s: Rich man, poor man, beggar-man, thief!--


s: Beautiful Mother, I have toiled all day;


s: Soft by the furrows--fading, gold to gray,


s: Their laughters turned to musing--ah, let me


s: Hide here my face at thine unheeding knee,


s: The birds fly low. Gulls, starlings, hoverers,


s: Fly down, fly down. One reedy murmur blurs


s: The silence of the earth; and from the warm


s: Face of the field the upward savors swarm


s: Into the darkness. And the herds are home.


s: All they are stalled and folded for their rest,


s: The creatures: cloud-fleece young that leap and veer;


s: And breath of loving-kindness. And that best,--


s: O shaggy house-mate, watching me from far,


s: Tempest of plumèd joys, just to be near!


s: So close, so like, so dear; and whom I love


s: More than thou lovest them, or lovest me.


s: Ah, and to touch! When those far lights above


s: Scorch me with farness--lights that call and call


s: To the far heart, and answer not at all;


s: Save that they will not let the darkness be.


s: Make me most glad at noon? That I should mark


s: This hour to sing--but never have--heart's-ease!


s: That when the sorrowing winds fly low, and croon


s: Outside our happy windows their old rune,


s: Beautiful Mother, I must wake, and hark?


s: Burden the moon-white ox would never bear;


s: Else should I look to see the god's surprise


s: Flow from his great unscornful, lovely eyes--


s: Yea, all they bear their yoke of sun-filled hours.


s: I, lord at noon, at nightfall no more free,


s: --Then pushes here, in my forgetful hand,


s: This near one's breathless plea to understand.


s: And she who shines within my house, my sight


s: Of the heart's eyes, my hearth-glow, and my rain,


s: Are there for her no tidings from the height?


s: For her, my solace, likewise lost and far,


s: Islanded with me here, on this lone star


s: Washed by the ceaseless tides of dark and light.


s: What shall it profit, that I built for her


s: Lo, in her eyes all dreams that ever were!


s: And cheek-to-cheek with me she shares the quest,


s: Her heart, as mine for her, sole tented rest


s: From light to light of day; from dark--till Dark.


s: Yea, but for her, how should I greatly care


s: Whither and whence? But that the dark should blast


s: Yet feel this dread creep gray along the air.


s: That threaten us with parting at the last!


s: Thy careless leave to help thy harvesting,


s: Thy leave to work a little, live, and sing;


s: Thy leave to suffer--yea, to sing and die,


s: _Love sang to me. And I went down the stair,


s: And the blind herbs, and the unshapen dust


s: Yea, all the while with hands of melody,


s: The singing makes me, out of what I was,


s: _Ever Love sings, and saith in words that sing,


s: As the Sea weaves her path before the light,


s: Because of some commandment in the stars.


s: And I shall grow in favour and in shining,


s: Beautiful, for the day Love sings no more._


s: Oh, who will hush that cry outside the doors,


s: Go forth, go forth, all you my servitors;


s: Go out to her. Tell her we keep a feast,--


s: Lost Loveliness who will not sit her down


s: It is her silence that no flute can drown,


s: Wide as the whiteness, but a fire on high


s: That frights my heart with an immortal Cry,


s: And drown her keener silence, silver-sharp,


s: To search my spirit through the deep and height


s: Outpierce her with your singing, dawnlike flute;


s: With colors lost in umber,--with sweet pain


s: Of richest world's desire,--prevail, sing down


s: Oh, can you not with music, nor with din,


s: In my lone spirit, throned among my kin,


s: With '_Why?_' and '_Art thou happy? Art thou glad?


s: And hast thou fellowship with fellow-men?_'


s: So, through my mirth and underneath my sleep;


s: Her voice,--abysmal hunger unfulfilled;--


s: The calling, calling, never to be stilled,--


s: But I have that shall fill this wound of mine,


s: Since Loveliness must save us, or we pine


s: All that the years have left us, undismayed


s: Of age or death; and happier fair than truth,


s: Shapes of immortal sweetness, to persuade


s: Iron and fire and marble to their youth;


s: Wild graces trapped from the three kingdoms' lair


s: Of wildest Beauty; shadow and smile and hush;


s: --Fleet color, of a daybreak, of a blush,


s: Let April fade! For me, unfading bloom!...


