ACT IV
HIGH MOUNTAINS
Rugged, serrated peaks. A cloud floats in and touches a peak, then settles on a projecting ledge; it then divides.
FAUST (stepping forth from the cloud).
As my eyes see the utter solitude below
I step with care onto the margin of these peaks	10,040
and send away the cloud that during sunlit days
softly transported me across the land and sea.
It slowly separates from me without dispersing.
The greater part, a massive sphere, is pressing eastward,
followed by my admiring and astonished gaze:	10,045
although its changing billows, as they move, divide,
it seems to shape a figure. – Yes, my eyes are right! –
I see, stretched out in sun-gilt splendor on a couch,
a gigantic, yet still godlike, woman’s form.
In its majestic loveliness it hovers there	10,050
within my sight, resembling Juno, Leda, Helen!
Already it moves on! Like distant icy masses
piled high upon each other, there in the east it stays,
a dazzling symbol of these fleeting days’ vast import.
Yet one bright tenuous streak of mist still hovers near	10,055
and cheers me with its cool caress on heart and brow.
Lightly it rises, hesitates, goes higher still,
and draws together, – Am I entranced by a mirage
of what, when young, I valued most, but lost long since?
Deep in my heart youth’s first rich springs well up; I see	10,060
the image of love’s dawn, its carefree happiness—
that swiftly felt, first, scarcely comprehended vision
which, had it lasted, would surpass all other treasures.
Like inward beauty of the soul the lovely form
grows clearer, rises, not dissolving, to the ether,	10,065
and draws away with it my best and inmost self.
A seven-league boot plumps itself down, immediately followed by another; after MEPHISTOPHELES has stepped down from them, they stride quickly away.
MEPHISTOPHELES. I’d call that making proper progress! –
But tell me now, what’s gotten into you
and made you land amid the horror
of these hideous maws of rock?	10,070
I know them well, though not in this location,
since they once paved the floor of hell.
FAUST. You’re never at a loss for silly legends,
and now, I see, you’re going to offer me another.

MEPHISTOPHELES (with gravity).
When God, our lord—for reasons I well understand— banished us from the skies down to those lowest depths where all about a glowing core eternal fire feeds on its own flames, we found ourselves, despite—too much—good light,	10,075
in very cramped, uncomfortable quarters. We devils all began to cough, emitting puffs from top and bottom; sulphuric fumes inflated hell with such a vast amount of reeking gas	10,080
that very soon the earth’s flat crust, thick though it was, could only crack and burst. What we see now is upside down, the bottom’s now become the top— this is the basis of those glorious doctrines	10,085
that turn all values topsy-turvy. And so we fled our over-heated dungeon and gained new, greater freedom as princes of the air. I have disclosed a mystery, one long concealed and only recently revealed to all the world. (Eph. 6, 12.)	10,090
FAUST. I—I’ll always see in mountains silent grandeur and do not ask about their whence or why. When Nature, from herself, created nature, she made this globe complete and perfect; pleased with its peaks and its abysses,	10,095
she set the mountains and the rocks in line, then formed the easier slopes below and drew them gently outward to form valleys. There all is verdant growth, and for her happiness chaotic madness is redundant.	10,100
MEPHISTOPHELES. How you talk! You think that’s all as clear as day, but one who saw it all knows better. I was down there when the abyss was seething and welled up raising floods of flame, when Moloch’s hammer, welding rock to rock,	10,105
cast bits of shattered mountains far and wide. The heavy chunks lie where they don’t belong, and what ballistic force can be the explanation? Philosophers and scientists are at a loss: there is the rock, they say, you’ll have to let it lie,	10,110
since we are hopelessly confounded by it. Only the honest common people know the truth and, in their ancient wisdom, are not to be dissuaded from it:	10,115

the rock’s a miracle, and credit’s due to Satan. My travelers, with the crutch of their credulity,	10,120
hobble along to Devil’s Rocks and Bridges. FAUST. It’s interesting to see, I must admit, the view that devils have of nature. MEPHISTOPHELES. A fig for yours! Be nature as it may, I’ll stake my life on this: the devil was on hand!	10,125
Our kind are specialists in what’s colossal, upheaval, chaos, violence—you see their signs about you. – But let me now return to clear and simple language. Back here upon our earth, has nothing pleased you? You’ve now surveyed, in measureless expanses,	10,130
the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. (Matt. 4.) Yet I suppose, since nothing ever suits you, that you saw nothing you desired. FAUST. You’re wrong! Something important aroused my interest. Try guessing! MEPHISTOPHELES. That won’t take too long.	10,135
I’d pick some capital whose center sustains itself by dreary trade, with crooked narrow streets and gabled peaks, a crowded market filled with onions, cabbage, beets, and meat stalls where flies hang about	10,140
to feast upon the greasy joints; there you are sure, at any time, to find activity and noisesome odors; next, broad streets and spacious squares pretending to gentility;	10,145
and finally, outside the city gates, suburbs stretching on for ever. To top all that, I’d love to watch the carriages, the noisy traffic, the teeming ant-like colonies	10,150
that never cease their to and fro. And if I drove or if I rode, I’d always be the cynosure of people by the hundred thousands. FAUST. That could not ever satisfy me!	10,155
It’s nice to see the population grow, the people make a fairly decent living, and get some culture and more education— but you are only training rebels. MEPHISTOPHELES. And then, aware of my importance,	10,160
I’d build a chateau in some pleasant spot, converting wood and hill, champaign and farmland,

