PART TWO OF THE TRAGEDY in Five Acts

ACT I

A PLEASANT LANDSCAPE

FAUST is couched on grass and flowers, fatigued, restless, and endeavoring to sleep as twilight is about to become darkness; hovering SPIRITS— graceful diminutive figures —circle about him.

ARIEL (singing to the sound of aeolian harps).
As the falling springtime blossoms
float above them everywhere
and all mortals see great promise	4615
in the greenness of the fields;
small in size, but large in spirit,
elves are quick to be of help,
pitying the man of sorrow,
whether he be saint or sinner.	4620
You who are circling in the air above this head,
now demonstrate your elfin worth—
compose the angry strife within his heart,
remove the burning barbs of his remorse,
and purge him of all sense of horror!	4625
The watches of the night are four;
start now to make each one agreeable.
First rest his head on cushioning coolness,
then bathe him in the dew of Lethe’s waters;
his body will recover quickly from its numbness	4630
if sleep gives him the strength to face the coming day;
perform your noblest elfin duty
and grant him restoration to its sacred light!
SPIRITS (in chorus; singly, by twos and more, alternately and collectively).
When about the green-girt meadow
breezes stir with gentle torpor,	4635
twilight falls with fragrant sweetness,
closes in with veils of mist.
Murmur dulcetly of calmness,
cradle this heart in childhood’s peace,
and upon his tired eyes	4640
shut the portals of day’s light.
Night has now already fallen,
sacred ranks of stars are forming;
dazzling lights and lesser sparklings
glitter near or gleam afar, glitter here in the lake’s mirror, gleam above in night’s translucence; the regnant moon in all its glory seals and confirms the bliss of sleep.	4645
Hours are obliterated, pain and joy have vanished now; be assured, you will recover— take hope from this day’s first gleaming! Greening valleys and emerging hills	4650
offer bush-filled shadow and repose, and in pliant, argent waves new grain billows harvestward. To obtain desires’ fulfillment, look and see the radiance there!	4655
You are under no deep spell, cast away sleep’s veil-thin husk! Do not hesitate, be daring while the aimless crowd delays: all is achieved by noble minds	4660
that understand and quickly act! A great clangor heralds the approach of the sun. ARIEL. Hearken! Hear the onrush of the Horae! In these sounds we spirits hear the new day already born. Cavern portals grate and rattle,	4665
rolling wheels of Phoebus clatter, light arrives with deafening din! Brasses blare, the trumpets peal, eyes are blinking, ears astounded— things unheard you must not hear:	4670
hide away in flowers’ petals or, to dwell in deeper stillness, in the rocks below their leafage;	4675
you’ll be deaf if such sounds reach you. FAUST. Life’s pulses beat with fresh vitality	[Exeunt.
and gently greet the sky’s first glimmering; you also, Earth, have lasted out this night and breathe new-quickened there below, compassing me already with inchoate joy. You rouse and stir a vigorous resolve	4680
to strive henceforth towards being’s highest form. – But now the light of dawn unveils the world: the woods resound with myriads of living voices; everywhere valleys are filled with streaks of fog,	4685

but still the heavens’ brightness penetrates their depths, and from the misty chasm where they slept	4690
fresh-quickened boughs and branches have burst forth; muted no more, color on color emerges in the dell where trembling pearls drench every leaf and flower— all that surrounds me forms a paradise! Look now, above! The mountains’ mighty peaks	4695
herald the hour of full solemnity, by right partaking of the everlasting light before it veers towards us below; new radiant clarity extends its boon to alpine meadows sloping green beneath them	4700
and stage by stage completes its downward journey; – now it appears!—and, to my sorrow blinded, I turn my gaze away suffused with pain. The same thing happens when our eager hope believes its highest goal has been obtained	4705
and finds the portals of fulfillment open wide: then there bursts forth from those eternal depths excess of flame, and so we halt confounded; our wish had been to light the torch of life— instead, a very sea of fire engulfs us.	4710
Do love and hate envelop us in flame, savagely alternating pain and joy, so that we look once more towards earth and seek concealment in its first new lacery? I am content to have the sun behind me.	4715
The cataract there storming through the cliff— the more I watch it, the more is my delight. From fall to fall it swirls, gushing forth in streams that soon are many, many more, into the air all loudly tossing spray and foam.	4720
But see how, rising from this turbulence, the rainbow forms its changing-unchanged arch, now clearly drawn, now evanescent, and casts cool, fragrant showers all about it. Of human striving it’s a perfect symbol—	4725
ponder this well to understand more clearly that what we have as life is many-hued reflection.