s: Deep sown of fire within the midmost gloom,


s: Green-gazing emerald, fresh as grass beneath


s: Fair pearl, and you, fair pearl, and you and you,


s: Rained from the moon, and kissing in a wreath,


s: Look back at me, you sapphires blue and wise


s: With farthest twilight, blue resplendent eyes


s: O house me, glories! Give me house and home


s: Set forth for me the wine, the honeycomb


s: Some home-array, some fair familiar garb


s: Charm me some rare anointment I may trust


s: Against her query, searching like a barb


s: Clothe me with silver; fold me from dismay;


s: 'Alas, Alas, thou lost poor child, how long?


s: Why must I hear thy weeping through thy song,


s: Making sad feast upon the crumbs of light


s: Shed long ago from heavenly highways where


s: And thy heart smoulders in thee, to be bright,


s: Thy one sole refuge from thy one despair,


s: How long, before thine eyelids, desolate,


s: How long shall this thy dark dominion wait


s: And I looked far forth, from west to north;


s: That I must wear, and still keep fair.--


s: And I looked forth far, from road to star;


s: They would buy me house and hearth, no doubt,


s: For you,--Godspeed! May you soothe your need.


s: And I looked far forth, from west to north.


s: Lord of the Sea, we sun-filled creatures raise


s: Our hands among the clamorous weeds,--we too.


s: Here, where the thousand broken names and ways


s: Of worship are but shards we wandered through,


s: There is no prayer left in us, only praise.


s: Through the dead smoke of myriad sacrifice;--


s: To look through these blue spaces, blind and clear


s: Even as the seaward gaze of Homer's eyes;


s: And from uplifted heart, and cup, to pour


s: Wine to the Unknown God.--We ask no more.


s: Keep the watch for stars and sun, and eyelids over-cast.


s: Now no stars have come again, since their bright good-bye!


s: Fasting and the dark have so put out my heart's eyes.


s: I can feel and love, and seek all the rune it saith.


s: Only hope of heart's desire dulled with wonderment!


s: Though such fingers chill and thinned, shed no roses through.


s: Like a tower, to ward and worship all the light it sends.


s: On the midnight, 'Rise and come. Lo, the Bridegroom near!'


s: In a wedding-garment there, lighting home the Bride.


s: From those poor, with their spent oil, weeping, 'Light us in!'--


s: Do I bind me to thee yet,--strangest thing of Light!


s: Smiling through the blinded heart, things it cannot see.


s: By the rapture thine doth give, ecstasy of fire!


s: Spent with joy and fear to lose thee, all the song it saith.


s: Thy poor keeper-of-the-light, for Light's sake alone.


s: _The dark had left no speech save hand-in-hand


s: Between us two the while, with others near.


s: Mine questioned thine with 'Why should I be here?'


s: 'Yet bide thou here,' said thine, 'and understand.'_


s: _And mine was mute; but strove not then to go;


s: And hid itself, and murmured, 'Do not hear


s: The listening in my heart!' Said thine, 'My Dear,


s: _Said mine to thine: 'Let be. Now will I go!--


s: For you are saying,--you who do not speak,


s: This hand-in-hand is one day cheek-to-cheek!'


s: And said thy hand around me, 'Even so.'_


s: _Then mine to thine.--'Yea, I have been alone;


s: --Yet happy.--This is strange. This is not I!


s: You hold me, but you can not tell me why.'


s: And said thy hand to mine again, 'My Own.'_


s: All through the summer night, down the long lane in flower,


s: All through the summer night,--dim as a shower,


s: Over the cricket hosts, throbbing the hour by hour,


s: Down the long lane they go, and past one window, pale


s: Stirring the heart that waits,--the eyes that fail


s: Query, and hush, and Ah!--dim through a moon-lit veil,


s: Down the long lane, entwined with all the fragrance there;


s: With youth, and plighted hands, and star-strewn air,


s: All the wild bloom and reach of dreams that never were,


s: So, in the throbbing dark, where ebbs the old refrain,


s: And silver-bright, and silver-blurred again


s: All the long night they go, down the long summer lane,


s: Where greed has shut and barred them in!


