Part 47

Yet hath your heart no earnest preference known?

MEPHISTOPHELES

With ladies one should ne'er presume to jest.

MARTHA

Ah! you mistake!

MEPHISTOPHELES

I'm sorry I'm so blind! But this I know--that you are very kind. (They pass on.)

FAUST

Me, little angel, didst thou recognise, When in the garden first I came?

MARGARET Did you not see it? I cast down my eyes.

FAUST Thou dost forgive my boldness, dost not blame The liberty I took that day, When thou from church didst lately wend thy way?

MARGARET

I was confused. So had it never been; No one of me could any evil say. Alas, thought I, he doubtless in thy mien, Something unmaidenly or bold hath seen? It seemed as if it struck him suddenly, Here's just a girl with whom one may make free! Yet I must own that then I scarcely knew What in your favour here began at once to plead; Yet I was angry with myself indeed, That I more angry could not feel with you.

FAUST

Sweet love!

MARGARET

Just wait awhile! (She gathers a star-flower and plucks off the leaves one after another.)

FAUST

A nosegay may that be?

MARGARET

No! It is but a game.

FAUST

How?

MARGARET

Go, you'll laugh at me! (She plucks off the leaves and murmurs to herself.)

FAUST

What murmurest thou?

MARGARET (half aloud)'