AN IMPERIAL PALACE

THE THRONE ROOM

STATE COUNCIL, awaiting the Emperor. Trumpets. Enter COURTIERS and
RETAINERS, splendidly attired; the EMPEROR ascends his throne, and the
ASTROLOGER stands at his right.
EMPEROR. I greet you, dear and loyal subjects,
assembled here from near and far … —
I see my Sage is at my side,	4730
but what has happned to my Fool?
A SQUIRE. As you were coming up the stairs
he suddenly collapsed behind your trailing robe;
the hulk of fat was lugged away,
but whether dead or drunk we do not know.	4735
SECOND SQUIRE. At once, and with amazing quickness,
another fool pushed into his place.
He is most splendidly accoutered,
but so grotesque that everyone is leery;
the guards there at the doorway hold	4740
their halberds crossed in front of him—
why here he is, foolhardy fellow!
MEPHISTOPHELES (kneeling at the throne).
What is accursed, yet always welcome,
what ardently desired, and yet chased away,
what constantly receives our favor,	4745
yet is denounced and much reviled?
Whom can you never summon to you,
whose name do all delight to hear?
What seeks a place before your throne
although it chose self-banishment?	4750
EMPEROR. Spare us your words on this occasion!
Your riddles here are out of place,
these gentlemen have brought their own.
I should be glad if you’d just fill this gap.
My former fool, I fear, has gone far, far away.	4755
Be his relief, come stand beside me.
MEPHISTOPHELES ascends the steps and places himself at the EMPEROR’S left.
VOICES (murmuring).
Another fool. – And other troubles. –
Where is he from? – How did he get in here? –
The old one fell. – His time was up! –
He was a barrel. – Now we have a stave!	4760
EMPEROR. And so, my dear and loyal subjects,
I welcome you from far and near!
You gather under a propitious star, that we shall thrive stands written in the sky.
But tell me why at such a time, when we would like to banish cares, put on the masks of carnival, and only cultivate what’s pleasant, we should torment ourselves by holding council?	4765
But since you think there’s no alternative, we now are met, and so, to the agenda! CHANCELLOR[-ARCHBISHOP]. The highest virtue, halo-like, encircles the Imperial head; the Emperor alone can exercise it validly:	4770
its name is Justice! – Loved by all mankind, demanded, wished for, hard to live without, it is what he must grant his people. Alas! Can reason help the human mind, goodness our hearts, or willingness our hands,	4775
while fever rages rampant in the state and brooding evil breeds prolific evils? If from this lofty vantage point one views below your far-flung realm, it seems an ugly dream in which Deformity holds sway among deformities	4780
and Lawlessness prevails by legal means as Error spreads and fills the world with error. One man makes off with flocks, another with a woman, or with the altar’s chalice, cross, and candlesticks, and then for years they boast unscathed of what they’ve done	4785
with no attainder of their persons. Plaintiffs now crowd the halls of justice where judges sit in cushioned ease, and all the while in angry flood sedition’s growing turmoil surges higher.	4790
With the support of partners no less guilty men dare to brag of infamy and heinous crime, but you will only hear the verdict “Guilty!” when innocence defends itself. Society thus strives for its own fragmentation	4795
and to destroy whatever things are seemly— with this the case, how can the sense develop that will alone guide us to what is right? Ultimately the man of good intentions must bow to sycophants and to suborners,	4800
while judges impotent to mete out punishment become at last associates of criminals.	4805
I’ve painted a black picture, even though I should prefer it veiled in greater darkness still. (He pauses.) There can be no avoiding of decisions; when all commit and suffer wrongs,	4810
then Majesty itself becomes a victim. GRAND-MASTER OF THE ARMIES. What tumult marks these violent times! Men kill, and then are killed in turn, and turn deaf ears to any orders. The citizen behind his walls,	4815
the knight up in his rock-built aerie, have vowed they will outlast our sieges and are maintaining all their forces. Our mercenaries grow impatient and angrily demand their pay;	4820
and if we didn’t owe them money still, they would by now have all deserted. If one denies them what all claim is theirs, he has stirred up a hornets’ nest; the realm they were to have protected	4825
lies plundered now and devastated. By letting their mad fury work its havoc we’ve lost half of our world already; there still are kings beyond our borders, but none believes this might somehow affect him.	4830
INTENDANT OF THE TREASURY. Who’d dare to claim that we have allies— like water in defective pipes, their promised subsidies do not arrive! Moreover, Sire, who now holds property in every part of all your wide domains?	4835
No matter where you go, some upstart’s settled in and wants to live in independence; one must watch passively as he goes his own way; we’ve given up so many rights that we no longer have a right to anything.	4840
Then too, as for the parties, as they’re called, there’s no relying on them nowadays; it does not matter if they blame or praise, since love and hate have ceased to be of consequence. Both Ghibellines and Guelfs are now in hiding	4845
in order to enjoy some rest; who cares to help his neighbor now, when all must care for their own selves!
The portals of access to gold are barricaded; everyone’s scraping, digging, and amassing,	4850
and still our coffers are unfilled. LORD STEWARD. What disasters I must suffer too! Every day we try to save, but every day our needs increase and day by day my troubles grow.	4855
The cooks are suffering no shortage; wild boars, and stags and does, and hares, chickens and turkeys, geese and ducks— payments in kind—are income we are sure of and by and large arrive on time.	4860
But wine’s beginning to run out. Although there was a time our cellars were heaped high with cask on cask of the best years and vintages, your nobles’ never ending drinking bouts are slushing down the final drops.	4865
Even the city councils have to tap their stocks as festive wine is drunk from tankards or from bowls and goes to waste beneath the table. I’m now supposed to pay the bills and wages, but can expect no mercy from the money lenders,	4870
who execute agreements that eat up what future years must yet produce. Our hogs are not allowed to fatten, the bolster on our bed’s hypothecated, the bread we’re served already’s been consumed.	4875
EMPEROR (after some reflection, to MEPHISTOPHELES). Speak, Fool. Do you not know some further cause for woe? MEPHISTOPHELES. I know of none, and only see the splendor surrounding you and all your court! – Could confidence be wanting where the sovereign’s word is absolute and troops stand by to rout all opposition,	4880
where, strengthened by intelligence, good will and energy of many kinds await your use? What forces could combine to cause disaster and to eclipse a world where stars like these are shining? VOICES (murmuring). The fellow’s a rogue. – And clever too. –	4885
Lies gain him favor … – at least for a while. – I see already … – what’s behind this. – And then what next? – Some grand-scale scheme! MEPHISTOPHELES. Where in the world is something not in short supply?
Someone lacks this, another that, but here the lack is money.	4890
Of course you can’t just pick it off the floor,
but Wisdom’s skill is getting what’s most deeply hidden. In mountain veins and in foundation walls you’ll find both coined and uncoined gold,
and if you ask who will extract it, I reply: a man that nature has endowed with mighty intellect.	4895
CHANCELLOR. Nature and intellect are not words said to Christians Because such language is so dangerous the atheist is executed at the stake.
Nature is sin, and Intellect the devil; hermaphroditic Doubt their child which they together foster. Such words to us! – Time has brought forth but two estates within the lands that are the emperor’s ancient holdings;	4900
they are the clergy and the knights, the proper pillars of his throne, who are our shield against tempestuous violence and as reward are granted Church and State. Sedition starts with intellects	4905
bemuddled by plebeian sentiments: they are the heretics and sorcerers, corrupting countryside and town! Now, with your brazen jests, you try to smuggle them into these highest circles;	4910
you and your kind thrive on corrupted hearts whose folly makes them closely kin to you.	4915
MEPHISTOPHELES. Your words reveal to me what makes a man of learning! What you can’t touch, for you is leagues away, what you can’t grasp does not exist at all,
what you can’t count, you don’t believe is true, what you can’t weigh is of no weight to you, and what you do not coin, you think of no account. EMPEROR. All this does not supply a thing we lack— why offer us a Lenten sermon now?	4920
I’ve had my fill of these eternal ifs and buts; money is short; well, go and get it then! MEPHISTOPHELES. I’ll get you what you want, and more besides; it’s easy, to be sure, but easy tasks take effort; the gold’s already there, but getting at it	4925
is the great trick, and who knows how to do so? Still, bear in mind how often in those days of terror, when human tides submerged entire nations, people, despite all fear and trembling, would hide what they most prized somewhere or other.	4930
The custom, old when Rome was the great power, has since prevailed till yesterday—yes, till today.	4935
These buried things all rest in peace within the earth, the subsoil is the Emperor’s, they’re his to have. TREASURER. He doesn’t speak so badly, for a fool: that is indeed an old imperial right.	4940
CHANCELLOR. Satan is laying golden snares for you: there’s something here that’s neither right nor pious. LORD STEWARD. If he’d but get our court the payments due it, I would not mind if something weren’t exactly right. GRAND-MASTER. The Fool’s no fool, he promises what’s needed;	4945
a soldier least of all will ask about its source. MEPHISTOPHELES. And if perhaps you think that I’m deceiving you, here’s the Astrologer for you to question, who knows in every sphere the mansions and the hours. Well, tell us, sir, what aspects now prevail!	4950
VOICES (murmuring). They both are rogues … – and hand in glove. – The visionary and the fool … – so near the throne! An old, old song … – heard much too often. – Folly is prompting … – as the sage speaks. ASTROLOGER (with MEPHISTOPHELES prompting). The Sun himself is gold without alloy,	4955
his herald, Mercury, will serve if kindly paid; Dame Venus has already cast her spell upon you, who see her lovely face at dawn and dusk; chaste Luna, who’s erratic, does have whims; Mars’ power threatens you, although he does not smite.	4960
And Jupiter is still the brightest star, while giant Saturn seems remote and small. The latter is, as metal, not much venerated and has, despite its density, but little value. What’s certain is that skies will shine	4965
when Sol and Luna, gold and silver, are conjoined; all other things are then obtainable, palace and park and rosy cheek and pretty breast, and they will be provided by the erudition of one with power none of us possesses.	4970
EMPEROR. I hear each word he utters twice but don’t find what he says convincing. VOICES (murmuring). What is the sense of this? – The joke’s jejune. – Astrology … – or alchemy! – I’ve heard it all before … – and had false hopes. –	4975
And even if this great man comes … – he’ll be a quack. MEPHISTOPHELES. I see both general amazement and lack of confidence in this great plan,
hear silly talk of mandrake roots
and of black dogs deaf to their cries. It does not matter that the sceptics sneer or that the credulous cry sorcery, for in the end their soles will itch and in full stride their feet will stumble.	4980
You can all sense the hidden operations of Nature’s never-ceasing power, and from her ultrasubterranean regions there slowly now emerge its vital signs. As soon as all your limbs start twitching	4985
or if some spot gives you uncanny feelings, be not afraid, but start at once to scrape and dig, for where you stumble, is where treasure lies! VOICES (murmuring). My foot feels like a lump of lead. – My arm has cramps. – You have the gout. –	4990
There is an itch on my big toe. – My spine is one great mass of aches. – If all these symptoms meant a thing, this hall would be a treasure island. EMPEROR. Now hurry up—you shall not slip away—	4995
and demonstrate your blather’s truth by showing us at once these precious vaults. I’ll put aside my sword and scepter, and will, if you’re not lying, execute the project with my own imperial hands—	5000
or send you, if you lie, to hell. MEPHISTOPHELES (aside). That’s one place I know how to find! (Aloud.) I feel, however, that I must say more about the unowned wealth that’s waiting everywhere. The peasant, as he plows his furrow,	5005
will turn up with the soil a pot of gold; he hopes to scrape saltpeter from its clay and finds, to his amazement and delight, in his impoverished hand a roll of yellow gold. What vaults will have to be blown up,	5010
and through what crevices and shafts, that border on the underworld, the knowing treasure hunter needs must press! In spacious cellars, long intact. he’ll see row after row	5015
of golden tankards, bowls, and plates; there will be goblets made of rubies, and if he wants to drink from them,	5020
he’ll find nearby an ancient vintage.
But—take the expert’s word for this—
the staves decayed completely long ago,	5025
and tartar formed a cask to hold the wine.
These essences of precious wines,
not merely jewels and gold,
lie veiled in horrid darkness.
The sage is eager to explore this world;	5030
a child can recognize what’s seen in day’s clear light,
the home of mysteries is darkness.
EMPEROR. Those I shall leave to you! What good can come of gloom?
Whatever is of value must stand the light of day.
You cannot tell the thief when it’s so dark	5035
that every cow is black and all the cats are gray.
Those pots down there, so heavy with their gold—
go draw your plow, bring them to light.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Take hoe and spade, and dig yourself,
this peasant labor will augment your greatness,	5040
and from the soil you’ll liberate
a herd of golden calves. And then you can
with no delay, and to your great delight,
adorn yourself, and then your mistress;
a lustrous, iridescent jewel	5045
enhances majesty and beauty.
EMPEROR. Quick, let us start at once! How long must this drag out!
ASTROLOGER (as before).
Sire, moderate this eagerness
until the merriment of carnival is past;
we’ll not achieve our end if we’re distracted.	5050
We first must, with composure, win our peace of soul
and earn what is below with help from what’s above.
Who wants what’s good must first be good;
who wishes happiness must calm his blood;
he who desires wine must press ripe grapes;	5055
who hopes for miracles must fortify his faith.
EMPERIOR. Then let us pass the time in gaiety
until Ash Wednesday comes, most opportunely!
Meanwhile we’ll celebrate—of this I’m sure—
all the more merrily the madness of our carnival.	5060
Trumpets. Exeunt all except MEPHISTOPHELES.
MEPHISTOPHELES. That merit and good fortune are connected
is something that these idiots will never see;
the philosopher’s stone could be in their possession,
but there’d be no philosopher to use it.	[Exit.

A GREAT HALL

The hall and rooms into which it opens are decorated as described in the Masquerade.