s: And Thought that strives to breast that sea


s: To lull their dearest:--watch their dead;


s: Brook of the same wild way and flickering spell!


s: A grace as wild,--my little yearling daughter,


s: Your shadow-dappled way, unthwarted yet,


s: And the high hills whence all your dearness bubbled;--


s: For let her dip but once--O fair and fleet,--


s: O Brook of mine, how shall your heart be troubled!


s: The heart, the bright unmothering heart of you,


s: The shock and smiting of that perfectness?--


s: Sweet beyond all the blurred blind dreams that grope


s: The lilt and gladness of those jocund feet,


s: Ah, for your coolness that shall change and stir


s: That drips and glistens from her wiles and ways;


s: Must twine and fold and follow her, shall be


s: Music, like shadows from the joy of her,


s: There soars beyond the glories of the height,


s: Of Love the Sun, whence all we lighted are


s: And all your glory, O most swift and sweet!--


s: The silver-bright good-bye without a look!--


s: Over the broken world, the dark gone by,


s: Horror of outcast darkness torn with wars;


s: Of the white fire, heaped high by blinded Stars,


s: Black Chaos, blindly striving towards the Word?


s: It flutters forth, that triumph of First-Breath,


s: Victorious one that can but breathe and cling,--


s: This pulsing flower,--this weaker than a wing,


s: Back, through the gates of hell, now give me way.


s: Over the trampled shards of mine own clay,


s: Hail to thee, Sun, that lookest on all lands!


s: And take thou from my weak undying hands,


s: A precious thing, unblemished, undefiled:--


s: (_And our eyes were opened; eyes that had been holden.


s: And I saw the world, and the fruits thereof.


s: And I saw their glories, scarlet-stained and golden,


s: All a crumbled dust beneath the feet of Love.


s: And I saw their dreams, all of nothing worth;


s: But a path for Love, for Him to walk above,


s: Doves, like hovering dreams round Love that slumbereth;


s: Warm through the radiant sky their wings beat breath.


s: Some for worshipping arms, to shelter and fold, and shrine;


s: Pitiful, sacred leaves from Life's dishonored vine.


s: O Vine of Life, that in these reaching fingers,


s: Hold here and climb, and halt not, that there lingers


s: So far outstripped, my halting, wistful clay.


s: Make here thy foothold of my rapturous heart,--


s: But thou, the reach of my own heart's desire,


s: High as I may, I lift thee, Soul's Desire.


s: On all the highways,--every brimming street,


s: At last, and with what shamed and stricken eyes,


s: Of drudge and Exile,--even the holy boon


s: That silvers yonder in the Harvest-moon;--


s: _O Queen and Burden-bearer, what of those


s: To whom thou gavest the lily and the rose


s: Largess of life, but to lie waste and scorned.--


s: And still no Summer give thee back again


s: _Lady of Sorrows,--Mother,--Drudge august.


s: How canst thou reach and soar, and fling,


s: What dost thou see? What dost thou know?'


s: Sing, with the Spring's descending rains?


s: 'Weep if thou wilt; yea, weep, and doubt.


s: Here, where my listening heart must hark


s: Where still they starve, and strive and die,


s: Yes, Nightingale, through all the summer-time


s: We followed on, from moon to golden moon;


s: From where Salerno day-dreams in the noon,


s: And the far rose of Pæstum once did climb.


s: All the white way beside the girdling blue,


s: Through sun-shrill vines and campanile chime,


s: We listened;--from the old year to the new.


s: You, that Ravello lured not, throned on high


s: And filled with singing out of sun-burned throats!


s: Nor yet Minore of the flame-sailed boats;


s: Nor yet--of all bird-song should glorify--


s: Where God's own singer thatched his sunward nest;


s: And north and north, to where the hedge-rows are,


s: That beckon with white looks an endless way;


s: Where, through the fair wet silverness of May,


s: Among the cloudy sheep; and green, and pale,


s: The may-trees reach and glimmer, near or far,


s: And the red may-trees wear a shining veil.