into a park of great magnificence with velvet lawns before its walls of verdure, straight paths, correctly managed shadows,	10,165
cascades that plunge in pairs down rocks, and jets from every kind of fountain that rise imposingly while at their sides a thousand piddling sprays are hissing, I’d also have less formal residences	10,170
for rendezvous with lovely ladies and in them spend time without end in pleasantly gregarious solitude— I speak of ladies for a simple reason: I always think of beauties in the plural.	10,175
FAUST. Sardanapalus—tawdry, but still quite in fashion! MEPHISTOPHELES. Perhaps I’ll guess what’s fired your ambition— something sublime and daring, I am sure! Did you, while floating near the moon, not have the lunatic desire for a lunar voyage?	10,180
FAUST. No, not at all! Here in this world there still is room enough for deeds of greatness. Astounding things shall be achieved—I feel in me the strength that will sustain bold efforts. MEPHISTOPHELES. So what you want is to win glory?	10,185
It’s obvious that you have been with heroines. FAUST. I wish to rule and have possessions! Acts alone count—glory is nothing. MEPHISTOPHELES. Nevertheless, there will be poets glad to tell posterity what splendid things you did	10,190
and with their folly kindle other folly. FAUST. What you call folly is no threat to you. What do you know of human aspirations? How can your bitter, sharp, and hostile temperament know what it is that mankind needs?	10,195
MEPHISTOPHELES. Have it your way! What you want will be done; make me the confidant of all your various whims. FAUST. The ocean far below attracted my attention; it surged and rose to towering heights, then it abated, scattering its waves,	10,200
that hastened to assault the low, broad shore. And I was vexed—for arrogance, unbridled blood, will always cause uneasy feelings in a spirit that, though free, respects all laws and rights.	10,205
I thought it chance, but looking close I saw the surge desist, and then roll back and leave

the goal it had so proudly reached; at certain times what happens is repeated. MEPHISTOPHELES (ad spectatores).
There’s nothing new in this for me to learn; I’ve known that for a hundred thousand years. FAUST (continuing, with passion). The surging sea creeps into every comer, barren itself and spreading barrenness, expands and grows and rolls, and covers	10,210
a long expanse of ugly desolation. Imbued with strength, wave after wave holds power but then withdraws, and nothing’s been accomplished— a sight to drive me to despair, this aimless strength of elemental forces!	10,215
This has inspired me to venture to new heights, to wage war here against these forces and subdue them.    It can be done! – Although the tides may flood, when there’s a hill they gently press beyond it; however arrogant their motions,	10,220
the slightest mound confronts them proudly, the slightest depth attracts them to itself. And so I quickly worked out plans, resolving to obtain a precious satisfaction: to bar the shore to the imperious sea,	10,225
narrow the limits of the ocean’s great expanse, and force the waters back into themselves. I’ve worked out every step within my mind; this is what I want, what you must help me do!	10,230
A distant sound of drums and martial music is heard from the right-rear of the audience. MEPHISTOPHELES. That should be easy! Do you hear distant drums?
FAUST. War once again! Bad news for all who’re sensible! MEPHISTOPHELES. With war or peace, what’s sensible is to derive advantage from it. You wait and watch for the right moments. This is your opportunity. Now, Faustus, seize it!	10,235
FAUST. Spare me your enigmatic nonsense! Get to the point, explain what you’re proposing! MEPHISTOPHELES. On my way here it came to my attention that the kind Emperor is having problems. You know what he is like. When we provided him	10,240
with entertainment and false riches, he thought the whole world could be had for money. He was still young when he came to the throne,	10,245

and so he drew the false conclusion that it was proper and commendable to practice two activities at once—	10,250
to govern, and to lead a life of pleasure. FAUST. A grave mistake! A ruler’s happiness must be derived from how he rules; he must have lofty strength of purpose, but none must know his purposes;	10,255
his whisper in a faithful ear becomes some deed at which mankind will marvel; thus he may hold supremacy and merit it. – The cult of pleasure is degrading. MEPHISTOPHELES. That’s not our man. He cultivated pleasure!	10,260
Meanwhile, the empire fell apart in anarchy as great and small all feuded with each other, as brother banished or slew brother, and castle fought with castle, town with town, the guilds with the patriciate,	10,265
and bishops with their chapter and their parish; all men were enemies at sight. In church they murdered and assassinated; outside the towns, no merchant traveled safe. Audacity became a common trait—	10,270
to live was self-defense. – Thus things went on. FAUST. You mean they staggered, fell, got up again, then went head over heels, collapsing in a heap. MEPHISTOPHELES. And no one dared deplore the situation, for all now had the will and right to be important.	10,275
The paltriest were anybody’s equals until, at last, the best got tired of the madness. Men of ability rebelled, and said: Let him be ruler who’ll establish order; the Emperor can’t and won’t, so let’s hold an election	10,280
and have a new one give our land new life and guarantee each subject’s safety; thus, in a world that starts afresh, we shall let righteousness and peace be wed. FAUST. That sounds quite clerical. MEPHISTOPHELES.Well, there were clerics	10,285
who, to protect their well-fed paunches, played a more active part than did the others. Turmoil increased, then it was sanctified, and so the Emperor, whose heart we’d lightened, marches this way, perhaps to his last battle.	10,290