HERALD. Imagine that you’re not in Germany—	5065
instead of Dance of Death or dancing fools and demons expect a cheerful entertainment. When in your interest and his own our Emperor traversed the lofty Alps and traveled down to Rome,	5070
he found a cheerful land and took possession of it. He first obtained, prostrate at holy feet, the confirmation of his sovereign powers, but if he went to get himself his crown, he brought us back the domino as well.	5075
Thus we are all regenerated now, and men of great urbanity are nothing loath to draw its hood about their head and ears; they may then look like idiots but underneath are still as wise as ever. –	5080
I now see the people start to gather, the hesitant desert, the confident pair off, and groups crowd into place for the procession. Don’t wait to make your entrances and exits— mankind, with all its myriad antics	5085
has always been and always will remain the single great embodiment of Folly! FLOWER GIRLS (singing to the accompaniment of mandolins). So that we may win your favor, we’ve adorned ourselves tonight as young girls who’ve come from Florence	5090
to this splendid German court; in brown hair you see us wearing a profusion of gay flowers in which silken threads and pieces play no unimportant role.	5095
And we think it meritorious, even highly laudatory, that our artificial flowers bloom resplendent all year long. Bits of cloth dyed many colors	5100
are arranged in symmetry; you may ridicule components, but will find the whole attractive. We are pretty things to look at, flower girls with easy manners,	5105
since what’s natural for women
is so similar to art.
HERALD. Show the treasures of the baskets
which you bear upon your heads
and which fill your arms with color,	5110
so that all may take their choice.
Hurry, now, so that these arbors
can appear to be a garden!
What is sold and those who sell it
well are worth your crowding closer.	5115
FLOWER GIRLS.
Hawk your wares where we are welcome—
but allow no haggling here!—
and announce what you can offer
in a few well-chosen words.
AN OLIVE BRANCH, BEARING FRUIT.
There’s no flower that I envy,	5120
I avoid all forms of conflict,
staying true to my own nature;
many nations’ major resource,
I am also everywhere
sign and surety of peace.	5125
May it be my luck today
to adorn a pretty head!
A WREATH OF GOLDEN GRAIN.
Ceres’ gifts, as finery,
will supplement your loveliness;
may what men most prize as useful	5130
serve as ornament of beauty.
A WREATH OF FANCIFUL FLOWERS.
Mallow-like, and many-colored,
flower-marvels rise from moss;
we are not a mode of Nature,
but what Fashion can produce.	5135
A BOUQUET OF FANCIFUL FLOWERS.
Theophrastus couldn’t tell you
any name that might describe us;
nonetheless I hope we’ll please,
if not all, at least some ladies,
whom I think we would suit nicely	5140
if they’d braid us in their hair
or decided they might grant us
resting places on their bosoms.
CHALLENGE [OF ROSEBUDS].
Let these motley fancies blossom	5145
for the sake of passing fashion
and assume strange, curious shapes
unlike any Nature shows!
Golden cups on stems of green,
peep forth from luxuriant tresses! –
We prefer to stay in hiding,	5150
happy to be found while fresh.
Who, when summer is proclaimed
and the rosebud glows with flame,
would forgo that happiness?
Everywhere in Flora’s realm	5155
promise and fulfillment hold
sight, mind, heart beneath one spell.

The FLOWER GIRLS arrange their wares neatly under arcades of greenery.

GARDENERS (singing to the accompaniment of archlutes). By all means watch flowers grow, see them grace your charming heads, but though fruits are less seductive	5160
they can please your sense of taste. If bronzed faces offer you cherries, peaches, or greengages, buy them, but not for their looks: the best judge is tongue and palate.	5165
Come and eat fruit fully ripened— you’ll enjoy its scent and flavor! You may write an ode on roses, apples must be bitten into. You who have abundant youth,	5170
let us join you and form couples; as your neighbors we’ll heap high and display ripe wares we offer. Then, beneath these gay festoons, in the alcoves of these arbors,	5175
you will find at the same time bud, and leaf, and flower, and fruit.

Singing separately and together to the accompaniment of the guitars and lutes, the GARDENERS and FLOWER GIRLS continue to set up the displays of their wares in gradually rising tiers and to offer them for sale. – Enter a MOTHER and DAUGHTER.

MOTHER. When you were my baby girl,
dressed in pretty bonnets,
what a lovely face you had,	5180
what a dainty figure!
Right away I could imagine
you betrothed to someone rich,
then a bride, a matron.
Now so many fleeting years	5185
have, alas! been wasted,
a variety of beaus
gone their way so quickly,
though you promptly danced with some
or your elbow sometimes gave	5190
gentle hints to others.
Every party that we planned
proved to be a failure;
games of forfeit, odd-man-out,
were a waste of effort.	5195
Fools are on the loose today:
if you spread your lap, my dear,
surely you can catch one.
They are joined by FRIENDS and ACQUAINTANCES, all young and pretty girls; sounds of intimate conversation are heard. — Enter FISHERMEN and BIRDCATCHERS, with nets, rods, limed sticks, and other gear, who mingle with the girls. A general snatching, grabbing, twisting away, and being caught affords occasion for an exchange of pleasantries.
WOODCUTTERS (entering with boorish boisterousness).
Make room, a clearing!
We need great spaces	5200
to fell our timber,
which lands with thunder
and which, when carried,
can knock you over.
But to our credit	5205
do not forget this:
Unless coarse fellows
did heavy labor,
how would fine folk,
smart though they be,	5210
ever exist?
Learn well this lesson,
for you’d be frozen
if we’d not sweated!
PULCINELLI (awkward, almost dunce-like).
You are born foolish	5215
who stoop and carry.
We who are clever
were never burdened;
our dunce’s caps
and our flimsy jackets	5220
are not great burdens,
and we enjoy
being always idle
and free to saunter
in slippered feet	5225
through the crowded market,
to stop and gape
and crow at our friends,
then, at their crowing,
to glide like eels	5230
through the crowds of people
and dance together
in wild disorder.
You may commend,
or you may condemn,—	5235
but you can’t upset us.
PARASITES (greedily fawning).
You worthy porters
and your relations,
the charcoal burners,
serve us as models.	5240
What, by themselves, would be the use
of scraping and bowing,
affirmative noddings,
tortuous phrases,
and blowing so that what we say	5245
is hot or cold
according to who hears it?
What use would be
the mightiest fire
sent men from heaven,	5250
if we lacked wood
and charcoal, brought
so that their hearths
may glow with flame?
There’s where pots boil and bubble,	5255
where roasts and stews are made.
The true gourmets—
the parasites who lick each plate—
inspired by a roast’s aroma
or intuition that there’s fish,	5260
perform great deeds
at patrons’ tables.
A DRUNKARD (in a stupor).
Nothing can go wrong today!
I have never felt so fine!
I’ve produced my own high spirits	5265
and the jolly songs I sing.
So I’m drinking! Have a drink!
Let’s clink glasses! Hear them clink!
You back there, come over here!
After clinking, you’ll be finished.	5270
How the little woman screeched,
ridiculed my nice bright costume,
and although I swaggered bravely
called me just a mannequin.
I can drink though! Have a drink!	5275
Clink your glasses! Hear them clink!
Mannequins, let’s clink our glasses—
that’s the sound that says we’ve finished.
Don’t you tell me that I’m lost,
I am where I like to be.	5280
If the landlord won’t give credit,
then his wife will or their maid.
I’ll keep drinking! Have a drink!
On your feet! Let’s hear that clink!
Let’s keep drinking to each other,	5285
though I think we’re nearly finished.
I don’t care where I am happy
just as long as it is somewhere;
let me lie here where I’m lying,
I don’t feel like standing up.*	5290
CHORUS. Brothers, let us all have drinks!
Raise a lively toast and clink!
Don’t fall off your bench or keg—
he who’s on the floor is finished.
The HERALD announces various POETS: Nature Poets, Court Singers, Chivalric Minstrels, Sweet Singers, and Rhapsodists; in the press of rivals competing for attention, none will allow another to declaim, although one manages to say a few words as he passes.
SATIRIC POET. Perhaps you’d like to know	5295
what most would please this poet?
To be allowed to say
what no one wants to hear.
Poets of Night Thoughts and Graveyard Poets beg to be excused, since they have just become involved in a most interesting discussion with a Vampire visibly fresh from his grave, which might possibly permit the development of a new poetic genre. The HERALD cannot gainsay them, and so he summons figures from Greek mythology, which loses neither its charm nor its character when its figures appear in costumes adapted to later tastes.

Enter the GRACES.

AGLAIA.	We bring grace into your lives;
	when you give, be gracious too.	5300
HEGEMONE.	When receiving, show good grace: to fulfill a wish is kindness.
EUPHROSYNE.	And when quiet years are reached,
ATROPOS.	learn to thank with gracefulness. Enter the FATES. I, who am the oldest sister,	5305
	have been asked to spin today; care and thought are greatly needed when the thread of life is fragile. To make sure it’s soft and supple, I have sleyed the finest flax;	5310
	to make sure it’s smooth and even, I shall dress it with deft hands. If you’re prone to be too carefree in a time of revelry, don’t forget this thread has limits,	5315
CLOTHO.	and beware lest it should break! I must explain that recently
	these shears were given to my care because there was dissatisfaction with how our oldest sister acted.	5320
	She draws forth and keeps extending threads that have no worth whatever; cutting those of greatest promise, off she lugs them to the grave. Still, when I was young and active	5325
	I made hundreds of mistakes; so, as curb upon myself, now the shears are in their case. And I welcome this constraint, liking as I do this place;	5330
LACHESIS.	as for you, enjoy yourselves while you have immunity. I, alone endowed with judgment,
	keep my task of sorting threads; though my reel is always moving,	5335
	it has never turned too fast. Strands arrive and then are twisted, each one guided by my hand; none may overlap another, each must stay where it belongs.	5340
	Should I ever be forgetful, I’d despair for humankind; years and hours both are measured, and the Weaver holds the skein.