s: The one vain longing,--through all journeyings,


s: The one: in every hushed and hearkening spot,--


s: All the soft-swarming dark where you were not,


s: Still longed for! Yes, for sake of dreams and wings,


s: And wonders, that your own must ever make


s: To bower you close, with all hearts' treasurings;


s: And for that speech toward which all hearts do ache;--


s: Wins to one grave-side even the Roman years,


s: That kindle there the hallowed April flame


s: Of comfort-breathing violets. By that shrine


s: Of Youth, Love, Death, forevermore the same,


s: Violets still!--When falls, to leave no sign,


s: Most for his sake we dreamed. Tho' not as he,


s: From that lone spirit, brimmed with human woe,


s: Your song once shook to surging overflow.


s: His cry, still throbbing in the flooded shell


s: Could draw from you no answer to the spell?


s: Long time we wondered (and we knew not why):--


s: Nor dream, nor prayer, of wayside gladness born,


s: Nor vineyards waiting, nor reproachful thorn,


s: Nor yet the nested hill-towns set so high


s: All the white way beside the girdling blue,--


s: Could serve to wake that rapturous voice of you!


s: From the faint sea-rim to the market-place,


s: And ring of hammers on cathedral stone!--


s: So be it, better so: that there should fail


s: For sun-filled ones, one blessèd thing unknown.


s: Sing, for the others! Sing; to some pale cheek


s: Against the window, like a starving flower.


s: Loose, with your singing, one poor pilgrim hour


s: Of journey, with some Heart's Desire to seek.


s: Loose, with your singing, captives such as these


s: Sing not for free-men. Ah, but sing for whom


s: The walls shut in; and even as eyes that fade,


s: The windows take no heed of light nor shade,--


s: The leaves are lost in mutterings of the loom.


s: Sing near! So in that golden overflowing


s: They may forget their wasted human bloom;


s: Pay the devouring days their all, unknowing.--


s: Sing not for lovers, side by side that hark;


s: Parted indeed by more than makes the Sea.


s: Where never hope shall meet--like mounting lark--


s: To them that sit in darkness, such as these,


s: Not in kings' gardens. No; but where there haunt


s: The world's forgotten, both of men and birds;


s: The hidings where men reap not, though they plant;


s: But toil and thirst--so dying and so born;--


s: And toil and thirst to gather to their want,


s: From the lean waste, beyond the daylight's scorn,


s: And for those two, your pilgrims without tears,


s: Who prayed a largess where there was no dearth,


s: Forgive it them, brown music of the Earth,


s: Unknowing,--though the wiser silence knew!


s: That while they walked together so, the Two


s: Tycho Mommsen, in his excellent essay, _Die Kunst des Deutschen


s: "Kommt, wie der Wind kommt, Wenn Wälder erzittern Kommt, wie die


s: Brandung Wenn Flotten zersplittern! Schnell heran, schnell herab,


s: or Strodtmann thus reproduce Tennyson:--


s: Horn--antwortet, Echos, hallend, hallend, hallend!"


s: I take but one out of numerous instances, for the sake of


s: While, therefore, I heartily recognize his lofty appreciation of


s: produced, the reader unacquainted with the German language would


s: intellectual tendencies of our race have always been somewhat


s: relinquishment of its ancient laws of sound. The unteachable


s: attracted to read and remember them."--_Goethe_, in 1831.


s: _Erhabener Geist, im Geisterreich verloren!


s: Zum höh'ren Schaffen bist Du neugeboren,


s: Vom reinsten Aether, drin Du athmest frei,


s: Des letzten Wiederhalls von Deinen Liedern!


s: Nahmst Du, zu neuem Glanz, mit kühner Hand:


s: Durch jüngeren Glauben, helleren Verstand,


s: Und machst, wo rege Menschengeister wohnen,


s: Und Deine Jünger sehn in Dir, verwundert,


s: Verkörpert schon das werdende Jahrhundert.


s: Des Lebens Wiedersprüche, neu vermählt,--


s: Die Harfe tausendstimmig frisch geschlagen,


s: Die Shakspeare einst, die einst Homer gewählt,--


s: Lass Deinen Geist in meiner Stimme klingen,


s: Und was Du sangst, lass mich es Dir nachsingen!_


s: Again ye come, ye hovering Forms! I find ye,


s: Shall I attempt, this once, to seize and bind ye?


s: Still o'er my heart is that illusion thrown?


s: Ye crowd more near! Then, be the reign assigned ye,


s: And sway me from your misty, shadowy zone!