FAUST. I feel for his distress; he was so kind and easy.
MEPH. Let’s see how things are going—while there’s life, there’s hope!
We’ll get him out of this confining valley;
once he is safe, he’ll have a thousand chances more,
and who knows how the dice will fall next time?	10,295
If he should win, he’ll win his vassals back.
They cross the next lower range of mountains and view the disposition of the army in the valley below, from which the sound of drums and military music arises.
MEPHISTOPHELES. I see they’ve occupied a good position;
with us beside them, victory is certain.
FAUST. But what can we provide? Illusions,
the empty make-believe of magic!	10,300
MEPHISTOPHELES. The stratagems that win all battles!
Do not relapse into faint-heartedness,
remember what great plans you have:
if we preserve his throne and lands for him,
you’ll kneel before the Emperor and get	10,305
the boundless shore you seek as fief.
FAUST. You have performed a lot of feats so far,
so go ahead and win a battle too!
MEPHISTOPHELES. No, you will win it; you shall be
the general in charge today.	10,310
FAUST. It is absurd to put me in command
of matters I don’t understand at all.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Leave such things to your General Staff;
you, as field marshal, won’t have any worries.
I long since saw war’s horrors coming	10,315
and, to help out, created a war-council
of primal mountains’ primal-human forces;
he’s lucky, who has gathered them together.
FAUST. What’s that I see there, bearing arms?
Have you involved the mountaineers?	10,320
MEPHISTOPHELES. No! But I do, like Peter Quince,
provide the quintessence of all of them.
Enter the THREE MIGHTY MEN. (2 Sam. 23, 8.)
MEPHISTOPHELES. Here come my fellows now! As you can see,
each is a different age and has
a different kind of clothes and armor;	10,325
you’ll find that they are worth their salt.
(Ad spectatores.) Today you cannot find a child who doesn’t dote
on suits of armor or a uniform,
and since they’re allegories too,
these wretches will but please the better.	10,330
BULLY (young, wearing light armor and dressed in motley).
Whoever tries to stare me down

will feel my fist where he had teeth,
and if he tries to run away,
I’ll grab the coward by his hair!
Get-Quick (mature, well armed and richly dressed).
It’s folly to seek pointless brawls—	10,335
they’re nothing but a waste of time.
Never forget to grab the booty,
and settle other matters later!
HOLD ON (well on in years, heavily armed and unostentatiously dressed).
That, too, won’t get you very far—
in the torrential stream of life	10,340
great wealth is quickly dissipated.
It’s well and good to take, but better still to keep;
let this old fellow manage things,
and your reserves will never be depleted.
(All descend to a lower level.
ON A FOOTHILL
Drums and martial music from below; the imperial tent is being pitched. – Enter the EMPEROR, the GRAND-MASTER, as COMMANDING GENERAL, and
BODYGUARDS.
GENERAL. I still believe it was a prudent plan	10,345
to have withdrawn and concentrated all our forces
in this well-situated valley;
I have high hopes that this will prove the proper choice.
EMPEROR. We’ll have to wait and see what happens;
this half-retreat chagrins me nonetheless.	10,350
GENERAL. Observe, my liege, where our right flank is placed.
Terrains like this are the tactician’s dream:
the hills, not steep, yet not too easy either,
will help our troops and cause the enemy trouble;
we’re half concealed here on this rolling land;	10,355
their cavalry will never dare approach us.
EMPEROR. I can’t withhold approval any longer;
stout arms and hearts now have a chance to test their strength.
GENERAL. Here, at our center, where the fields are flat,
you see our phalanx, ready to attack;	10,360
high in the air their pikes reflect the sunlight
and glitter through the morning haze.
Thousands of men aflame with love of glory
there form a great, dark, heaving square!
This tells us how tremendous are our numbers;	10,365
I have no doubt they’ll split the enemy’s forces.
EMPEROR. This is the first time that I’ve seen them all so well;

an army such as this is worth one twice its size. GENERAL. About our left flank nothing need be said; our bravest men are holding that steep cliff,	10,370
upon whose rocks you see the flash of weapons, and which protects this valley’s vital pass. It’s there that I expect the enemy will suffer bloody, unforeseen disaster. EMPEROR. There they advance, those lying kinsmen	10,375
who called me Uncle, Cousin, Brother as they kept taking ever greater liberties and robbed my throne of honor, my scepter of its power, who next laid waste our lands with feuds, and who have now all joined against me in rebellion.	10,380
Many have not made up their wavering minds, but they will rush along in any torrent’s wake. General. A trusted man, sent out to reconnoiter, is hurrying downhill; let’s hope his news is good! A SCOUT. Thanks to boldness and to cunning	10,385
we’ve succeeded in our mission, gotten through the lines and back; but our news is not too good. Many subjects swear they’re loyal, many troops vow their allegiance;	10,390
foreign and domestic dangers are the excuse for their inaction. EMPEROR. What egoism teaches is self-preservation, not gratitude, affection, duty, honor. Do you forget that, when accounts are settled,	10,395
your neighbor’s burning house may burn you out as well? GENERAL. Here comes a second scout, but his descent is slow, his limbs are trembling with fatigue. SECOND SCOUT. For a while we watched, well pleased, riot marching in confusion;	10,400
suddenly, to our surprise, a new emperor appeared, and in order multitudes now are marching through the field. Sheep-like, all are following	10,405
the false flags that were unfurled! EMPEROR. An anti-emperor’s a benefit to me; at last I really feel I’m Emperor. I donned this armor simply as a soldier, but now I wear it with a nobler purpose.	10,410
Although at your most splendid tournaments all was provided, what I missed was danger;
you only recommended tilting at the rings while I, with eager heart, desired jousting;
and had you not dissuaded me from waging wars, my brilliant exploits would long since have won me glory. I felt my self-reliance was confirmed when I beheld myself inside that sphere of flame; the fearful element pressed in about me,	10,415
illusion only, but one truly grand. I’ve had confusing dreams of victory and fame; I’ll now make up what I have wantonly neglected.	10,420
HERALDS are dispatched to challenge the Anti-emperor to single combat. –
Enter FAUST, in armor, with half-closed visor, and the THREE MIGHTY MEN, armed and attired as already described. FAUST. We hope you won’t object to our appearing; prevision’s useful even in untroubled times.
You know that mountain people are deep thinkers, can read what nature’s written in the rocks. Spirits, who left the lowland long ago, are fonder now of mountain rocks than ever; through labyrinthine crevices they toil	10,425
in vapors laden with the gas of precious metals; they analyze, they test, they synthesize, obsessed with making substances unknown before. With deftness only spirits can possess they fashion clear transparent forms;	10,430
then, in the crystal’s everlasting silence, they see what happens in the world above. EMPEROR. I’ve heard and credit what you say; but tell me, my good man, how it applies to us. FAUST. At Norcia lives a Sabine necromancer	10,435
who is your loyal, faithful servant. How fearful was the fate that menaced him! The faggots crackled, tongues of fire had appeared; surrounded by dry piles of interlocking boards, to which they’d added pitch and sulphur-matches,	10,440
he was beyond the help of man, or God, or devil; but you released him, Sire, from fiery bondage. That was in Rome. As your eternal debtor, he follows your career with deep solicitude. Ever since then unmindful of himself, he now	10,445
consults the stars and underworld for you alone. He charged us urgently to hasten to your aid. Great forces are at work there in the mountains, where nature is omnipotent and free; dull-witted priests denounce such things as magic.	10,450

