Part 39

Get me something the angel keeps! Lead me thither where she sleeps! Get me a kerchief from her breast,— A garter that her knee has pressed!

MEPHISTOPHELES

That you may see how much I’d fain Further and satisfy your pain, We will no longer lose a minute; I’ll find her room to-day, and take you in it.

FAUST

And shall I see—possess her?

MEPHISTOPHELES

No! Unto a neighbor she must go, And meanwhile thou, alone, mayst glow With every hope of future pleasure, Breathing her atmosphere in fullest measure.

FAUST

Can we go thither?

MEPHISTOPHELES

’Tis too early yet.

FAUST

A gift for her I bid thee get! [Exit.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Presents at once? That’s good: he’s certain to get at her! Full many a pleasant place I know, And treasures, buried long ago: I must, perforce, look up the matter. [Exit. [Illustration]

VIII

EVENING A SMALL, NEATLY KEPT CHAMBER

MARGARET

(plaiting and binding up the braids of her hair)

I’d something give, could I but say Who was that gentleman, to-day. Surely a gallant man was he, And of a noble family; And much could I in his face behold,— And he wouldn’t, else, have been so bold!

MEPHISTOPHELES FAUST

MEPHISTOPHELES

Come in, but gently: follow me!

FAUST (after a moment’s silence)

Leave me alone, I beg of thee!

MEPHISTOPHELES (prying about)

Not every girl keeps things so neat.

FAUST (looking around)