s: My bosom thrills, with youthful passion shaken,


s: From magic airs that round your march awaken.


s: Of joyous days ye bring the blissful vision;


s: And, like an old and half-extinct tradition,


s: First Love returns, with Friendship in his train.


s: Renewed is Pain: with mournful repetition


s: Life tracks his devious, labyrinthine chain,


s: And names the Good, whose cheating fortune tore them


s: From happy hours, and left me to deplore them.


s: They hear no longer these succeeding measures,


s: The souls, to whom my earliest songs I sang:


s: Dispersed the friendly troop, with all its pleasures,


s: And still, alas! the echoes first that rang!


s: I bring the unknown multitude my treasures;


s: Their very plaudits give my heart a pang,


s: And those beside, whose joy my Song so flattered,


s: If still they live, wide through the world are scattered.


s: And grasps me now a long-unwonted yearning


s: My song, to faint Aeolian murmurs turning,


s: Sways like a harp-string by the breezes fanned.


s: I thrill and tremble; tear on tear is burning,


s: And the stern heart is tenderly unmanned.


s: What I possess, I see far distant lying,


s: And what I lost, grows real and undying.


s: Of this, our enterprise, in German land!


s: I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated,


s: Especially since it lives and lets me live;


s: The posts are set, the booth of boards completed.


s: And each awaits the banquet I shall give.


s: Already there, with curious eyebrows raised,


s: I know how one the People's taste may flatter,


s: What they're accustomed to, is no great matter,


s: But then, alas! they've read an awful deal.


s: How shall we plan, that all be fresh and new,--


s: For 'tis my pleasure-to behold them surging,


s: When to our booth the current sets apace,


s: And with tremendous, oft-repeated urging,


s: Squeeze onward through the narrow gate of grace:


s: To reach the seller's box, a fighting host,


s: And as for bread, around a baker's door, in famine,


s: To get a ticket break their necks almost.


s: On men so various: now, my friend, pray show it.


s: Speak not to me of yonder motley masses,


s: Whom but to see, puts out the fire of Song!


s: Hide from my view the surging crowd that passes,


s: No, lead me where some heavenly silence glasses


s: The purer joys that round the Poet throng,--


s: Where Love and Friendship still divinely fashion


s: The bonds that bless, the wreaths that crown his passion!


s: Ah, every utterance from the depths of feeling


s: The timid lips have stammeringly expressed,--


s: Now failing, now, perchance, success revealing,--


s: Gulps the wild Moment in its greedy breast;


s: Or oft, reluctant years its warrant sealing,


s: Its perfect stature stands at last confessed!


s: What dazzles, for the Moment spends its spirit:


s: What's genuine, shall Posterity inherit.


s: If _I_ should choose to preach Posterity,


s: That men _will_ have it, there's no blinking:


s: A fine young fellow's presence, to my thinking,


s: Takes from the People's moods no irritation;


s: Then pluck up heart, and give us sterling coin!


s: Let Fancy be with her attendants fitted,--


s: Sense, Reason, Sentiment, and Passion join,--


s: They come to look, and they prefer to stare.


s: Reel off a host of threads before their faces,


s: So that they gape in stupid wonder: then


s: By sheer diffuseness you have won their graces,


s: Only by mass you touch the mass; for any


s: Who offers much, brings something unto many,


s: And each goes home content with the effect,


s: If you've a piece, why, just in pieces give it:


s: A hash, a stew, will bring success, believe it!


s: 'Tis easily displayed, and easy to invent.


s: Your hearers pick and pluck, as soon as they receive it!


s: You do not feel, how such a trade debases;


s: How ill it suits the Artist, proud and true!


s: The botching work each fine pretender traces


s: Such a reproach not in the least offends;


s: Must use the tools that best are fitting.


s: Reflect, soft wood is given to you for splitting,


s: Another, satiate, leaves the banquet's tapers,


s: Is fresh from reading of the daily papers.


s: Idly to us they come, as to a masquerade,


s: The ladies with themselves, and with their finery, aid,


s: Without a salary their parts performing.


s: What dreams are yours in high poetic places?


s: You're pleased, forsooth, full houses to behold?


s: Draw near, and view your patrons' faces!