EMPEROR. When we salute, on festive days,	10,455
the cheerful guests who come to share good cheer,
we watch with pleasure as they push and crowd
and make our halls seem insufficient.
But no one is more welcome than the worthy man
who offers us his help and strength	10,460
at this precarious morning hour
controlled by fate’s uncertain scales.
However, at this solemn juncture,
lift from your ready sword that valiant hand
and so pay tribute to a moment when, by thousands,	10,465
men march to fight against or for me.
A man does things himself! And he who wants a crown and throne,
must demonstrate that he is worthy of them.
So let this ghost that’s risen up against us,
that dubs itself the Emperor and claims our lands,	10,470
that calls itself the army’s duke, our princes’ liege,
be thrust by my own hand into the underworld!
FAUST. However that may be, you would be ill-advised
to risk your person in this noble enterprise.
Your helmet, with its crest and plume,	10,475
protects the head that gives our hearts their strength.
Without a head, what use are limbs?
If it is sleepy, they all droop;
if it is hurt, they all share in the wound,
but are restored as soon as it recovers.	10,480
The arm is prompt to use its innate strength
and raise the buckler, lest the head be harmed;
the sword assumes responsibility at once,
parries with vigor and returns the blow;
and then the foot shares aptly in their triumph—	10,485
it’s planted quickly on the slain foe’s neck.
EMPEROR. That is my wrath exactly; that’s how I’d like to treat him,
and make his insolent head my footstool.
THE HERALDS (returning).
We enjoyed but scant respect
and acceptance over there;	10,490
for our brave and noble challenge
they had scorn and ridicule:
“Emperor! He’s now forgotten—
you’ve an echo in your valley;
Once upon a time,’ we say,	10,495
if we think or talk of him.”
FAUST. This has turned out as they desired
who are your best, most loyal supporters. –

The enemy approach, we’re eager to see action;
bid us attack, the moment is propitious.		10,500
EMPEROR. At this point I relinquish my command.
(To the GENERAL.) Your duties, Prince, are yours again.
GENERAL. Have our right wing advance!
Before they reach the top, the enemy’s left,
now climbing up this hill,		10,505
shall flee our tried and true young troops.
FAUST. Permit this lively and courageous youth
to join these ranks of yours at once;
assimilated to them, he’ll display
his sterling strength and character.		10,510
FAUST points to a figure at his right.
BULLY (stepping forward).
The man who lets me see his face won’t turn away
with jaw and cheekbones still intact;
and if he turns his back, his head and hair
will soon be flopping from a hideous neck.
And if, while I rampage, your men		10,515
rain blows with sword and mace,
the enemy will drop in quick succession
and drown in their own blood.		[Exit.
GENERAL. Let them be followed by the center, slow and prudent;
our phalanx’s total strength will thus engage the foe—		10,520
our furious forces there, a little to the right,
have already dealt their battle-plan a blow.
FAUST (pointing to the second Mighty Man).
Let this man too be covered by your order!
With his élan, he’ll give the rest an impetus.
GET-QUICK. The heroism of our Emperor’s troops		10,525
shall have a partner, thirst for plunder;
and so let’s make our common goal
the Anti-Emperor’s sumptuous tent!
He will not boast a throne much longer,
with me now at the forefront of this phalanx.		10,530
QUICKLOOT (camp-follower, clinging to his side).
Although I have no marriage lines,
this is the man whom I love best.
What a rich harvest now awaits us!
A woman’s never gentle if she’s grabbing,
and if she is a thief, she’s merciless—		10,535
forward to victory, and no holds barred!	[Exeunt both.
GENERAL. As was to be expected, their right flank
attacks our left full-force. To the last man
our troops are to resist this furious attempt