HERALD. You will not recognize the figures coming now, however many classic books you’ve read; judging these trouble-makers by their looks, you’d be inclined to call them welcome guests. They are the Furies—this you won’t believe—	5345
endowed with beauty, grace, with friendliness and youth! Yet once involved with them, you soon find out how doves like these can wound with serpents’ tongues. Although they are malicious, on this day when every boasting fool admits his faults	5350
they too won’t pose as angels—they’ll confess that in both town and country they’re a plague. Enter the FURIES. ALECTO. Forewarned is not forearmed! You will believe us because we’re young and pretty and if there’s one among you with a sweetheart,	5355
we’ll tickle his ears with blandishments until the time has come to tell him privately that she is also ogling him and him, that she’s dull-witted and misshapen, limps, and, though his financée, a worthless minx.	5360
We know the way to make her wretched too: “It was your friend himself who, a few weeks ago, said slighting things about you to Miss So and So!” They may make up, but doubts will still remain. MEGAERA. Those are but petty matters! When they’re wed	5365
it is my turn, and then I never fail to spoil connubial bliss with galling quirks. Mortals are not consistent—every hour differs— and no one has in his embrace his heart’s desire who is not fool enough to hope he’ll get	5370
from Fortune something more desirable— he flees his sun and tries to melt new ice. I am an expert at this sort of thing and bring along my faithful Asmodeus to sow, when it’s the season, seeds of discord—	5375
I thus corrupt mankind two units at a time. TISIPHONE. Instead of using slander, I mix poison, sharpen steel, for faithless lovers! Late or soon, if you love others, you’ll suffer in a vital organ.	5380
Love will prove to be a bubble, ecstasy will turn to gall! Compromise is not allowed, circumstances won’t excuse him. Sing no song to me of pardon!	5385
Rocks hear the charges I recite, and echo—hark!—replies “Requite!” Death to all inconstant lovers! HERALD. Please be so good as to withdraw to either side, for what is coming now is strange and different.	5390
You see a mountain pushing toward us whose flanks are proudly hung with brilliant tapestries, and from whose head long tusks and snakelike trunk extend; this seems a mystery, yet I’ll give you its key. The woman seated on its neck is delicate,	5395
but with that slender wand she makes it do her will; while she who stands in majesty beside her is bathed in dazzling radiance; beside it, wearing chains, there walk two noble ladies, one with a worried air, the other looking cheerful:	5400
the former pines for freedom, the latter thinks she’s free. Let each now tell us who she is. FEAR. Reeking torches, lamps, and candles dimly light this festive turmoil; here amid deceitful faces	5405
I, alas! am bound in chains. Don’t come near me, foolish scoffers, smiles like yours cannot be trusted; all my enemies are crowding in about me here tonight.	5410
Here’s a friend who’s now a foe, but I see through the disguise; there’s someone who meant to kill me but sneaks off when recognized. Oh, how I would like to flee	5415
to any place far, far away, but the threat of death out there confines me to this dark, dread place. HOPE. Ladies, I greet you as sisters! Even though, these past two days,	5420
you’ve enjoyed these masks and costumes, I’m aware that you intend to unmask yourselves tomorrow. And although we feel uneasy here amid these flickering torches,	5425
sunlit days, we know, are coming when we shall, as suits our fancy, walk with friends or by ourselves through the lovely countryside, free to rest or to be active,	5430
and enjoy a carefree life, never lacking what we want. Confident we’re always welcome, we are pleased to join you here: the best things in life, I’m certain,	5435
can be found wherever one is. PRUDENCE. Two of mankind’s greatest scourges, Fear and Hope, stand here in fetters, kept away from you by me; you’re all safe, but please stand back!	5440
I am guiding, as you see, this live, turreted colossus which, despite its heavy burden, steepest passes would not daunt. There, upon its tower’s top,	5445
is a goddess with swift pinions, poised for flight to any point where advantage may await her, enveloped in a cloud of light whose brilliance reaches far and wide;	5450
her name is Victory, the goddess of all undertakings. ZOILO-THERSITES. This is too much! I see I’m just in time to tell you what a tawdry lot you are! My special butt, however, is	5455
Dame Victory up there. With those white wings she doubtless thinks that she’s an eagle and that wherever she may choose to look all peoples and all lands belong to her;	5460
I, on the other hand, am quick to wrath when I see any deed of glory done. When I exalt what’s base, degrade what’s grand, put crooked straight, what’s straight askew, then, and then only, do I feel elated,	5465
for that is how I want things here on earth. HERALD. In that case, cur, feel how my sacred staff can deal a might blow! Now you will writhe and twist! –	5470
How quickly does the double dwarf
become a loathesome, shapeless mass! – But what strange thing is this? The mass becomes an egg that swells and bursts, and from it twins emerge, an adder and a bat;	5475
one crawls off through the dust, the other, black, flies upward to the roof. They’re hurrying outside for a reunion in which I would prefer to have no part. VOICES (murmuring). Come! back there they are already dancing. –	5480
Well! this place is not for me. – Do you feel those ghastly things pressing in about us? – Something hissed right past my hair. – I glimpsed something at my feet. –	5485
No one’s suffered any harm – but we all have had a scare. – What was fun is spoiled completely – that’s what the nasty creatures wanted. HERALD. Ever since I undertook	5490
to be herald at your pageants, I have solemnly stood guard, never yielding, always firm, to insure that nothing harmful should get in and spoil your revels.	5495
But I fear that air-born spirits are now coming through the windows, and I’m helpless to protect you from such ghostly sorcery. If that dwarf was somewhat doubtful,	5500
look back there, see what’s now coming! I would like to do my duty and expound these figures’ meaning, but what can’t be comprehended, I am helpless to explain	5505
and must ask for your assistance. – See what’s swerving through the crowd! A magnificent quadriga borne along past one and all, opening no lane or passage,	5510
causing none to push aside! From afar its colors shimmer, all about it stars are flashing such as magic lanterns cast,	5515
as it storms and snorts along. Clear the way! I find this awesome!	5520
YOUNG CHARIOTEER. Horses, halt! No longer use your wings, heed the customary bridle, curb yourselves if I now curb you, when I urge you, speed away – for we must respect these halls!	5525
See the circles growing larger as admirers gather round us. Herald, come! continue custom and, before we rush away, draw our picture, tell our names—	5530
after all, we’re allegories, and you therefore ought to know us. HERALD. I can’t guess what your name is, though I might be able to describe you. CHARIOTEER. Try to do so then. HERALD. To start,	5535
I’ll concede you’re young and handsome. You are an adolescent still; a woman, though, would rather have you fully grown. I see in you a future ladies’ man, and of the kind that breaks a lot of hearts.	5540
CHARIOTEER. All well and good! Go on like that, and formulate some more of this amusing riddle. HERALD. I see black lightning in your eyes, and night-dark hair enlivened by a ribbon set with jewels. And what a graceful robe cascades	5545
with purple hem and glittering baubles down from your shoulders to your slippers! You might be called effeminate, but if, for better or for worse, you tried your luck with girls right now,	5550
they’d help you learn the ABC. CHARIOTEER. And what about this splendid figure so proudly seated on my chariot’s throne? HERALD. He seems to be a rich and kindly king whose favor would ensure prosperity.	5555
He looks not for new realms to conquer, but to discover where there’s want, and the pure joy he takes in giving outweighs all the delights of ownership. CHARIOTEER. It will not do to stop with these remarks,	5560
you must describe him properly.
HERALD. There’s no describing innate worth. But I’ll go on: a face that glows with health, an ample mouth, well-rounded cheeks, show proudly forth beneath a jeweled turban;	5565
his pleated gown is rich, not gaudy, worn with decorum that I hardly need describe. I recognize in him one born to rule. CHARIOTEER. His name is Plutus! He, the god of wealth, is here arrived in regal state,	5570
a guest your noble Emperor has wanted. HERALD. But tell us, also, what you are and do! CHARIOTEER. I am that spendthrift, poetry; as poet, I augment my worth by squandering my very substance.	5575
I, too, am rich beyond all measures and count myself the peer of Plutus, add life and beauty to his revels, and give you what he can’t bestow. HERALD. You brag quite gracefully,	5580
but we would like a demonstration of your skill. CHARIOTEER. Watch! I but snap my fingers, and at once bright, glittering lights surround our chariot. Now see a string of pearls appear! (He continues to snap his fingers in various directions.) Accept these golden clasps for neck and ear,	5585
these flawless combs and coronets, these rings set with the rarest jewels; I also, now and then, distribute tiny flames in hope that some of them may start a blaze, a fire. HERALD. How these good people reach and grab—	5590
the giver’s almost helpless in this crowd! He flips gems with fantastic skill, and the whole crowd is grabbing for them. But now I see there are new tricks: no matter what a person clutches,	5595
it proves to be a sorry prize— his gift takes wing and flies away; the string of pearls breaks in his hand and he’s left holding wriggling beetles, and when, poor dupe, he shakes them off,	5600
they start to buzz about his head; others, instead of things with worth, catch only wanton butterflies. For all his promises, the rogue bestows as gold what merely glitters.	5605
CHARIOTEER. I see that you describe all costumes well, but it is not a herald’s courtly duty to fathom what may lie beneath their surface— for that a keener eye is needed. But I have no desire for disputes,	5610
and will address, my lord, to you my questions. (He turns to PLUTUS.) Did you not put into my charge this wind-swift team of four? Do I not guide them as you wish? Am I not always where you want me?	5615
Have I not boldly soared aloft to win you palms of victory? Whenever I have fought on your behalf, success has always crowned my striving, and if your brows are graced with laurels,	5620
were they not woven by my thoughtful hand? PLUTUS. If you need a good character from me, I gladly say, you are the essence of my spirit. You always act the way I’d wish to act, your treasury contains more gold than mine.	5625
Of all the crowns I can bestow, I value most the laurels that your service merits. To all I testify as gospel truth: with you, dear son, I am well pleased. CHARIOTEER (addressing the assemblage). See how I’ve scattered all about	5630
the greatest gifts I can bestow. Above the heads of some among you there glows a spark that I ignited; it skips along from head to head, pausing on some, but not at all on others,	5635
and only now and then, as short-lived flame, rapidly bursting into incandescence; but even before most people know of its existence, the feeble spark, alas, has been extinguished. WOMEN (chattering). That fellow on the chariot	5640
is certainly some charlatan, for, perched behind there sits the Fool, who’s even more emaciated than he has ever looked before— so fleshless he’d not feel a pinch, I think.	5645
THE STARVELING. Don’t lay your hands on me, disgusting females!
I know you never like to see me. – When women managed their own homes, my name was still Dame Avarice; our households throve while the rule held:	5650
acquire much, let nothing be discarded! I strove to keep our chests and cupboards filled, a virtue some then called a vice. But now that women, some years since, became unused to penny-pinching	5655
and, like delinquent debtors anywhere, have far more wants than they have money, their husbands have a lot to suffer and see debts everywhere they look. Whatever they can earn by spinning	5660
