Of the wild stream that rushes by, With melted snow-wreaths flushing high; And "Were I but a bird," so runs her song Half through the night, and all the whole day long! Now seems as if outwept—and then will be Composed apparently-but lovesick ever! Faust. Snake! Serpent! Meph. (aside). Faust. Good! if I can catch you! Never Name that fair creature to me-get thee hence, And do not for her beauty wake the sense Of wild desire amid the thoughts that lie Within my soul all half distractedly! Meph. What will you then? she surely (thinks that you Have now quite left her, and almost 'tis true. Faust. I'm near her now-and should I e'er Be distant from her, I could ne'er Forget her, or decaying, find Her memory fading from my mind. Yea! when her lips their touch have lent Unto the elements adored, I envy, in the sacrament, Even the body of the Lord! Meph. Right! and I oft have envied you, indeed, Faust. Hence with thee, pander, leave me ! You scold, and I from laughing can't forbear. Soft and fair! Faust. What! in her arms are all the joys of heaven? Oh! let the rapture be unto me given To glow with passion on her yielded breast! The fugitive, the homeless one? Of aim, and end, and peace hath none? Who, like a torrent dash'd and hurl'd From rock to rock, still hasteneth In greedy fury, to be whirl'd Down the abyss that yawns beneath? Shouldst seize the rocks and shatter them,-but now Hell! thou must also have this offering! Let what must come, come swiftly-let her fate Let us together to destruction rush! Meph. There! how it seethes again, and glows and burns! Away! get in, you fool, and comfort her! There's devil enough sometimes amid your bearing; I nothing know so flat and spiritless, As is a devil when he turns despairing! MARGARET'S CHAMBER. MARGARET, alone at her spinning-wheel. Marg. My heart is heavy, I shall find it never,— Where I see him not, Seems the grave to be! Tuneless and harsh All the world to me. SCENE.-MARTHA'S GARDEN. MARGARET, Faust. Marg. Nay, Henri, promise me! Faust. Whate'er I can! Marg. How of religion, tell me, do you deem? But that, I think you hold in light esteem ! I would for any whom I love, Lay down my life, or shed my blood. I'd wither in the heart of none Faust. Must we so? Marg. Ah! if my influence o'er you aught could do! You honour not the holy Sacrament! Faust. I hold it in respect. Marg. But it is ne'er With any wish, or a desire to share! Long is it since to mass or shrift you went! Do you believe in God? Faust. Dare say My loved one,-who "I do believe in God"-for you May this of priests and sages ask, |