Did not my downcast eyes show you
surprised
me?
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
_Mephistopheles_. I have, on every hand, been entertained politely.
_Martha_. Have you not felt, I mean, a serious intention?
_Mephistopheles_.
Jesting with women, that's a thing one ne'er should mention.
_Martha_. Ah, you misunderstand!
_Mephistopheles_. It grieves me that I should!
But this I understand--that you are good.
[_They pass on_. ]
_Faust_. So then, my little angel recognized me,
As I came through the garden gate?
_Margaret_.
Did not my downcast eyes show you surprised me?
_Faust_. And thou forgav'st that liberty, of late?
That impudence of mine, so daring,
As thou wast home from church repairing?
_Margaret_. I was confused, the like was new to me;
No one could say a word to my dishonor.
Ah, thought I, has he, haply, in thy manner
Seen any boldness--impropriety?
It seemed as if the feeling seized him,
That he might treat this girl just as it pleased him.
Let me confess! I knew not from what cause,
Some flight relentings here began to threaten danger;
I know, right angry with myself I was,
That I could not be angrier with the stranger.
_Faust_. Sweet darling!
_Margaret_. Let me once!
[_She plucks a china-aster and picks off the leaves one after another_. ]
_Faust_.