goes on their backs or to their lovers, and with their armies of admirers they eat and drink more lavishly as well. This makes me fonder still of gold, so now I am Sir Greed, and masculine.	5665
LEADER OF THE WOMEN. Let’s leave this stingy devil to the stingy! In any case, he’s nothing but a liar who wants to get our husbands all worked up, although they’re troublesome enough already. THE WOMEN (all together). The scarecrow! Slap his mouth! How can a servant,	5670
and just a drudge at that, dare threaten us? As if his ugly face could scare us! Those dragon-steeds are only wood and paper; come on, let’s up and at him! HERALD. Now, by my staff, be quiet! –	5675
But there is hardly any need of my assistance: see how those fearful monsters come to life and, spreading double pairs of wings, quickly force people to draw back. Enraged, the dragons shake their scaly jaws	5680
and spew forth fire; the crowd now flies, there is an open space. (PLUTUS alights from the chariot.) Now he steps down with regal ease. He gives a sign; the dragons get to work, lift from their chariot the chest of gold,	5685
bear it with Greed still crouching on it, and set it down there at his feet— a miracle has been performed!
PLUTUS (to his CHARIOTEER).
Now that you’re rid of what encumbered you,
are wholly free, be off to your own realm!	5690
It is not here, amid this wild confusion
of motley and grotesque inventions.
Away to clarity perceived with clarity,
to where you owe allegiance to yourself,
where beauty and goodness alone afford delight—	5695
to solitude! Create your own world there.
CHARIOTEER. I shall regard myself as your proud emissary,
still love you as my next of kin.
Where you abide, there is abundance,
and where I am, all men feel rich,	5700
although, perplexed by life, they often wonder
if they should consecrate themselves to you, or me.
Your votaries may live in idleness,
but those who follow me can never rest.
My deeds are not performed in secrecy—	5705
if I but breathe a thought, I am betrayed.
And so, farewell! I know you wish me happiness,
yet I’ll return at once if you but whisper for me.
[Exit, with chariot.
PLUTUS. It’s time to free our treasures from their fetters!
I take the Herald’s staff and smite the locks.	5710
The chest flies open. Look! See how, blood-red,
in brazen pots, gold surges up,
beside it choicest chains and rings and crowns,
and threatens to engulf and melt them.
THE CROWD (exclaiming in turn).
Look and see how it’s running over,	5715
filling the chest up to the rim. –
Vessels of gold are being melted,
golden rouleaus are tossed about. –
As if just minted, ducats dance
and make my heart begin to leap –	5720
to see all I have ever wanted
rolling now along the floor! –
They are a gift, accept it promptly,
by stooping down you’ll soon be rich. –
Let us be nimble and make off,	5725
lightning-quick, with the chest itself!
HERALD. What is the meaning of this madness?
These things are only make-believe.
No more such greediness tonight!
Do you believe it’s gold you’re getting?	5730
For you, and at a masquerade, tin counters would be far too good. You louts who right off want a pretty show to be the truth of coarse reality! What’s truth to you who try to grab	5735
hollow illusions randomly? – Masked Plutus, hero of this masque, I beg you, put this mob to rout! PLUTUS. Your staff, I think, can serve as weapon; lend it to me for a short time. –	5740
I quickly dip it in the seething flames. – Now, masqueraders, on your guard! See it flash, explode, and sparkle— the staff is now a thing of fire! If anyone should crowd too close	5745
he’ll suffer cruel bums at once. – I’ll start my circuit now. THE CROWD (pushing and exclaiming). What pain! We’re done for now. – Escape if you are able to! – Move back, move back, you in the rear! –	5750
Hot sparks are spurting in my face. – I’m crushed beneath the burning staff- we’re lost and done for, one and all. – Don’t crowd us so, you masqueraders, move back, move back, you senseless mob! –	5755
If I had wings, I’d leave by air.— PLUTUS. The circle now has been pushed back, with no one scorched, I do believe. The crowd retreats, fear did the job. –	5760
To guarantee this order is maintained, I’ll draw a ring that none can see. HERALD. What you have done is marvelous— I’m much obliged to your sagacity! PLUTUS. More patience will be needed, noble friend,	5765
for more disorder’s still to come. SIR GREED. At last one can, if he so wishes, survey with pleasure this assemblage, since women always are out front when there is something good to see or eat.	5770
I’m not so far gone yet as not to find a pretty woman beautiful, and since the entertainment’s free today,
there’s nothing to prevent my picking up a girl. Still, in a place so overcrowded,	5775
my words cannot be heard by all, I’ll take a prudent course, and hope I can succeed in being pantomimically explicit. My purpose can’t be served by gesture, hand, or foot, so I shall have to try a prank.	5780
Gold can be converted into anything, and so I’ll use this metal just like clay. HERALD. What is our thin fool up to now! Can he be both a hunger artist and a comic? He’s kneading all the gold into a dough	5785
that in his hands becomes quite slack and stays a shapeless mass no matter how he molds or pummels it. He’s turning toward those women there, who scream and try to get away	5790
and act as if they all were much disgusted; our clown turns out to be a mischief-maker, and one of those, I fear, who think it fun to cause offense to decency. I cannot countenance such conduct—	5795
give me my staff, and I’ll expel him. PLUTUS. You need not interrupt his nonsense! He’s unaware there is a menace in the offing that won’t leave space for his buffoonery— compulsion has more force than preachment.	5800
VOICES (noisily singing). What now arrives is the Wild Hunt, advancing irresistibly from mountain height and wooded vale: all celebrate their great god Pan. In on a secret none here shares,	5805
they’ll throng into this empty ring. PLUTUS. I know you well, and Great Pan too— together you are undertaking something daring! Knowing the secret only some few share, with due respect I open this closed circle.	5810
[Aside.] May a propitious fate attend them! What is to come could well seem strange; they do not know for what they’re headed, they’ve not thought to prepare for what might happen. WILD MEN (singing). O you bedizened tinsel crowd,	5815
see coarse and savage people come who leaping high and running fast now enter with a vigorous stride. FAUNS. We are the fauns of carefree dance	5820
and oakleaf wreaths in tousled hair! Delicate ears with pointed tips protrude from every curly head; though nose be flat and face be broad,	5825
the ladies won’t take that amiss: when dancing fauns put out their paws, even the fairest won’t say no. SATYR. A satyr dances in behind with foot of goat and fleshless leg	5830
that must be thin and sinewy— perched chamois-like on mountain peaks, he’s entertained by looking round about. Invigorated in the air of freedom, he jeers at woman, child, and man	5835
who down below in smoggy valleys fondly believe they too exist, and knows that he alone possesses the world so calm and pure up there. GNOMES. These little people take short steps	5840
and do not like to march by pairs; in moss-green smock, with lighted lamp, each busy with his own concerns, they hurry helter-skelter past like teeming swarms of fireflies	5845
and scurry back and forth like ants who’re busy everywhere at once. Near relatives of the kind brownies, we’re barber-surgeons to the rocks; we bleed high mountains,	5850
tap their full veins, and, confident our luck will hold, accumulate a store of metals. We do this with the best intentions— we like to help men of good will.	5855
Although the gold we bring to light is used for pandering and theft and to provide the steel the arrogant require who have invented universal killing, and though whoever breaks these three Commandments	5860
will pay no heed to all the rest, we aren’t responsible for that; therefore remain, like us, forebearing. MEN OF GREAT STATURE. Wild Men is what they call these figures who, in the Harz, have local fame;	5865
naked and strong, as nature made them, they come, gigantic one and all, with a pine club in their right hand and wear as padded belt about their loins an apron coarsely made of leafy boughs—	5870
guardsmen quite different from the Pope’s! NYMPHS (in chorus, encircling PAN). Now he arrives, the great god Pan who represents the cosmic All!	5875
Let all who dance about him here be light of foot and blithe of heart; although he’s dour, he’s also kind, and so he wants us to be merry. Outdoors beneath a vault of blue	5880
he also tries to be alert, but when he hears the murmuring brooks he’s lulled to sleep by gentle breezes. And when his sleep comes at high noon, no leaf will stir on any branch;	5885
the silent air, now motionless, grows heavy with the scent of herbs; and nymphs no longer may be lively, but fall asleep right where they’ve stood. Yet when with violent suddenness	5890
Pan’s voice is heard, a cry as loud as thunder-roll and ocean roar, uncertainty reigns everywhere: brave battle lines become a rout amid which even heroes tremble.	5895
All honor, then, where honor’s due, and hail to him who’s brought us here! DEPUTATION OF GNOMES (addressing PAN). While metallic strands of wealth glitter in their rocky fissures and divining rods alone	5900
trace their labyrinthine courses, we, as troglodytes, shall build
vaulted homes in somber caverns,
and, where bright pure breezes blow,
you’ll bestow largesse of treasure.	5905
Now, however, here beside us
we have found a wondrous fountain
which should provide with little effort
wealth hardly to be had before.
Its perfecting needs your help;	5910
Sire, be its guardian:
any treasure you control
serves the welfare of mankind.
PLUTUS (to the HERALD).
We must maintain complete composure
and, come what may, not intervene.	5915
I know you’ve always shown the greatest courage,
but what’s about to happen will seem utter horror;
since chroniclers will stubbornly deny its truth,
record it faithfully in your report.
HERALD (laying hold of his staff, which PLUTUS does not relinquish).
Slowly, the gnomes conduct Great Pan	5920
towards the fountainhead of fire;
it surges up from its abyss,
then sinks again down to the bottom,
and only gaping darkness shows;
again it wells up, glowing, seething,	5925
Great Pan stands dauntless and enjoys
the strange and wondrous sight,
and iridescent bubbles spray about.
How can he trust such goings-on—
he’s bending low to look inside! –	5930
Why, now his beard is falling off! –
To whom can the smooth-shaven chin belong
that’s hidden by his hand?
A great disaster now ensues:
his beard bursts into flame and, flying back,	5935
sets fire to his crown, his hair, his torso,
and merriment turns into agony. –
The members of his crew rush to his aid,
but none of them escapes the flames,
and efforts to beat down the fire	5940
only ignite still further flames;
trapped in this sea of fire,
all of this group of masqueraders bum to death.
But what is this I hear reported
and spread by mouth from ear to ear!	5945
O evermore ill-fated night, what hurt and grief you’ve caused us! Tomorrow will proclaim abroad tidings no one will want to hear;
but what I hear cried everywhere, is that the Emperor’s a victim too. If only something else were true! The Emperor and all with him on fire! A curse on them who led him so astray,	5950
who strapped themselves in boughs of resin to bellow songs and in their frenzy produce this universal ruin! O youth, when will you ever learn to moderate exuberance?	5955
O princes, will you never be as sensible as you are sovereign? Our forest has caught fire now, and tongues of pointed flame strive toward the rafters of the coffered ceiling	5960
and threaten us with conflagration. Our cup of misery is overflowing, I can’t imagine who might save us. Tomorrow this imperial magnificence will be the ash-heap of one night.	5965
PLUTUS. There has been sufficient panic; let relief now be provided! – Sacred staff, smite with such might that this floor will shake and echo! Airy spaces of this room,	5970
quickly fill with fragrant coolness! Wisps of fog, rain-bearing mists, come and hover all about, hide this fiery confusion! Cloudlets, trickle, murmur, whirl,	5975
billow softly, gently dampen, fight the flames, put out all fires, and as soothing rain and moisture change the futile glow of fire into harmless summer lightning! –	5980
When demonic forces threaten, magic must come to our aid.	5985

