict people of his day. in
I
Journey, which might be almost said
mind.
his
day, but
the person alluded
thinks that
of
artists of the
useful notes
upon
it
are contained
Klattowsky's Manual.
The Purist
said
is
great zeal for purity of
to
a school of critics
typiiy
expression, and
who
strict attention to
affected
costume,
upon the stage.
The Xenien, as
well known,
is
is
name
the
given by Goethe and
Schiller to verses, mostly satirical or epigrammatical, which
published from time to time in co-partnership.
important era in
heads
German
literature.
in the nation, with all the
began
in
A war
of
many bad ones
Musenalmanach
Schiller's
"
for
they
These formed an all the few good (says Mr. Carlyle,)
The
1793.
Xenien
(in
another place he names the Horen along with them), a series of philosophic epigrams, jointly by Schiller and Goethe, descended there
unexpectedly, like a flood of
literary visiting
world the
;
quickening
empire
ancient
unknown pangs." manner, but the
all
of
that
ethereal
fire,
was noble with
dullness
on the German
into
new
astonishment
The war might have been commenced burden of maintaining
half admits in another place*) certainly â&#x20AC;˘
German Romance, 207
vol.
fell ii.,
in
but
and this
Mr. Carlyle himself upon the Schlegels and
(as
it
life,
p. 8.
APPENDIX whose admirable critical productions the Xenien bears about the same relation that the sharp-shooters bear to the regular
Tieck,
to
army.
The Genius
of the
literary journals
edited
Age and The Musaget were the names of by Hennings who was at different times ;
in
controversy with the Schlegels, Schiller, and Goethe.
is
also
attacked
The extent since
it
thousand living
Hennings
minor poems
is
Parnass,
the invading crowd "
The
Crane
German Parnassus
the
of
Most
A
an old joke.
few
which
in
he
spiritedly
apostrophises
:
Ach, die Biische sind geluiickt Ach, die Blumen sind erstickt Von der Sohlen dieser Brut Wer begegnet ihrer Wuth ? "
To the best of my to mean Herder. means parvenus and Sternschnuppe a sort of who mounts like a rocket and comes down like the said
is
information, Irrlichter poetical Icarus,
is
was computed there were no less than fourteen Goethe wrote a little poem authors in Germany.
Dciitscher
entitled
stick.
of Goethe's
Die Miisagcfcn.
entitled
years
One
the Xenien.
in
of the
:
other allusions refer to well-known classes in
society, or to sects or schools
in
metaphysical philosophy.
M. Varnhagen von Enso tells me that many more verses were composed for the Intermezzo. Goldene Hochzeit means the fiftieth anniversary of a marriage
originally
;
Silberne Hochzeit, the twenty-fifth.
To
P. 138.
roll before the feet,
&c.
—This
alludes to a prevalent
superstition, that evil spirits will sometimes place themselves in the
path of a foot passenger,
the shape of a dog or other animal, with
in
the view of tripping him
up and springing upon him when down.
Thus Caliban,
the spirits set upon him by Prospero
"
in allusion to
:
Some time, like apes, that moe and chatter at me. And after, bite me then like hedge-hogs, which ;
Lie tumbling
in
my
bare-foot way."
Tempest, Act P. 141.
— Tlie round
What
Rabenstein it.
is
are they
working — about
ii.
sc. 2.
the Ravenstone
yonder?
so called because ravens are often seen hovering
Retzsch's outline
is
the best commentary. 208
NOTES P.
My
142.
German
a popular Miircheii
mother, the whore, &c.
the
of
to
story,
—This
found
be
in
the
founded on
is
Kinder-mid
Grimm, under the
brothers
distinguished
song
Haiistitle
of
Van den Machandel-Boom, and in the English selection from that work (entitled German Popular Stories) under the title of The Juniper
Tree.
— The
wife of a rich man, whilst standing
a juniper tree, wishes for a
as
blood
under
snow and as red
child as white as
little
and on another occasion expresses a wish to be buried Soon after, a little boy as white as
;
under the juniper when dead.
snow and as red as blood
born
is
:
the mother dies of joy at beholding
it, and is buried according to her wish. The husband marries again, and has a daughter. The second wife, becoming jealous of the boy, murders him and serves him up at table for the unconscious father
The
to eat.
under the in
the whole dish, and throws the bones
father finishes
The
table.
little
her mother's villany,
girl,
picl<s
who
them
is
made
up,
ties
the innocent assistant
them
a
in
silk
hand-
and buries them under the juniper tree. The tree begins to move its branches mysteriously, and then a kind of cloud rises from it, a fire appears in the cloud, and out of the fire comes a kerchief,
beautiful bird, which flies about singing the following song "
:
Min Moder de mi slacht't, Min Vader de mi att, Min Swester de Marleenken Socht
Un
alle
mine Beeniken,
bindt sie in een syden Dock,
Legts unner den Machandelboom Kywitt Kywitt ach watt en schon Vagel bin ich ;
!
The
!
literal translation
mother who slew me,
My My
father
Gathers
And
who ate me, Mary Anne,
ail
binds
my
bones
them up
in
a silk handkerchief,
Lays them under the juniper tree. Kywitt Kywitt ah what a beautiful bird !
P. 146. duty,
is
The
!
The
am
I.
staff breaks. —^The signal for the executioner to do his
given by the breaking of a
P. 146.
"
would be
iVIy
sister
?
blood-seat.
wand or
— "This
tying the unfortunate female that
is
to be
209
staff.
alludes to the
German custom
beheaded on a wooden
of
chair.
APPENDIX Males on such melancholy occasions are kneeling on a sand." Boileans Remarks, page 19. She
P. 147.
is
judged.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;-Some
is,
heap of
difference of opinion prevails as to
The more
the concluding sentences of this scene. tation
little
poetical interpre-
that Margaret dies after pronouncing the last words assigned
judgment of Heaven is pronounced upon her as her that Mephistopheles announces it in his usual sardonic style that the voice from above makes known its real
to her; that the spirit parts
and
;
deceitful
;
and that the voice from within, dying away, is Margaret's spirit calling to her lover on its way to heaven, whilst her body lies dead upon the stage. This is the only mode in which the voice from purport
;
within, dying away, can be accounted for.
M. de
Schlegel, however,
certainly the highest living authority on such matters, says gerichtet, se rapporte a la sentence de
mots suivants, Sie
ist
contended that Sie
ist
and
to the
no doubt
gerettet
gerichtet refers both to the
judgment upon earth. can
well
mort prononcee par
au salut de son ame."
exist,
for
As
le It
judgment
:
" Sie ist
juge
;
les
has been in
heaven
to the translation of the passage,
richten
is
literally
to
judge,
and
is
constantly used in the precise sense the above interpretation attributes to
it
;
for instance,
the quick
and
Die Lebendigen und die Todfeii zu
the dead.
THE BND
richten, to
judge
.1.
C. Fosclcr, Pritilci. 6.
Tenter Street. MoOKlieUls. iMtuloil, B.C.