to take the pass’s narrowest stretch.	10,540
FAUST (beckoning to the left).
My lord, pray do not overlook this man;
it will not hurt to add more strength to strength.
HOLD-ON (stepping forward).
Don’t give your left wing further thought!
Nothing that’s held is lost when I am with it;
though old, I can be trusted as custodian,	10,545
and even lightning will not break my hold.	[Exit
MEPHISTOPHELES (descending from above).
See in the background there of jagged rock
how now from every gorge armed men
are issuing in throngs that crowd
the narrow pathways even more;	10,550
with helmet, armor, sword, and shield
they form a rampart at our rear
that’s ready to attack on signal.
(Aside, for those in the know.).
You’re not to ask where they come from. –
The fact is, I have not been idle;	10,555
I’ve emptied every arms-collection hereabout;
these suits of armor stood or sat astride
as if they still controlled this world;
once knights and kings and emperors,
they’re only empty snail’s shells now;	10,560
ghosts often have used them as finery
and helped revive some medieval fashions.
Regardless of what devil’s in them,
today they’re sure to be effective.
(Aloud.). Hear how they’re working up a rage	10,565
and clank when shoving one another!
Beside our standards, tattered flags now wave
that long have waited for some breezes.
Remember that these are old stock,
who gladly get involved in modem broils.	10,570
A tremendous peal of trumpets is heard from above; the enemy forces are seen to waver.
FAUST. Darkness has covered the horizon,
and only here and there are to be seen
ominous flashes of glowing red;
weapons already gleam with blood;
the rocks, the woods, the air, and the whole sky	10,575
turn crimson too.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Our sturdy right flank holds its own;
I even see, surpassing all in height,

that nimble giant, Jack the Bully,
plying his trade with customary vigor.	10,580
EMPEROR. Where I saw only one arm raised
I now can see a dozen flailing;
what’s happening defies the laws of nature.
FAUST. Haven’t you heard of those streaks of fog
that drift along the coasts of Sicily?	10,585
There, in broad daylight, halfway up the sky,
mirrored with shimmering clarity
in exhalations of a special kind,
one sees a strange mirage:
cities are swaying to and fro,	10,590
and gardens floating up and down,
as image after image cleaves the aether.
EMPEROR. I find it nonetheless disquieting to see
the tips of all the spears emitting sparks,
and nimble little flames	10,595
dancing along our phalanx’s glittering lances.
This is too spectral for my taste.
FAUST. Forgive me, Sire, but those are after-traces
of long-since vanished spirit beings—
a light the Dioscuri cast,	10,600
by whom all sailors used to swear;
for us they’re making one great final effort.
EMPEROR. But tell me whom we owe it to,
that in our interest Nature has assembled
her greatest prodigies in this one place.	10,605
MEPHISTOPHELES. To whom but to that noble seer
whose heart is mindful only of your welfare!
The violence your enemies have threatened
caused him the most profound distress.
His gratitude insists that you be rescued,	10,610
though this might mean his own destruction.
EMPEROR. To celebrate, the Romans took me everywhere in triumph;
at last I was important, and I wished to prove it;
and so, not really thinking, I saw fit
to give his white beard somewhat cooler air.	10,615
Because I spoiled their entertainment,
the clergy ceased to be my strong supporters.
Now, after all these years, am I to see
the consequences of a carefree deed?
FAUST. Instinctive kindness is a good investment:	10,620
look there, up in the sky; unless I err,
your friend’s about to send a portent!
Now watch; its meaning will be soon made clear.

EMPEROR. An eagle’s soaring high above us, pursued and threatened by an angry griffin.	10,625
FAUST. Keep watching! To my mind, this augurs well: a griffin’s but a beast of fable— how can it so forget its limitations that it dares challenge a real eagle? EMPEROR. Now they are wheeling in great circles	10,630
about each other; now each rushes at the same instant at the other, eager to claw the other’s breast and throat. FAUST. See how the hateful griffin, tom and mauled, has suffered all the hurt; see how,	10,635
with drooping lion’s tail, it plunges into the trees atop that hill and disappears. EMPEROR. May the event confirm the omen, which I accept amazedly. Mephistopheles (looking toward the right). Pressure from sustained assaults	10,640
forces them to yield the field, and in aimless skirmishes they are pushing toward their right; this disrupts the battle-order of their main contingent’s left.	10,645
Our unwavering phalanx’s spearhead, moving right, with lightning speed dashes toward that weak position. Now, like splashing storm-tossed waves, equal forces in their furious rage	10,650
meet together in this duel; this surpasses all our hopes, we’ve already won the battle! EMPEROR (on the left, to FAUST). Look! I think there’s something wrong; on the left our outpost’s threatened.	10,655
I don’t see them hurling stones; lower ledges have been scaled, higher ones have been abandoned. See! – Concerted masses of the foe, pressing ever nearer now,	10,660
may have seized the pass already— end result of godless efforts! In vain are all your stratagems. Pause. MEPHISTOPHELES. There is my pair of ravens coming— I wonder what their message is?	10,665

It’s possible that something’s wrong. EMPEROR. What do these dismal birds portend? The way their sable sails are set, they’ve come from that fierce mountain-fray. MEPHISTOPHELES (to the ravens).
Perch here, close to my ears. No one is lost who has your patronage; advice you give is good to follow. FAUST (to the Emperor). You’ve surely heard how homing pigeons return from the most distant lands	10,670
to where they nest and feed their young. Here it’s the same, with an important difference: a dove may carry peace-time mail, but war requires somber messengers. MEPHISTOPHELES. The news they bring is dire:	10,675
see how, up on those heights of rock, our soldier-heroes stand endangered! The near-by heights already have been scaled, and should the pass itself be taken, our own position will be critical.	10,680
EMPEROR. Then I am now betrayed completely! The net into which you have drawn me gave me the horrors from the very start. MEPHISTOPHELES. Do not despair! All is not lost. Patience and cunning will resolve the plot—	10,685
things often look their worst, close to the end. I’ve messengers on whom I can rely; command that I be given the command! GENERAL (who has moved to the Emperor’s side). That you allied yourself with these two men has bothered me right from the start;	10,690
no lasting good can come from magic. I can’t control the course of battle; since they began it, let them end it; I’m giving back the marshal’s baton. EMPEROR. Keep it until some better time	10,695
that fortune may bestow on us. This villain and his raven-friends fill me with horror and disgust. (To MEPHISTOPHELES.) I can’t entrust this staff to you, who do not seem the proper man;	10,700
but take command, avert defeat, and let what can be done, be done!	10,705