A GARDEN

Morning sunlight. The EMPEROR, with COURTIERS; before him kneel FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES, both soberly dressed in proper court costumes.

FAUST. Do you forgive our fiery illusion, Sire? EMPEROR (gesturing to him and MEPHISTOPHELES to rise). I’ll welcome many more such entertainments. – There I was suddenly inside a realm of fire—
almost like Pluto, was what came to mind— and saw a floor of coal-black rock that glowed with tiny flares. From various abysses myriads of savage flames swirled up and merged as one to form a vault of fire	5990
whose lofty cupola, the tongues of all these flames, was always taking shapes that never stayed the same. In this vast space I saw my peoples, in long lines, move past its twisted fiery pillars; from every compass point they crowded toward me	5995
to do me homage in their usual ways. I recognized some members of my court among them, and fancied I was lord of countless salamanders. MEPHISTOPHELES. You are that, Sire, for every element acknowledges imperial supremacy.	6000
You now have proof that fire is your servant; but should you plunge into the wildest sea, the moment that you tread its pearl-strewn floor its billows will enclose you in a splendid sphere, and you’ll see waves, light green and purple-edged,	6005
unite to build a glorious mansion whose center you will be. Move where you will, these halls will follow step by step. Their very walls will teem with life that darts about and surges to and fro.	6010
Sea monsters will crowd toward the new, soft light, lunge at your sphere, but never enter it. Gold-scaled and colorful, sea dragons frolic here, and though the shark may gape, its jaws will make you laugh. However proud your present court may be,	6015
you’ve never seen such crowds as these. Nor will you lack what’s always loveliest: their curiosity will bring the Nereids— the youngest shy yet, eager to be baited, their elders shrewd—to see the sumptuous dwelling here	6020
in this eternal freshness. Thetis hears the news and grants her person to a second Peleus. – If, next, you choose to sit on Mount Olympus …	6025
EMPEROR. You need not bother with ethereal regions— the throne up there is all too soon ascended.
MEPHISTO. As for this earth, you are its sovereign now! EMPEROR. What happy chance has brought you straight to us from the Arabian Nights? If you can match Scheherazade’s fertile mind, I promise you the highest favors I can grant.	6030
Always be ready when, as often happens, I find this routine world unbearable. Enter LORD STEWARD, hastily. STEWARD. Your Highness, never in my life did I expect I would announce this splendid news, which fills me with such great delight	6035
that, in your presence, I am still in transports: all our accounts are settled, the claws of usury have been appeased, I’m rid of those infernal torments; in paradise things can’t be looking brighter. GRAND-MASTER (following quickly).	6040
We’ve started to pay off what’s owed the mercenaries, our troops have all signed up again, the lansquenets feel like new men, and wench and landlord prosper. EMPEROR. How easily you breathe today!	6045
How cheerful have become your furrowed faces! How briskly you approach the throne!	6050
INTENDANT (entering as the EMPEROR speaks, and indicating FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES). Ask these, who did it, how this came about. FAUST. Rightly, the Chancellor should give the explanation. CHANCELLOR (arriving slowly). Who, in old age, can be carefree at last. –
Now hear, and see, the fateful document that has transformed all grief into contentment. (Reading.) “To whom it may concern, be by these presents known, this note is legal tender for one thousand crowns and is secured by the immense reserves of wealth	6055
safely stored underground in our Imperial States. It is provided that, as soon as it be raised, said treasure shall redeem this note.” EMPEROR. There’s been some great and criminal fraud, I fear. Who forged the Emperor’s signature to this?	6060
Does this crime still remain unpunished? INTENDANT. Don’t you recall, only last night you signed your name yourself? You were Great Pan; the Chancellor came up with us to you, and said:	6065
“Allow yourself the culminating festive pleasure— salvation for your peoples—with a few strokes of the pen.”	6070
You signed, and then before the night was over quick conjurors made copies by the thousands. To guarantee that all may share this blessing, at the same time we placed your name on a whole series; thus tens and thirties, fifties, hundreds too are ready.	6075
You can’t imagine how this pleased your subjects. See how the town, so long half-dead and mildewed, is full of life and teems with pleasure seekers! Although your name has long been much beloved, never before has it been viewed with such affection.	6080
The alphabet is really now superfluous, for in this sign all men can find salvation. EMPEROR. And people value this the same as honest gold? The court and army take it as full pay? Much as I find it strange, I see I must accept it.	6085
LORD STEWARD. There is no way these bills can be recaptured; they fled with lightning speed and are dispersed. The money changers’ shops are all wide open; there every note is honored and exchanged— at discount, to be sure—for gold and silver coin	6090
which soon gets to the butcher’s, baker’s, and the dramshop; half the world seems obsessed with eating well, the other half with showing off new clothes. The drapers cut their cloth, the tailors sew. Wine flows in taverns where your Majesty is toasted	6095
as food is boiled and fried, and dishes make a clatter. MEPHISTOPHELES. If you should walk about these grounds all by yourself,
you’d soon espy a lovely lady, dressed to kill and peeking from behind a splendid peacock fan; she’ll smile at you and look to see if you’ve these notes,	6100
which will procure love’s richest favors far quicker than can wit or eloquence. You do not need to fuss with pouch or purse; a note tucked in your bosom is no burden and fits together nicely with a billet doux.	6105
The pious priest can put one in his breviary, and so that they can move more swiftly, soldiers will hasten to reduce the weight around their waists. I hope your Majesty will pardon if I seem to minimize the value of this vast achievement.	6110
FAUST. The overplus of wealth that lies, lethargic, deep in the soil beneath your territories,
still waits to be exploited. But no mind is vast enough to grasp these treasures’ full extent;
imagination in its loftiest flight may strain, but cannot ever do them feeble justice. Yet minds that can look deep will have the vast assurance that vast undertakings need. MEPHISTOPHELES. These notes, when used in lieu of gold and pearls,	6115
are handy, too; you know right off how much you own and can, without first bargaining or haggling, enjoy the full delights of love and wine. If metal’s wanted, there are money-changers, and if they’re short, you go and dig a while;	6120
the golden cups and chains can then be sold at auction, and prompt redemption of these shares confounds all sceptics who might mock us. Once used to this, no one will want another system, and from now on all your imperial states	6125
will thus be well supplied with jewels, gold, and paper. EMPEROR [addressing FAUST and the INTENDANT OF THE TREASURY]. Our nation owes its great prosperity to you; your services deserve commensurate reward. To you we now entrust the subsoil of our empire, who most deserve to be its treasurers’ guardians.	6130
You know their full extent and where they’re safely kept, and any digging shall be done as you direct. Collaborate, you masters of our treasury, enjoy the honors of your office, that joins together in one happy union	6135
the upper and the nether worlds. INTENDANT. Between us there shall never be the slightest discord;	6140
I welcome the magician as my colleague.	[Exit, with FAUST.
EMPEROR. I’ll now distribute gifts to all my suite, but each must say what use you’ll put it to.
FIRST PAGE (eagerly). High spirits and a merry life for me! SECOND PAGE (likewise). I’ll buy my girl a necklace and some rings. FIRST CHAMBERLAIN (politely). The wines I drink will now be twice as good SECOND CHAMBERLAIN (likewise). The dice have started dancing in my purse. FIRST BANNERET (thoughtfully). My lands and castle shall be freed of debt. SECOND BANNERET (likewise).	6145
It’s wealth to place with other things of value. EMPEROR. I hoped you’d be inspired to new ventures,	6150
but you are no surprise to one who knows you. This marvelous prosperity, I see, leaves you exactly what you were before. COURT FOOL (entering). Since you’re dispensing presents, don’t exclude me!	6155
EMPEROR. If you’ve come back to life, they’ll only go for drink. FOOL. I don’t quite understand these printed charms. EMPEROR. I don’t doubt that! You’ll never grasp their proper use. FOOL. Some dropped; should I do anything about them? EMPEROR. They fell your way, so you may take them.	(Exit.)
FOOL. Five thousand crowns! Is that what I am holding? MEPHISTOPHELES. Wineskin on legs, have you been resurrected? FOOL. Many a time, but never with such profit. MEPHISTOPHELES. You’re sweating with excited happiness! FOOL. Is what I’m showing you the same as money?	6165
MEPHISTOPHELES. It will supply your gut’s and gullet’s wants. FOOL. And can I buy some land, a house, and cattle? MEPHISTOPHELES. Of course! Offer enough and they’ll be yours. FOOL. A castle, too, with woods, a chase, and fishing? MEPHISTOPHELES. I’d give a lot to see you as a country squire!	6170
FOOL. Tonight I’ll dream of my estates.	(Exit.)
MEPHISTOPHELES (solus). Who still can doubt our Fool has wit!

