  Marguerite's Garden. (At the back a wall, with a little door. To the left a bower. On the right a pavilion, with a window facing the audience. Trees, shrubs, etc.) Siebel, alone. (He enters through the little door at the back, and stops on the threshold of the pavilion, near a group of roses and lilies.) Sie. I. Gently whisper to her of love, dear flow'r; Tell her that I adore her, And for me, oh, implore her, For my heart feels alone for her love's pow'r. Say in sighing I languish, That for her, in my anguish, Beats alone, dearest flow'r, My aching heart. (Plucks flowers.) Alas! they are wither'd! (Throws them away.) Can the accursed wizard's words be true? (Plucks another flower, which, on touching his hand, immediately withers.) "Thou shalt ne'er touch flower again But it shall wither!" I'll bathe my hand in holy water! (Approaches the pavilion, and dips his fingers in a little font suspended to the wall.) When day declines, Marguerite hither Comes to pray, so we'll try again. (Plucks more flowers.) Are they wither'd? No! Satan, thou art conquer'd! II. In these flowers alone I've faith, For they will plead for me; To her they will reveal My hapless state. The sole cause of my woe is she, And yet she knows it not. But in these flowers I've faith, For they will plead for me. (Plucks flowers in order to make a bouquet, and disappears amongst the shrubs.) SCENE II.Mephistopheles, Faust, and Siebel. Faust. (cautiously entering through the garden door). We are here! Mep. Follow me. Faust. Whom dost thou see? Mep. Siebel, your rival. Faust. Siebel? Mep. Hush! He comes. (They enter the bower.) Sie. (entering with a bouquet in his hand). My bouquet is charming indeed? Mep. (aside). It is indeed! Sie. Victory! Tomorrow I'll reveal all to her. I will disclose to her the secret That lies concealed in my heart: A kiss will tell the rest. Mep. (aside, mockingly). Seducer! (Exit Siebel, after fastening bouquet to the door of the pavilion.) SCENE III.Faust and Mephistopheles. Mep. Now attend, my dear doctor! To keep company with the flowers of our friend, I go to bring you a treasure, Which outshines them beyond measure, And of beauty past believing. Faust. Leave me! Mep. I obey. Deign to await me here. (Disappears.) SCENE IV.Faust. Faust. (alone). What new emotion penetrates my soul! Love, a pure and holy love, pervades my being. O Marguerite, behold me at thy feet! All hail, thou dwelling pure and lowly, Home of an angel fair and holy, All mortal beauty excelling! What wealth is here, a wealth outbidding gold, Of peace, and love, and innocence untold! Bounteous Nature! 'twas here by day thy love was taught her, Thou here with kindly care didst o'er-shadow thy daughter Through hours of night! Here waving tree and flower Made her an Eden bower Of beauty and delight, For one whose very birth Brought down heaven to our earth. All hail, thou dwelling pure and lowly, Home of an angel fair and holy. SCENE V.Faust, Mephistopheles. Mep. (carrying a casket under his arm). What ho! see here! If flowers are more potent than bright jewels, Then I consent to lose my power. (Opens the casket and displays the jewels.) Faust. Let us fly; I ne'er will see her more. Mep. What scruple now assails thee? (Lays the casket on the threshold of the pavilion.) See on yonder step, The jewels snugly lie; We've reason now to hope. (Draws Faust after him, and disappears in the garden. Marguerite enters through the doorway at the back, and advances silently to the front.) SCENE VI.Marguerite. Mar. (alone). Fain would I know the name Of the fair youth I met? Fain would I his birth And station also know? (Seats herself at her wheel in the arbor, and arranges the flax upon the spindle.) I. "Once there was a king in ThulÉ, Who was until death always faithful, And in memory of his loved one Caused a cup of gold to be made." (Breaking off.) His manner was so gentle! 'Twas true politeness. (Resuming the song.) "Never treasure prized he so dearly, Naught else would use on festive days, And always when he drank from it, His eyes with tears would be o'erflowing." II. (She rises, and takes a few paces.) "When he knew that death was near, As he lay on his cold couch smiling, Once more he raised with greatest effort To his lips the golden vase." (Breaking off.) I knew not what to say, my face red with blushes! (Resuming the song.) "And when he, to honor his lady, Drank from the cup the last, last time, Soon falling from his trembling grasp, Then gently passed his soul away." Nobles alone can bear them with so bold a mien, So tender, too, withal! (She goes toward the pavilion.) I'll think of him no more! Good Valentine! If heav'n heeds my prayer, we shall meet again. Meanwhile I am alone! (Suddenly perceiving the bouquet attached to the door of the pavilion.) Flowers! (Unfastens the bouquet.) They are Siebel's, surely! Poor faithful boy! (Perceiving the casket.) But what is this? From whom did this splendid casket come? I dare not touch it— Yet see, here is the key!