The EMPEROR, with the GRAND-MASTER, withdraws into his tent.
MEPHISTOPHELES. I hope his baton will protect him;
it wouldn’t be much use to us—
it had some cross or other on it.
FAUST. What must we do?
MEPHISTOPHELES.   All has been done! –	10,710
Now, my black cousins who’re such eager servants,
be off to the great mountain-lake, and ask—
politely—the undines to lend us a mock-flood.
They know the trick, that is a woman’s secret,
of separating semblance from reality,	10,715
so all will swear that what they see is real.
Pause.
FAUST. It’s clear our ravens’ flattery
has stirred your water sprites profoundly;
I see a trickle there already.
Freshets are gushing forth in various places	10,720
where only bare, dry rock was seen;
their victory is now defeat.
MEPHISTOPHELES. They are amazed by this strange welcome,
their boldest climbers are dumbfounded.
FAUST. Now one great rushing stream turns into many brooks,	10,725
that soon reissue doubled from their gorges
and form a mighty waterfall;
this torrent comes to rest upon a bed of rock
and fills its broad expanse with raging foam,
then plunges tier by tier into the valley.	10,730
What good is gallant, hero-like resistance
when this vast flood will sweep them all away?
I am myself appalled by its fierce surging.
MEPHISTOPHELES. I see no part of these aquatic lies—
the human eye alone can be deceived—	10,735
but am amused by what is happening.
Whole mobs are now in headlong flight;
the fools believe that they are drowning,
and though they stand and breathe on solid ground,
run ludicrously about with swimming motions.	10,740
There’s now confusion everywhere.
(To the ravens, who have returned.)
I shall commend you to our Lord and Master;
but if you’d like to show that you yourselves are masters,
speed to the glowing forge at which,
with endless energy, the dwarfs	10,745
strike sparks from ores and metals.
Persuade them, with a long oration,

to lend you fire, of the kind our Master likes,
that glows, and sparkles, and explodes.
There’s nothing special when, on summer nights,	10,750
you see heat lightning in the distance
and falling stars shoot flashing from the zenith,
but summer lightning in a maze of bushes
and stars that hiss along wet ground
are not an every-day occurrence.	10,755
But don’t make an inordinate effort—
start with entreaties, then give orders.
The ravens leave, and what is described by MEPHISTOPHELES is seen occurring.
MEPHISTOPHELES. Now let dense blackness shroud the foe,
their every step be an uncertain groping
as sparks flit waywardly about them	10,760
and sudden lightnings daze their vision!
That hardly could have been improved on;
but horrid noises are required too.
FAUST. The empty armor from funereal halls
regains its vigor here in the fresh air;	10,765
that continuous clank and rattle up above
provides a strange, discordant note.
MEPHISTOPHELES. The fact is that they can no longer be restrained;
you hear the sound of knightly cudgels
just as one did back in the good old days.	10,770
Arm-guards and leg-pieces have once more become
the Guelfs and Ghibellines, and hasten
to start their endless feud again.
Inheriting their fixed opinions,
they are immune to reconciliation;	10,775
you now can hear their bluster everywhere.
When all is said and done, at diabolic revels
it’s party hatred that is most effective
and is their culminating horror.
Let its abhorrent, frightening voice,	10,780
at times so shrill and stridently satanic,
spread panic throughout all the valley.
Warlike tumult in the orchestra, finally changing into lively military tunes.

THE ANTI-EMPEROR’S TENT
A throne and lavish trappings. Enter GET-QUICK and QUICKLOOT.
QUICKLOOT. We are here first, then, after all!
GET-QUICK. No raven’s flight can match our speed.
QUICKLOOT. There is so much wealth piled up here!	10,785
Where should I start? Where can I stop?
GET-QUICK. The place is crammed so full with stuff,
I don’t know what to reach for first!
QUICKLOOT. That tapestry’s just what I need—
my bed is often much too hard.	10,790
GET-QUICK. Here’s a steel mace with lots of spikes,
exactly what I’ve long wished for.
QUICKLOOT. This scarlet cloak with a gold hem
is like what I’ve been dreaming of.
GET-QUICK (taking the mace).
With this you don’t waste any time,	10,795
you knock them dead and keep right on. –
Your sack’s already filled enough,
but what you’ve grabbed is not worth much.
Leave all that rubbish where it is,
and take one of these little chests;	10,800
they hold the pay that’s due the troops,
each one of them’s chock-full of gold.
QUICKLOOT. This is a fiendishly great weight!
I cannot lift or carry it.
GET-QUICK. Hurry, crouch down! Bend over more—	10,805
your back is strong, I’ll put it there!
QUICKLOOT. That hurts! I’m truly done for now—
the load is going to break my back!
The coffer falls and bursts open.
GET-QUICK. Your gold’s now piled there on the ground;
get to work quick and snatch it up!	10,810
QUICKLOOT (crouching down).
Quick, sweep it here into my lap!
There’ll still be plenty of it for us.
GET-QUICK. That is enough! Now hurry up!
(QUICKLOOT rises.)
This is too much! Your apron leaks;
no matter where you stand or walk,	10,815
you’ll scatter money like a spendthrift.
Enter BODYGUARDS of the rightful emperor.
GUARDS. What are you up to in this sanctum,
ransacking the imperial treasure?
GET-QUICK. We’ve risked our lives and limbs for you,
and take as pay our share of loot.	10,820