A DARK GALLERY

Enter FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES.

MEPHISTOPHELES. Why have you dragged me to this dreary hallway?
Isn’t it lively enough for you in there? Doesn’t the brilliant, crowded court provide	6175
plenty of scope for entertaining tricks of magic? FAUST. Spare me such talk! In the old days you used to wear your shoes out in my service, but now you only rush about in order to evade my orders.	6180
But I’m now under pressure to perform, urged by the Steward and the Chamberlain. The Emperor wants to see, and will brook no delay, Helen of Troy and Paris here before him, and gaze upon clear counterfeits	6185
of those two paragons of male and female beauty. Quick, get to work! I must not break my word. MEPHISTOPHELES. You were a fool to make a thoughtless promise.
FAUST. You are the one, my friend, who didn’t think
to what your cleverness would bring us;	6190
now that we’ve made him rich,
we are expected to amuse him.
MEPHISTOPHELES. You think such things can be arranged offhand;
we’re here confronted with a steeper flight of stairs,
and you are meddling in an alien sphere;	6195
you’ll end up with worse debts than ever,
if you believe that Helen can be conjured up
as easily as phantom money. –
At any time I can supply an ugly witch,
a spectral ghost, a changeling dwarf,	6200
but devils’ good wives, though they have their merits,
can’t be palmed off as heroines.
FAUST. Now you are grinding out that same old tune!
With you one always finds that nothing’s certain.
You are the father of all stumbling blocks	6205
and want a new reward for any means you offer.
Some murmured words, I know, will do the trick,
and you’ll have brought them here before I’ve turned to look.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Pagans are none of my affair—
they live in their own special hell.	6210
Yet there’s a means …
FAUST. Then tell me, and be quick!
MEPHISTOPHELES. You force me to reveal a higher mystery. –
Majestic goddesses enthroned in solitude
apart from space, outside of time—
to speak of them I find embarrassing—	6215
these are the Mothers!
FAUST (startled). Mothers!
MEPHISTOPHELES. What? Afraid?
FAUST. The Mothers! “Mothers” sounds so strange!
MEPHISTO. And strange they are. No mortal knows these goddesses,
whom even we are loath to name.
You’ll have to plumb the lowest depths to find their home,	6220
but it’s your fault we need their help.
FAUST. And what way must I go?
MEPHISTOPHELES. No way at all!
To where no one has trod, where none may ever tread,
and where no prayer is heard or answered. Are you willing? –
Although you won’t have locks or bolts to open,	6225
you’ll have to bear the buffetings of solitude.
Is dreary solitude a thought that you can grasp?
FAUST. You might, I think, be less verbose!
All this recalls the Witch’s kitchen and smacks of times now long since past. –	6230
Was I not forced to live among mankind, to study empty nothings and to teach them too? If I spoke sense and what seemed sense to me, the voice of contradiction shouted twice as loud; indeed, it was to get away from my opponents’ blows	6235
that I withdrew to dreary solitude and, not to live neglected and alone, then put myself into the devil’s hands. MEPHISTOPHELES. Although you swam across the ocean and there beheld what’s limitless,	6240
you still would see wave follow wave even as death inspired you with terror; you’d still see something—dolphins darting in the green spaces of the quiet deep, or scudding clouds, or sun and moon and stars.	6245
In ever empty distance you’ll see nothing, you will not hear the sound of your own step, will find no solid spot on which to rest. FAUST. You are the father of all mystagogues who ever cheated docile neophytes,	6250
but you reverse their method—send me to a void for higher wisdom and for greater powers. You’re making me the cat whose task it is to pull your chestnuts from the fire. But do not stop! Let’s probe the matter fully,	6255
since in your Nothingness I hope to find my All. MEPHISTOPHELES. Before we part, I’ll say this to your credit: you know your devil very well. Here, take this key! FAUST. That tiny thing! MEPHISTOPHELES. Just grasp it, and remember what it’s worth!	6260
FAUST. It’s growing in my hand—it shines and flashes! MEPHISTOPHELES. You’re quick to see that it has special properties! It has an instinct for the place one wants to be; follow its lead down to the Mothers. FAUST (shuddering). The Mothers! It’s a shock each time I hear their name!	6265
What is this word I so dislike to hear? MEPHISTOPHELES. Have you some prejudice against new words? Must you hear only what you’ve heard before? Nothing you are about to hear should cause dismay to one so long inured to all that’s strange.	6270

FAUST. I do not seek salvation in mere apathy—
awe is the greatest boon we humans are allotted,
and though our world would have us stifle feeling,
if we are stirred profoundly, we sense the Infinite.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Well then, descend! Or, if you wish, ascend—	6275
it makes no difference which I say. From finitude
escape to realms where forms exist detached,
where what has ceased to be can still afford delight.
There shapes will crowd and swirl like clouds—
brandish your key and keep them at a distance!	6280
FAUST (with enthusiasm).
I hold it tight and feel new strength, new courage.
Let the great enterprise begin!
MEPHISTOPHELES. A glowing tripod, finally, will let you know
that you have reached the deepest depth of all,
and in the light it sheds you’ll see the Mothers.	6285
Some will be seated, some will stand or walk—
there is no rule—for all is form in transformation,
Eternal Mind’s eternal entertainment.
About them hover images of all that’s been created,
but you they will not see, for they see only phantoms.	6290
Now summon up your courage—there’s great danger—
and go directly to the tripod,
and touch it with your key!
(FAUST, with the key, strikes an imperious pose as MEPHISTOPHELES watches.)
Yes, that’s the way! –
It then will be your faithful follower;
sustained by your success, you can ascend at leisure,	6295
be back before they know it’s gone.
As soon as you have brought it here, call forth
your hero and your heroine from darkness—
a feat no man has ever dared attempt
has been performed, and you’re the one who’s done it.	6300
Henceforth, if you so will, by magic art
this cloud of incense can be changed to gods.
FAUST. What happens now?
MEPHISTOPHELES. Direct your strivings downward;
to sink you stamp your foot, to rise you stamp again.
(FAUST stamps his foot and sinks out of sight.)
The key, I hope, will serve him well—	6305
I’m curious to see if he’ll return!

BRIGHTLY LIT ROOMS

EMPEROR and PRINCES, with COURTIERS; there is much coming and going.
A CHAMBERLAIN (to MEPHISTOPHELES).
We still are waiting for the phantom scene you owe us;
our master is impatient, so get started!
LORD STEWARD.
His Highness asked just now about it;
do not embarrass him by more delays.	6310
MEPHISTOPHELES. That’s why my friend has disappeared,
he is the expert in these matters;
in undisturbed seclusion, he is working hard
at what demands his total concentration;
the man who would reveal the treasure Beauty	6315
must use that highest art, the magic of the sages.
STEWARD. What arts are used is immaterial—
the Emperor wants you to be ready now.
A BLONDE (to MEPHISTOPHELES).
A word, kind sir! You see my clear complexion,
but summertime does nasty things to it;	6320
that’s when a hundred red-brown blemishes appear
and cover this white skin and vex me.
I’d like a remedy!
MEPHISTOPHELES. It’s sad that beauty so translucent
should, when May comes, be spotted like a panther cub!
Take spawn of frogs and tongues of toads, mix well,	6325
distill this carefully in full-moon light;
apply, where needed only, as the moon is waning,
and when spring comes your spots will all be gone.
A BRUNETTE. The crowd that seeks your favors is increasing.
I beg you for a cure. A chilblained foot	6330
impairs my walking and my dancing;
it even makes it hard for me to curtsy.
MEPHISTOPHELES. You’ll have to let me press your foot with mine.
BRUNETTE. Why, that’s the sort of thing that lovers do!
MEPHISTO. A kick from me, my child, means something more important.
Similia similibus applies to all disorders;
as foot cures foot, so does each other member.
Come close! And mind you don’t reciprocate!
BRUNETTE (screaming). That hurts! My foot’s on fire! It was as if
a horse’s hoof had kicked me hard.
MEPHISTOPHELES. But you are cured.	6340
Now you can have your fill of dancing
and press your lover’s foot beneath the banquet table.
A LADY (pushing forward). Let me get through! I cannot bear
the burning pains that rack my being; till yesterday
he searched my eyes in quest of happiness,	6345
but now he’s turned his back and only talks to her.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Your case is serious, but follow this advice:
you must steal softly up to him
and, with this charcoal, draw a line somewhere
on his sleeve, cloak, or shoulder;	6350
his heart will suffer pricks of sweet remorse.
You must, however, promptly swallow the charcoal,
letting no wine or water touch your lips,
and he’ll be sighing at your door this very night.
LADY. This isn’t harmful?
MEPHISTOPHELES (indignantly). Please! You owe me more respect!	6355
To find its like you’d have to go some distance;
it comes from where we once, when zeal was greater,
eagerly fanned the flames around the stake.
A PAGE. Though I’m in love, they tell me I am too young.
MEPHISTOPHELES (aside).
I hardly know to whom to listen next.	6360
(To the Page.). Don’t set your heart on someone very young;
elderly women will appreciate you best.
(More people crowd in about him.)
More yet! This gets to be a struggle.
I may end up by having recourse to the truth;
my plight’s so bad, I’ll take the worst expedient. –	6365
O Mothers, Mothers, free Faust from your spell!
(Looking about.) In the great hall the candles are now dimmer,
and suddenly the whole Court starts to move.
I see the decorous procession go
through corridors and distant galleries.	6370
Good! They’re assembling in the old Knights’ Hall
that, though it’s large, can hardly hold them.
Its spacious walls are richly hung with tapestries,
its nooks and corners filled with armor.
In such a place, I think, spells are not needed;	6375
ghosts will come here without an invitation.

