Ye angels, holy hosts, keep watch around me.
Henry-I am afraid to look at thee.

Voice [from within, dying away]. Henry! Henry! odg

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THE TRAGEDY OF FAUST

SECOND PART

ACT I

I

A PLEASING LANDSCAPE

TWILIGHT

FAUST, lying on a flowery grass-plot, weary, restless, striving to sleep. Spirits flit, hovering about—beautiful little forms.

ARIEL

[Song, accompanied by Æolian harps.]

IN the spring, soft showers of blossoms 5950
Sink down over all the earth;

And the green fields a wide blessing

Smile for all of mortal birth.

And the generous little Fairies

Haste to help whom help they may.

Is he good? or is he evil?

What know they? or what care they?
He is man-he is unhappy;

And they help whom help they may.

[Addresses the FAIRIES.]

Ye, round this head who sweep in airy rings,
Here, generous, gentle spirits, noble Elves,
In your true nature manifest yourselves.
Make soft the heart-assuage its savage strife;
Chase back remorse-repel his burning stings;
Cleanse from the thoughts foul bygone wreck of life.
Four are the pauses of the lingering night—
To speed and charm them be it your delight.
First in cool pillows let his head sink deep;
Then bathe him in the dew of Lethe's stream.