That is what’s done in enemy tents, and we are in the military. GUARDS. That’s not what’s done when we’re around— being soldiers and dirty thieves.
To serve our emperor, a soldier man must also be an honest soldier. GET-QUICK. We know your kind of honesty, you call it requisitioning! We’re all on the same footing here;	10,825
the password of our trade is: give! (To QUICKLOOT.) Clear out, and take what you have got;	10,830
we are not welcome here as guests. A GUARD. Why didn’t you, right then and there, slap that smart aleck in the face?	[Exeunt.
SECOND GUARD. It’s hard to say; I lacked all strength, and they were somehow ghost-like, too. THIRD GUARD. Something was bothering my eyes; my head was swimming, things were blurred. FOURTH GUARD. I can’t exactly tell you either:	10,835
It’s been so sultry all day long, oppressive, hot, uncomfortable; as one man stood, his neighbor fell; just groping, you would strike a blow, and with each blow some foe was felled;	10,840
gauze seemed to hang before our eyes, our ears heard buzzing, hisses, roars; that never stopped, and now we’re here with no idea how it was done.	10,845
The EMPEROR enters with FOUR PRINCES; the BODYGUARDS retire to the background. EMPEROR. It does not matter how! What counts is that we’ve won
and that the scattered foe is fled across the plain. Here is the empty throne, and crowding in about us is treason’s treasury, wrapped up in tapestries. We, with the full protection of our honor guard, await as Emperor the envoys of all nations;	10,850
from all directions come reports to make us joyous, our realms are pacified, all gladly swear allegiance. Although our battle did involve some use of tricks, the fact remains that we were those who did the fighting. Sometimes coincidence, we know, will help combatants:	10,855
a stone falls from the sky, blood rains upon the foe, and rocky caves emit mysterious, loud noises that make the enemy less, and us much more, courageous. The vanquished are the butt of never-ending taunts;	10,860

the victor, in his triumph, lauds Him who favored him, and of their own free will all voices join with his	10,865
as countless throats intone “We praise Thee now, our God.” I turn my pious eyes in highest praise however— a thing I’ve rarely done—to where my own heart lies. In youth a carefree prince may give his days to pleasure, but with advancing years he learns the moment’s worth.	10,870
To make secure forthwith my line, this court, our realm, I join my lot with that of you four worthy men. (To the FIRST PRINCE.) We owe to you, o Prince, the army’s wise deployment and, at the crucial point, its bold, heroic guidance; perform the tasks of peace the times will now require;	10,875
I here give you this sword and dub you Lord Arch-Marshal. ARCH-MARSHAL. When once your loyal troops, now civil war is over, have made our borders strong, made safe your throne and person, grant us the privilege of serving you at table as celebrating guests crowd through ancestral halls.	10,880
Before you I will bear, beside you hold this sword, attendant at all times upon Your Majesty. EMPEROR (to the Second Prince). You, sir, who are both brave and sweetly courteous shall be Arch-Chamberlain. This is no easy office, for you will be the head of our domestic staff,	10,885
that fails to serve me well when servants quarrel and bicker; henceforth may they have you as their respected model of how to please one’s liege, one’s court, and all one’s fellows. ARCH-CHAMBERLAIN. To do what you enjoin will make all nobly eager to lend good men support and treat the less good kindly,	10,890
and be undevious, reserved without deceit. My true reward, o Sire, is how you’ve read my heart. May I imagine, too, your coming celebration? When you prepare to feast, I’ll fetch the golden basin and hold your rings for you so that on that great day,	10,895
your hands may be refreshed as I am by your gaze. EMPEROR. My mood is still too grave for thoughts of celebration, yet be it so! Joy, too, may serve a proper need. (To the THIRD PRINCE.) I’ve chosen you Arch-Steward, who henceforth shall be in charge of hunting grounds, of barnyard and of manor.	10,900
Have carefully prepared, according to the season, whatever then is best to make my favorite dishes. ARCH-STEWARD. No duty shall more please me than keeping a strict fast

until you can be served a dish that suits your taste.
The kitchen staff and I shall make it our joint effort to get exotic fare and expedite the seasons— although such luxuries do not mean much to you, whose preferences are what’s nourishing and simple. EMPEROR (to the FOURTH PRINCE). Since banquets seem the theme that none of you avoid,	10,905
you, my young hero, shall be changed to a cup-bearer. As Arch-Cupbearer now, make sure that in our cellars the best of wines are kept in plentiful supply. Be temperate yourself, and when there’s merriment do not be led astray because occasion’s offered! ARCH-CUPBEARER.	10,910
My Lord, young people will, if only they are trusted, achieve maturity before you notice it. I too can see myself at your great celebration, when I will lavishly adorn the royal buffet with ceremonial plate, of gold and silver only,	10,915
but for your use will save the loveliest cup of all, of clear Venetian glass, in which delight awaits you; it adds to the wine’s taste, prevents intoxication. Some might rely, besides, upon its precious magic, but your sobriety protects you, Sire, still better.	10,920
EMPEROR. What I’ve conferred on you here in this solemn moment, you’ve heard with confidence from lips that you can trust. The Emperor’s word alone enforces these donations, but to attest the fact a formal deed’s required that bears his signature. To phrase it properly,	10,925
here comes the proper man exactly when he’s needed. Enter the Chancellor-Archbishop. EMPEROR. As soon as a great vault’s entrusted to its keystone, it is securely built for all time still to come. You see four princes here. We’ve been discussing how our house and court may have a surer permanence.	10,930
For matters that concern the empire as a whole you five together shall have full authority. In lands you hold you must surpass all other men, and so I here extend your borders to include the legacies of all who were unfaithful to us.	10,935
Thus, loyal friends, I grant you many fine estates, together with the right, when chance permits, to add by purchase or exchange, or by succession, to them; it further is decreed that you may exercise without impediment all territorial rights.	10,940
The verdicts that you give as judges will be final, and no man shall appeal to any higher court.	10,945

