(The WITCH breaks the circle:  FAUST steps forth.)

MEPHISTOPHELES

And now, away!  Thou dar’st not rest.

THE WITCH

And much good may the liquor do thee!

MEPHISTOPHELES (to the WITCH)

Thy wish be on Walpurgis Night expressed;
What boon I have, shall then be given unto thee.

THE WITCH

Here is a song, which, if you sometimes sing,
You’ll find it of peculiar operation.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

Come, walk at once!  A rapid occupation
Must start the needful perspiration,
And through thy frame the liquor’s potence fling. 
The noble indolence I’ll teach thee then to treasure,
And soon thou’lt be aware, with keenest thrills of pleasure,
How Cupid stirs and leaps, on light and restless wing.

FAUST

One rapid glance within the mirror give me,
How beautiful that woman-form!

MEPHISTOPHELES

No, no!  The paragon of all, believe me,
Thou soon shalt see, alive and warm.

(Aside)

Thou’lt find, this drink thy blood compelling,
Each woman beautiful as Helen!

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

VII

STREET

FAUST MARGARET (passing by)

FAUST

Fair lady, let it not offend you,
That arm and escort I would lend you!

MARGARET

I’m neither lady, neither fair,
And home I can go without your care.

[She releases herself, and exit.

FAUST

By Heaven, the girl is wondrous fair! 
Of all I’ve seen, beyond compare;
So sweetly virtuous and pure,
And yet a little pert, be sure! 
The lip so red, the cheek’s clear dawn,
[Illustration:]
I’ll not forget while the world rolls on! 
How she cast down her timid eyes,
Deep in my heart imprinted lies: 
How short and sharp of speech was she,
Why, ’twas a real ecstasy!

(MEPHISTOPHELES enters)

FAUST

Hear, of that girl I’d have possession!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Which, then?

FAUST

The one who just went by.

MEPHISTOPHELES

She, there?  She’s coming from confession,
Of every sin absolved; for I,
Behind her chair, was listening nigh. 
So innocent is she, indeed,
That to confess she had no need. 
I have no power o’er souls so green.