I
overheard
it all quite fully.
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
_Margaret_. Refuse thee, what can I, poor creature?
I hope, of course, it will not harm her!
_Faust_. Would I advise it then, my charmer?
_Margaret_. Best man, when thou dost look at me,
I know not what, moves me to do thy will;
I have already done so much for thee,
Scarce any thing seems left me to fulfil.
[_Exit_. ]
Enter_ MEPHISTOPHELES.
_Mephtftopheles_. The monkey! is she gone?
_Faust_. Hast played the spy again?
_Mephistopheles_.
I overheard it all quite fully.
The Doctor has been well catechized then?
Hope it will sit well on him truly.
The maidens won't rest till they know if the men
Believe as good old custom bids them do.
They think: if there he yields, he'll follow our will too.
_Faust_. Monster, thou wilt not, canst not see,
How this true soul that loves so dearly,
Yet hugs, at every cost,
The faith which she
Counts Heaven itself, is horror-struck sincerely
To think of giving up her dearest man for lost.
_Mephistopheles_. Thou supersensual, sensual wooer,
A girl by the nose is leading thee.
_Faust_. Abortion vile of fire and sewer!
_Mephistopheles_. In physiognomy, too, her skill is masterly.
When I am near she feels she knows not how,
My little mask some secret meaning shows;
She thinks, I'm certainly a genius, now,
Perhaps the very devil--who knows?
To-night then? --
_Faust_.
