Let but the brave old saw and my aunt, the serpent, guide thee,
And, with thy likeness to God, shall woe one day betide thee!
And, with thy likeness to God, shall woe one day betide thee!
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
_Scholar_. I seem,
I swear to you, like one who walks in dream.
Might I another time, without encroaching,
Hear you the deepest things of wisdom broaching?
_Mephistopheles_. So far as I have power, you may.
_Scholar_. I cannot tear myself away,
Till I to you my album have presented.
Grant me one line and I'm contented!
_Mephistopheles_. With pleasure.
[_Writes and returns it_. ]
_Scholar [reads]. _ Eritis sicut Deus, scientes bonum et malum.
[_Shuts it reverently, and bows himself out_. ]
_Mephistopheles_.
Let but the brave old saw and my aunt, the serpent, guide thee,
And, with thy likeness to God, shall woe one day betide thee!
_Faust [enters_]. Which way now shall we go?
_Mephistopheles_. Which way it pleases thee.
The little world and then the great we see.
O with what gain, as well as pleasure,
Wilt thou the rollicking cursus measure!
_Faust_. I fear the easy life and free
With my long beard will scarce agree.
'Tis vain for me to think of succeeding,
I never could learn what is called good-breeding.
In the presence of others I feel so small;
I never can be at my ease at all.
_Mephistopheles_. Dear friend, vain trouble to yourself you're giving;
Whence once you trust yourself, you know the art of living.
_Faust_. But how are we to start, I pray?
Where are thy servants, coach and horses?
