Have you of God, the world, and all that it contains,
Of man, and all that stirs within his heart and brains,
Not given
definitions
with great power,
Unscrupulous breast, unblushing brow?
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
Well, one good turn deserves another, true.
_Mephistopheles_. We simply make a solemn deposition
That her lord's bones are laid in good condition
In holy ground at Padua, hid from view.
_Faust_. That's wise! But then we first must make the journey thither?
_Mephistopheles. Sancta simplicitas_! no need of such to-do;
Just swear, and ask not why or whether.
_Faust_. If that's the best you have, the plan's not worth a feather.
_Mephistopheles_. O holy man! now that's just you!
In all thy life hast never, to this hour,
To give false witness taken pains?
Have you of God, the world, and all that it contains,
Of man, and all that stirs within his heart and brains,
Not given
definitions
with great power,
Unscrupulous breast, unblushing brow?
And if you search the matter clearly,
Knew you as much thereof, to speak sincerely,
As of Herr Schwerdtlein's death? Confess it now!
_Faust_. Thou always wast a sophist and a liar.
_Mephistopheles_. Ay, if one did not look a little nigher.
For will you not, in honor, to-morrow
Befool poor Margery to her sorrow,
And all the oaths of true love borrow?
_Faust_. And from the heart, too.
_Mephistopheles_. Well and fair!
Then there'll be talk of truth unending,
Of love o'ermastering, all transcending--
Will every word be heart-born there?
