FAUST. Sound doctrine this, most reverend, MEPHISTOPHELES. Compose yourself be reasonable FAUST. A fortnight! give me but seven hours! MEPHISTOPHELES. How like a Frenchman! I regret Than when with some delay and doubt, And difficulty fenced about, You win the treasure guarded long; Play with the pretty thing awhile, Of true love in Italian song. FAUST. But, fortunately, I require No such incentives to desire. MEPHISTOPHELES. Now, not to take or give offence, The damsel may be won by guile; MEPHISTOPHELES. To prove how sensibly I feel Your pangs, and, if I could, to heal; Your wish, and take you there to-day. Faust. 11 FAUST. And shall I see her? have her? MEPHISTOPHELES. She to a neighbour's has to go, FAUST. No! Presents so soon! this promises Speedy success they all love dress! Some lure to win the young thing's mind. EVENING. A NEAT LITTLE ROOM. MARGARET. I would give something now to know Look on his brow, you read it there, Leave me, now leave me, I entreat. MEPHISTOPHELES (prying about). The place is tidy and quite clean; [Exit. Not every damsel's is so neat. [Exit. FAUST (looking round). How calm! how happy dwells the tender light And the sweet spirit of peace pervading all, Be thou henceforth my life! How round us breathe In every thing the same prevailing quiet [He throws himself on the leathern arm-chair beside the bed. Receive me, thou who hast with open arm, Year after year, the generations gone Welcomed in joy and grief: how many a swarm Gathering have clung - perhaps beside this seat Even now she scarce is more on Christmas eve 'Mong the good children each year to receive The gifts that heaven's dear child comes down to give. Kissing the good old man I see her stand, Her young round cheeks pressed on his withered hand. The spirit of contentment, maiden dear, Is breathing in thy very atmosphere; |