All taxes, tributes, rents, safe-conducts, tolls, and fiefs, the royalties of mines, salt-works, and mints, are yours. To demonstrate to all my gratitude’s extent, I’ve raised you to a rank next only to my own.	10,950
ARCHBISHOP. Let me in all our names express our heartfelt thanks! You make us powerful, and strengthen your own power. Emperor. I wish to grant you five an even higher honor. I still live for my state, still have a zest for life, but my great forebears’ seal now turns my prudent gaze	10,955
from eager aspirations to that which looms ahead. When, in my turn, I bid the ones I love farewell, your duty let it be to say who’s my successor. Raise him, when he is crowned, aloft the holy altar, and so shall end in peace what was so stormy here.	10,960
ARCHBISHOP. With pride deep in their hearts, but humble in their bearing, there bow before you here the first of this earth’s princes. As long as loyal blood still courses through our veins, we’ll be the body which obeys your slightest wish. Emperor. And so now, to conclude, let all I’ve here enacted	10,965
for every age to come be ratified in writing. You have full sovereignty in each of your estates, with the condition, though, that none may be divided. However you increase what you’ve received from us, it shall descend upon your eldest sons entire.	10,970
ARCHBISHOP. To parchment I’ll at once commit this statute which, both for the Empire’s weal and ours, is so important; fair copy, seals, can be prepared in chancery; your signature will then attest its sanctity. EMPEROR. I now shall let you leave, so that you may, each one,	10,975
with tranquil mind reflect upon this glorious day. [Exeunt the FOUR SECULAR PRINCES.
ARCHBISHOP (remaining, and speaking with pathos). The Chancellor withdrew. The Bishop still remains, impelled by grave concern to seek your ear and warn it; paternal feelings fill his heart with fears for you! EMPEROR. What can, in this glad hour, cause you to feel alarm?	10,980
ARCHBISHOP. It grieves me bitterly to see your hallowed head at such a time as this in covenant with Satan. Although you seem, indeed, secure upon your throne, you flout, alas! the Lord and flout our Holy Father. The Pope, once he’s informed, will pass a penal judgment	10,985
that shall with sacred bolts destroy your sinful realm. He still remembers how, when you were celebrating your coronation day, you set that sorcerer free. To Christendom’s great hurt, it was your diadem

that first shed mercy’s rays upon that evil head. But beat your breast and give, from your ill-gotten fortune, to things of holiness a modest mite again; confirmed in piety, donate to holy efforts that broad expanse of hills where your pavilion stood,	10,990
where evil spirits formed a league for your protection, and to the Prince of Lies you lent a willing ear; include the whole extent of mountain and thick forest, its slopes of alpine green that offer fattening pasture, its limpid lakes of fish, and all the brooks that plunge	10,995
with swift meanderings into the vales below; to this add the broad valley’s meadows, flats, and bottoms— contrition, so expressed, will gain you absolution. EMPEROR. My grievous fault fills me with terror so profound that any boundaries shall be what you decide.	11,000
ARCHBISHOP. But, first, the place that sin has so defiled must be proclaimed at once as sacred to God’s service. The mind already sees great walls that quickly rise, the shafts of morning sun that flood the choir with light, the edifice that grows and widens to a cross,	11,005
the soaring, lengthening nave, a joy to all the faithful who in their fervor now pour through the solemn doors— from lofty towers that aspire heavenwards the bells’ first summons has sung out through hill and valley, and penitents approach to start their lives anew.	11,010
At this great consecration—may its day be soon!— your presence, Sire, will be the chief and crowning glory. Emperor. Let this work’s magnitude proclaim a piety that praises God our Lord and frees me of transgression. Enough! I can feel now my sense of exaltation.	11,015
ARCHBISHOP. As Chancellor I shall soon settle all details. EMPEROR. Bring me a formal deed of transfer to the Church, and I’ll be overjoyed to sign my name to it.	11,020
ARCHBISHOP (taking his leave, but then turning back at the entrance to the tent). You will, besides, devote to the work’s furtherance, in perpetuity, all local revenues:
tithes, tribute, rents. The costs of proper maintenance are great, and so are those of careful management. To speed construction in so desolate a place you’ll give us from your loot some of the gold you won. Moreover, we shall need—a fact I won’t gloss over—	11,025
wood from a long way off, and lime and slate and such like; the people shall haul these, instructed from the pulpit;	11,030
the Church will bless the man whose team toils in her service. Emperor. The burden of my sin is large and hard to bear; those scoundrel sorcerers are doing me great harm.	[Exit.

ARCHBISHOP (returning again, with as low a bow as is possible).
Your pardon, Sire! That man of dubious character	11,035
received in fief our coasts; on them the ban will fall
unless, in penitence, to our consistory
there too you cede the tithes, the rents, the dues, the taxes.
EMPEROR (with annoyance).
That land does not exist, it’s only high sea still.
ARCHBISHOP.
The right time always comes for patient and just causes.	11,040
For our part, we expect your promise to be valid.	[Exit.
EMPEROR (solus).
At this rate I’ll have soon signed all my realm away.