—I'll take one look! How I tremble—yet why?—can it be Much harm just to look in a casket! (Opens the casket and lets the bouquet fall.) Oh, heaven! what jewels! Can I be dreaming? Or am I really awake? Ne'er have I seen such costly things before! (Puts down the casket on a rustic seat, and kneels down in order to adorn herself with the jewels.) I should just like to see How they'd look upon me Those brightly sparkling ear-drops! (Takes out the ear-rings.) Ah! at the bottom of the casket is a glass: I there can see myself!— But am I not becoming vain? (Puts on the ear-rings, rises, and looks at herself in the glass.) Ah! I laugh, as I pass, to look into a glass; Is it truly Marguerite, then? Is it you? Tell me true! No, no, no, 'tis not you! No, no, that bright face there reflected Must belong to a queen! It reflects some fair queen, whom I greet as I pass her. Ah! could he see me now, Here, deck'd like this, I vow, He surely would mistake me, And for noble lady take me! I'll try on the rest. The necklace and the bracelets I fain would try! (She adorns herself with the bracelets and necklace, then rises.) Heavens! 'Tis like a hand That on mine arm doth rest! Ah! I laugh, as I pass, to look into a glass; Is it truly Marguerite, then? Is it you? Tell me true! No, no, no, 'tis not you! No, no, that bright face there reflected Must belong to a queen! It reflects some fair queen, whom I greet as I pass her. Oh! could he see me now, Here, deck'd like this, I vow, He surely would mistake me, And for noble lady take me! SCENE VII.Marguerite and Martha. Mart. Just heaven! what is't I see? How fair you now do seem! Why, what has happened? Who gave to you these jewels? Mar. (confused). Alas! by some mistake They have been hither brought. Mart. Why so? No, beauteous maiden, These jewels are for you; The gift are they of some enamor'd lord. My husband, I must say, Was of a less generous turn! (Mephistopheles and Faust enter.) SCENE VIII.Mephistopheles, Faust, and the before-named. Mep. (making a profound bow). Tell me, I pray, are you Martha Schwerlein? Mart. Sir, I am! Mep. Pray pardon me, If thus I venture to present myself. (Aside, to Faust.) You see your presents Are right graciously received. (To Martha.) Are you, then, Martha Schwerlein? Mart. Sir, I am. Mep. The news I bring Is of an unpleasant kind: Your much-loved spouse is dead, And sends you greeting. Mart. Great heaven! Mar. Why, what has happened? Mep. Stuff! (Marguerite hastily takes off the jewels, and is about to replace them in the casket.) Mart. Oh woe! oh, unexpected news! Mar. (aside). How beats my heart Now he is near! Faust (aside). The fever of my love Is lull'd when at her side! Mep. (to Martha). Your much-loved spouse is dead, And sends you greeting! Mart. (to Mephistopheles). Sent he nothing else to me? Mep. (to Martha). No. We'll punish him for't; Upon this very day We'll find him a successor. Faust (to Marguerite). Wherefore lay aside these jewels? Mar. (to Faust). Jewels are not made for me; 'Tis meet I leave them where they are. Mep. (to Martha). Who would not gladly unto You present the wedding-ring? Mart. (aside). Indeed! (to Mephistopheles). You think so? Mep. (sighing). Ah me! ah, cruel fate! Faust (to Marguerite) Pray lean upon mine arm! Mar. (retiring). Leave me, I humbly pray! Mep. (offering his arm to Martha). Take mine! Mart. (aside). In sooth, a comely knight! (taking his arm.) Mep. (aside). The dame is somewhat tough! (Marguerite yields her arm to Faust, and withdraws with him. Mart. And so you are always traveling! Mep. A hard necessity it is, madame! Alone and loveless. Ah! Mart. In youth it matters not so much, But in late years 'tis sad indeed! Right melancholy it is in solitude Our olden age to pass! Mep. The very thought doth make me shudder. But still, alas! what can I do? Mart. If I were you, I'd not delay, But think on't seriously at once. Mep. I'll think on't! Mart. At once and seriously! (They withdraw.) (Faust and Marguerite re-enter.) Faust. Art always thus alone? Mar. My brother is at the wars, My mother dear is dead! By misadventure, too, My dear sister have I lost. Dear sister mine! My greatest happiness was she. Sad sorrows these; When our souls with love are filled, Death tears the loved one from us! At morn, no sooner did she wake, Than I was always at her side! The darling of my life was she! To see her once again, I'd gladly suffer all. Faust. If heaven, in joyous mood, Did make her like to thee, An angel must she indeed have been! Mar. Thou mock'st me! Faust. Nay, I do love thee! Mar. (sighing). Flatterer! thou mock'st me! I believe thee not! thou seekest to deceive. No longer will I stay, thy words to hear. Faust (to Marguerite). Nay, I do love thee! Stay, oh stay! Heaven hath with an angel crown'd my path. Why fear'st thou to listen? It is my heart that speaks. (Re-enter Mephistopheles and Martha.) Mart. (to Mephistopheles). Of what now are you thinking? You heed me not—perchance you mock me. Now list to what I say.