Most wise!  And first, of course, we’ll make the journey
  thither?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Sancta simplicitas! no need of such a toil; Depose, with knowledge or without it, either!

FAUST

If you’ve naught better, then, I’ll tear your pretty plan!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Now, there you are!  O holy man! 
Is it the first time in your life you’re driven
To bear false witness in a case? 
Of God, the world and all that in it has a place,
Of Man, and all that moves the being of his race,
Have you not terms and definitions given
With brazen forehead, daring breast? 
And, if you’ll probe the thing profoundly,
Knew you so much—­and you’ll confess it roundly!—­
As here of Schwerdtlein’s death and place of rest?

FAUST

Thou art, and thou remain’st, a sophist, liar.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Yes, knew I not more deeply thy desire. 
For wilt thou not, no lover fairer,
Poor Margaret flatter, and ensnare her,
And all thy soul’s devotion swear her?

FAUST

And from my heart.

MEPHISTOPHELES

’Tis very fine! 
Thine endless love, thy faith assuring,
The one almighty force enduring,—­
Will that, too, prompt this heart of thine?

FAUST

Hold! hold!  It will!—­If such my flame,
And for the sense and power intense
I seek, and cannot find, a name;
Then range with all my senses through creation,
Craving the speech of inspiration,
And call this ardor, so supernal,
Endless, eternal and eternal,—­
Is that a devilish lying game?

MEPHISTOPHELES

And yet I’m right!

FAUST

  Mark this, I beg of thee! 
And spare my lungs henceforth:  whoever
Intends to have the right, if but his
  tongue be clever,
Will have it, certainly. 
But come:  the further talking brings
  disgust,
For thou art right, especially since I
  must.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

XII

GARDEN

(MARGARET on FAUST’S arm.  MARTHA and MEPHISTOPHELES walking up and down.)

MARGARET

I feel, the gentleman allows for me,
Demeans himself, and shames me by it;
A traveller is so used to be
Kindly content with any diet. 
I know too well that my poor gossip can
Ne’er entertain such an experienced man.