Part 44

Bravo! I find you all aflame! Gretchen full soon your own you'll name. This eve, at neighbour Martha's, her you'll meet again; The woman seems expressly made To drive the pimp and gipsy's trade.

FAUST

Good!

MEPHISTOPHELES

But from us she something would request.

FAUST

A favour claims return as this world goes.

MEPHISTOPHELES

We have on oath but duly to attest, That her dead husband's limbs, outstretch'd, repose In holy ground at Padua.

FAUST

Sage indeed! So I suppose we straight must journey there!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Sancta simplicitas! For that no need! Without much knowledge we have but to swear.

FAUST

If you have nothing better to suggest, Against your plan I must at once protest.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh, holy man! methinks I have you there! In all your life say, have you ne'er False witness borne, until this hour? Have you of God, the world, and all it doth contain, Of man, and that which worketh in his heart and brain, Not definitions given, in words of weight and power, With front unblushing, and a dauntless breast? Yet, if into the depth of things you go, Touching these matters, it must be confess'd, As much as of Herr Schwerdtlein's death you know!

FAUST

Thou art and dost remain liar and sophist too.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Ay, if one did not take a somewhat deeper view! To-morrow, in all honour, thou Poor Gretchen wilt befool, and vow Thy soul's deep love, in lover's fashion.

FAUST

And from my heart.

MEPHISTOPHELES

All good and fair! Then deathless constancy thou'lt swear; Speak of one all o'ermastering passion,-- Will that too issue from the heart?

FAUST

Forbear! When passion sways me, and I seek to frame Fit utterance for feeling, deep, intense, And for my frenzy finding no fit name, Sweep round the ample world with every sense, Grasp at the loftiest words to speak my flame, And call the glow, wherewith I burn, Quenchless, eternal, yea, eterne-- Is that of sophistry a devilish play?

MEPHISTOPHELES