Part 45

Yet am I right!

FAUST

Mark this, my friend, And spare my lungs; who would the right maintain, And hath a tongue wherewith his point to gain, Will gain it in the end. But come, of gossip I am weary quite; Because I've no resource, thou'rt in the right.

GARDEN

MARGARET on FAUST'S arm. MARTHA with MEPHISTOPHELES walking up and down

MARGARET

I feel it, you but spare my ignorance, The gentleman to shame me stoops thus low. A traveller from complaisance, Still makes the best of things; I know Too well, my humble prattle never can Have power to entertain so wise a man.

FAUST

One glance, one word from thee doth charm me more, Than the world's wisdom or the sage's lore. (He kisses her hand.)

MARGARET

Nay! trouble not yourself! A hand so coarse, So rude as mine, how can you kiss! What constant work at home must I not do perforce! My mother too exacting is. (They pass on.)

MARTHA

Thus, sir, unceasing travel is your lot?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Traffic and duty urge us! With what pain Are we compelled to leave full many a spot, Where yet we dare not once remain!

MARTHA

In youth's wild years, with vigour crown'd, 'Tis not amiss thus through the world to sweep; But ah, the evil days come round! And to a lonely grave as bachelor to creep, A pleasant thing has no one found.

MEPHISTOPHELES

The prospect fills me with dismay.

MARTHA

Therefore in time, dear sir, reflect, I pray. (They pass on.)

MARGARET

Ay, out of sight is out of mind! Politeness easy is to you; Friends everywhere, and not a few, Wiser than I am, you will find.

FAUST

O dearest, trust me, what doth pass for sense Full oft is self-conceit and blindness!

MARGARET

How?

FAUST