KNIGHTS’ HALL

Dim lighting. The EMPEROR and COURT have already entered.

HERALD. Mysterious forces of the spirit world prevent
my usual announcing of the play;
there’s no point trying to explain
all the confusion in some rational way.	6380
The chairs have been arranged already; the Emperor is placed so that he’ll face the wall, so close that he can contemplate in perfect comfort tapestried battles fought in days of glory. He now is seated, with his court around him	6385
and crowded benches in the background; but even at this time of somber apparitions love provides room for lovers side by side. And now that all have found their proper places, our work is finished. Let the ghosts appear! (Trumpets.)	6390
ASTROLOGER. By royal command the play shall start at once. Become an opening, what now is wall! When magic operates, all things are easy; like jetsam swept by tides, the arras vanishes; the wall divides and is reversed,	6395
creating the effect of a deep stage as we seem bathed in some mysterious glow; I’ll now climb up to its proscenium. MEPHISTOPHELES (popping up in the prompter’s box). I trust my being here will be approved by all: the devil’s eloquence is always sotto voce.	6400
(To the ASTROLOGER.) As one who knows the tempi of the stars, you’ll understand my prompting perfectly. ASTROLOGER. By dint of magic there is here revealed the massive structure of an ancient temple. Like Atlas, formerly the skies’ support,	6405
its serried rows of columns stand, no doubt sufficient to hold the weight of stone they stand beneath, since two could well support a mighty edifice. AN ARCHITECT. They call this Classical! I can’t see much to praise; awkward and cumbersome would be more apt.	6410
What’s crude is labeled noble, and what’s clumsy, grand. Give me slim pillars striving toward infinity, ogival zeniths that exalt the spirit; these make our edifices uniquely edifying. ASTROLOGER. Welcome with awe this well-starred hour;	6415
let Reason be the thrall of Magic, and let bold Phantasy appear in all her freedom, all her glory. See now before your eyes what you have dared to ask for: what is impossible, and hence is surely truth!	6420
(FAUST climbs on to the proscenium at the opposite side.) Behold the thaumaturge, in priestly robe and wreath, who’ll now complete his daring enterprise.
A tripod rises with him from a cavernous hole; I think I now smell incense from its bowl.
He is prepared to consecrate his mighty feat; only good fortune can attend him now. FAUST (grandiosely). In your name, Mothers, who in boundless space dwell enthroned in eternal solitude, yet sociably. About your heads there hover,	6425
moving but lifeless, images of living things. Resplendent glories, now no more, are stirring still, for they would be eternal. And you, in your omnipotence, assign them to light’s pavillion or the vault of darkness.	6430
Some are caught up in life’s propitious course; others, the dauntless sorcerer seeks out, who generously displays for all to see the marvels that their hearts desire. ASTROLOGER. His glowing key’s no sooner touched the bowl	6435
than smokelike haze obscures the stage, first creeping in, then billowing like clouds that swell, condense, entwine, divide, and join. Heed how the master now controls the spirit-world— as the shapes move, the air is filled with music.	6440
Aerial tones produce a strange effect and, as they flow, all is melodious. Each column with its triglyphs resonates, and the whole temple seems to me to sing. The mist subsides; from the thin haze,	6445
in time with the music, a comely youth steps forth. Here I may pause, for there’s no need to name him— who would not know that this was lovely Paris! A LADY. He glows with adolescent vigor! SECOND LADY. As fresh and juicy as a peach!	6450
A THIRD. What finely chiseled, sweetly swollen lips! A FOURTH. That is a cup you’d surely like to sip from. A FIFTH. He’s quite good-looking, but a bit coarse too. A SIXTH. He might be just a bit less stiff. A KNIGHT. I think that I detect the shepherd in him;	6455
nothing suggests a prince or courtier. SECOND KNIGHT. Half-naked he’s no doubt a handsome boy, but we would need to see him wearing armor! LADY. He’s sitting down with almost feminine langour. KNIGHT. Perhaps you’d feel at home there on his knees?	6460
SECOND LADY. How gracefully he rests his arm upon his head! CHAMBERLAIN. I think such boorishness cannot be pardoned.	6465
LADY. You gentlemen are always finding fault.
CHAMBERLAIN. To think of lolling in the Emperor’s presence!
LADY. He’s only acting as if he were all alone.
CHAMBERLAIN. Here, even in a play, we want decorum.	6470
LADY. Now the dear boy is sleeping gently.
CHAMBERLAIN. You’ll have full truth to nature when he starts to snore!
YOUNG LADY (ecstatically).
What perfume’s mingling with the incense
and bringing cool refreshment to my heart?
AN OLDER LADY. There really emanates from him a gentle breath	6475
that deeply stirs my soul!
THE OLDEST LADY. It’s youth’s ambrosial bloom
that in the adolescent is distilled
and permeates the air about us.
Enter HELEN.
MEPHISTOPHELES. So that is she! She won’t make me lose sleep;
no doubt she’s pretty, but she’s not my style.	6480
ASTROLOGER. I see that at this point I am superfluous,
and as a man of honor say so frankly.
Had I but tongues of fire to sing this beauty,
whose loveliness has long been praised!
To see her is to lose all sense of self,	6485
to have possessed her, undeserved good fortune.
FAUST. Does some more inward sense than sight perceive
the overflowing fountainhead of beauty?
My dread ordeal is gloriously rewarded.
How circumscribed and empty was my world before!	6490
Now, with this priesthood, it at last becomes
desirable and has a lasting basis.
May I no longer have the power to breathe
if I should ever want to live without you! –
The lovely form that in the magic mirror	6495
once ravished me with such delight
was but this beauty’s feeble counterfeit. –
To you I offer as my homage
all my vitality, and passion’s essence:
devotion, love, idolization, madness.	6500
MEPHISTOPHELES (from the prompter’s box).
Control yourself, and don’t forget your part!
AN OLDER LADY.
The head’s too small for her good height and figure.
A YOUNGER LADY. Those feet! They hardly could be more ungainly.
A DIPLOMAT. She has a quality I’ve seen in princesses;
I find her beautiful from head to toe.	6505
A COURTIER. She’s stealing closer to the sleeping figure.
LADY. Beside unsullied youth how odious she looks! POET. Her beauty casts a radiance upon him. LADY. A picture of Diana and Endymion!
POET. That’s it! The goddess seems about to kneel, but then bends forward to drink in his breath; enviable fate—a kiss! – His cup is full! A GOVERNESS. In front of people! Really, that’s too much! FAUST. How awful she should favor such a boy! MEPHISTOPHELES. Be quiet!	6510
Don’t interfere in what the phantom’s doing. COURTIER. She now tiptoes away as he wakes up. LADY. Just as I thought she would, she’s looking back! COURTIER. He is surprised by the miraculous! LADY. She’s not the least surprised by his reaction.	6515
COURTIER. She turns back toward him with great dignity. LADY. I see that she intends to be his tutor; all men are stupid in such situations, and he no doubt thinks too that he’s the first. KNIGHT. Don’t carp at elegance and queenly bearing!	6520
LADY. The wanton thing! I call such conduct vulgar. A PAGE. I wouldn’t mind if I could take his place! COURTIER. Who would object to being in her toils? LADY. That piece of jewelry’s more than second-hand and quite a lot of gilt has been worn off it.	6525
SECOND LADY. Since she was ten she’s been a good-for-nothing. KNIGHT. Sometimes you take the best that is available; I’d not refuse what’s left of such great beauty. A PEDANT. Although I see her clearly, I’ll point out that there may be some doubt if she’s authentic.	6530
We’re apt to be misled by what’s before us, and I prefer to trust what’s written down. There I have read as fact that she found special favor with all the elders of the Trojans; that fits the case here perfectly, I think;	6535
I find her pleasing, though I am a graybeard. ASTROLOGER. No longer boy, a man and hero now, he boldly seizes her, scarce able to resist. On strengthened arm he lifts her high above him— is he perhaps abducting her? FAUST. Rash fool!	6540
How can you dare! Do you not hear? Desist! Enough! MEPHISTOPHELES. But you’re the author of this spectral masque! ASTROLOGER. One last word! Now that the piece has been performed, I can entitle it: The Rape of Helen. FAUST. A rape indeed! Am I of no importance here?	6545
Does not my hand still hold this key that brought me back to this firm shore through dismal solitudes of rock and sea? I won’t give way! This is reality, and here the human spirit can contend with spirit beings	6550
to win itself a double kingdom. She was so far away, but now could not be nearer. Once I have rescued her, she will be doubly mine. I’ll venture all! – This, Mothers, you must grant me! He who discerns her worth can never live without her.	6555
ASTROLOGER. What are you doing, Faust? – With violent hands he seizes her; her figure is already less distinct. His key is pointed toward the young man now, it touches him! – Woe to us all! In just a moment …!	6560
Explosion. FAUST is seen lying on the floor; the phantom figures dissolve as vapors. MEPHISTOPHELES (hoisting FAUST on his shoulder). That’s life for you! To be encumbered with a fool
can’t even help the devil in the end. Darkness and noisy confusion as the curtain falls.	6565