— You really must not leave us thus! Mep. (to Martha). Ah, chide me not, if my wanderings I resume. Suspect me not; to roam I am compelled! Need I attest how gladly I remain. I hear but thee alone. (Night comes on.) Mar. (to Faust). It grows dark,—you must away. Faust (embracing her). My loved one! Mar. Ah! no more! (Escapes.) Faust. Ah, cruel one, would'st fly? (Pursuing her.) Mep. (aside, whilst Martha angrily turns her back to him). The matter's getting serious, I must away. (Conceals himself behind a tree.) Mart. (aside). What's to be done? he's gone! What ho, good sir! (Retires.) Mep. Yes, seek for me—that's right! I really do believe The aged beldame would Actually have married Satan! Faust (without). Marguerite! Mart. (without). Good sir! Mep. Your servant! SCENE IX.Mephistopheles. Mep. 'Twas high time! By night, protected, In earnest talk of love, They will return! 'Tis well! I'll not disturb Their amorous confabulation! Night, conceal them in thy darkest shade. Love, from their fond hearts Shut out all troublesome remorse. And ye, O flowers of fragrance subtle, This hand accurs'd Doth cause ye all to open! Bewilder the heart of Marguerite! (Disappears amid the darkness.) SCENE X.Faust and Marguerite. Mar. It groweth late, farewell! Faust. I but implore in vain. Let me thy hand take, and clasp it, And behold but thy face once again, Illum'd by that pale light, From yonder moon that shines, O'er thy beauteous features shedding Its faint but golden ray. Mar. Oh, what stillness reigns around, Oh, ineffable mystery! Sweetest, happiest feeling, I list; a secret voice Now seems to fill my heart. Still its tone again resoundeth in my bosom. Leave me awhile, I pray. (Stoops and picks a daisy.) Faust. What is it thou doest? Mar. This flower I consult. (She plucks the petals of the daisy.) Faust (aside). What utters she in tones subdued? Mar. He loves me!—no, he loves me not! He loves me!—no!—He loves me! Faust. Yes, believe thou this flower, The flower of loves. To thine heart let it tell The truth it would teach,— He loves thee! Know'st thou not How happy 'tis to love? To cherish in the heart a flame that never dies! To drink forever from the fount of love! Both. We'll love for ever! Faust. Oh, night of love! oh, radiant night! The bright stars shine above; Oh, joy, this is divine! I love, I do adore thee! Mar. Mine idol fond art thou! Speak, speak again! Thine, thine I'll be; For thee I'll gladly die. Faust. Oh, Marguerite! Mar. (suddenly tearing herself from Faust's arms). Ah, leave me! Faust. Cruel one! Mar. Fly hence! alas! I tremble! Faust. Cruel one! Mar. Pray leave me! Faust. Would'st thou have me leave thee? Ah! see'st thou not my grief? Ah, Marguerite, thou breakest my heart! Mar. Go hence! I waver! mercy, pray! Fly hence! alas! I tremble! Break not, I pray, thy Marguerite's heart! Faust. In pity— Mar. If to thee I'm dear, I conjure thee, by thy love, By this fond heart, That too readily its secret hath revealed, Yield thee to my prayer,— In mercy get thee hence! (Kneels at the feet of Faust.) Faust (after remaining a few moments silent, gently raising her). O fairest child, Angel so holy, Thou shalt control me, Shalt curb my will. I obey; but at morn— Mar. Yes, at morn, Very early. Faust. One word at parting. Repeat thou lovest me. Mar. Adieu! (Hastens towards the pavilion, then stops short on the threshold, and wafts a kiss to Faust.) Faust. Adieu! Were it already morn! SCENE XI.Faust, Mephistopheles. Mep. Fool! Faust. You overheard us? Mep. Happily. You have great need, learned Doctor, To be sent again to school. Faust. Leave me! Mep. Deign first to listen for a moment, To the speech she rehearses to the stars. Dear master, delay. She opens her window. (Marguerite opens the window of the pavilion, and remains with her head resting on her hand.) SCENE XII.The preceding. Marguerite. Mar. He loves me! Wildly beats my heart! The night-bird's song, The evening breeze, All nature's sounds together say, "He loves thee!" Ah! sweet, sweet indeed Now is this life to me! Another world it seems; The very ecstasy of love is this! With to-morrow's dawn, Haste thee, oh dear one, Haste thee to return! Yes, come! Faust. (rushing to the window, and grasping her hand). Marguerite! Mar. Ah! Mep. (mockingly). Ho! ho! (Marguerite, overcome, allows her head to fall on Faust's shoulder. Mephistopheles opens the door of the garden, and departs, laughing derisively. The curtain falls.) |
|
