MEPHISTOPHELES (aside)

The devil now prepares a fall for thee!

BACCALAUREUS

The noblest mission this of youth’s estate. 
The world was not, till it I did create;
The radiant Sun I led from out the sea;
Her changeful course the Moon began with me;
The Day arrayed herself my steps to meet,
The Earth grew green, and blossom’d me to greet: 
At my command, upon yon primal Night,
The starry hosts unveiled their glorious light. 
Who, beside me, the galling chains unbound,
Which cramping thought had cast your spirits round? 
But I am free, as speaks my spirit-voice,
My inward light I follow, and rejoice;
Swift I advance, enraptur’d, void of fear,
Brightness before me, darkness in the rear. [Exit.]

MEPHISTOPHELES

Go, in thy pride, Original, thy way!—­
True insight would, in truth, thy spirit grieve! 
What wise or stupid thoughts can man conceive,
Unponder’d in the ages passed away?—­
Yet we for him need no misgiving have;
Changed will he be, when a few years are past;
Howe’er absurdly may the must behave,
Nathless it yields a wine at last.—­

(To the younger part of the audience, who do not applaud.)

Though to my words you’re somewhat cold,
Good children, me you don’t offend;
Reflect!  The devil, he is old;
Grow old then, him to comprehend!

LABORATORY

(After the fashion of the middle ages; cumbrous, useless apparatus, for fantastic purposes)

WAGNER (at the furnace)

 Soundeth the bell, the fearful clang
 Thrills through these sooty walls; no more
 Upon fulfilment waits the pang
 Of hope or fear;—­suspense is o’er;
 The darknesses begin to clear,
 Within the inmost phial glows
 Radiance, like living coal, that throws,
 As from a splendid carbuncle, its rays;
 Athwart the gloom its lightning plays. 
 A pure white lustre doth appear;
 O may I never lose it more!—­
 My God! what rattles at the door?

MEPHISTOPHELES (entering)

 Welcome!  As friend I enter here.

WAGNER

 Hail to the star that rules the hour!

(Softly)

On breath and utterance let a ban be laid! 
Soon will be consummate a work of power.

MEPHISTOPHELES (in a whisper)

What is it, then?

WAGNER
 A man is being made.

MEPHISTOPHELES

A man? and pray what loving pair
Have in your smoke-hole their abode?

WAGNER