s: One, when the play is out, goes home to cards;


s: A wild night on a wench's breast another chooses:


s: Why should you rack, poor, foolish bards,


s: For ends like these, the gracious Muses?


s: I tell you, give but more--more, ever more, they ask:


s: Thus shall you hit the mark of gain and glory.


s: What ails you now? Is't suffering, or pleasure?


s: Go, find yourself a more obedient slave!


s: What! shall the Poet that which Nature gave,


s: Forfeit so wantonly, to swell your treasure?


s: Is't not his heart's accord, urged outward far and dim,


s: When on the spindle, spun to endless distance,


s: By Nature's listless hand the thread is twirled,


s: And the discordant tones of all existence


s: Who, then, the changeless orders of creation


s: Divides, and kindles into rhythmic dance?


s: Who brings the One to join the general ordination,


s: Where it may throb in grandest consonance?


s: Who bids the storm to passion stir the bosom?


s: In brooding souls the sunset burn above?


s: Who scatters every fairest April blossom


s: Who braids the noteless leaves to crowns, requiting


s: Desert with fame, in Action's every field?


s: Who makes Olympus sure, the Gods uniting?


s: The might of Man, as in the Bard revealed.


s: You meet by accident; you feel, you stay,


s: Bliss grows apace, and then its course is jangled;


s: You're ravished quite, then comes a touch of woe,


s: And there's a neat romance, completed ere you know!


s: Grasp the exhaustless life that all men live!


s: Each shares therein, though few may comprehend:


s: Where'er you touch, there's interest without end.


s: Much error, and of truth a glimmering mite,


s: Whence all the world is cheered and edified.


s: Then, at your play, behold the fairest flower


s: Of youth collect, to hear the revelation!


s: Each tender soul, with sentimental power,


s: Sucks melancholy food from your creation;


s: And now in this, now that, the leaven works.


s: For each beholds what in his bosom lurks.


s: They still are moved at once to weeping or to laughter,


s: Still wonder at your flights, enjoy the show they see:


s: A mind, once formed, is never suited after;


s: One yet in growth will ever grateful be.


s: Then give me back that time of pleasures,


s: When, like a fount, the crowding measures


s: Then bright mist veiled the world before me,


s: I nothing had, and yet enough for youth--


s: Joy in Illusion, ardent thirst for Truth.


s: The bliss that touched the verge of pain,


s: The strength of Hate, Love's deep devotion,--


s: Youth, good my friend, you certainly require


s: To play,--with grace and bold expression,


s: And we no less revere you for that reason:


s: Age childish makes, they say, but 'tis not true;


s: We're only genuine children still, in Age's season!


s: The words you've bandied are sufficient;


s: Full well you know what here is wanting;


s: The crowd for strongest drink is panting,


s: What's left undone to-day, To-morrow will not do.


s: Use both the great and lesser heavenly light,--


s: Beasts, birds, trees, rocks, and all such lumber,


s: (_The_ THREE ARCHANGELS _come forward_.)


s: 'Mid brother-spheres, his ancient round:


s: And all Thy works, sublime and splendid,


s: Since Thou, O Lord, deign'st to approach again


s: And ask us how we do, in manner kindest,


s: And heretofore to meet myself wert fain,


s: Among Thy menials, now, my face Thou findest.


s: Pardon, this troop I cannot follow after


s: With lofty speech, though by them scorned and spurned:


s: My pathos certainly would move Thy laughter,


s: If Thou hadst not all merriment unlearned.


s: Of suns and worlds I've nothing to be quoted;


s: How men torment themselves, is all I've noted.


s: The little god o' the world sticks to the same old way,


s: And is as whimsical as on Creation's day.


s: But for the gleam of heavenly light which Thou hast lent


s: He calls it Reason--thence his power's increased,


s: A long-legged grasshopper appears to be,


s: That springing flies, and flying springs,


s: And in the grass the same old ditty sings.


s: Would he still lay among the grass he grows in!


s: Each bit of dung he seeks, to stick his nose in.


s: Hast thou, then, nothing more to mention?


s: Find'st nothing right on earth, eternally?


s: No, Lord! I find things, there, still bad as they can be.


s: Man's misery even to pity moves my nature;


s: I've scarce the heart to plague the wretched creature.


s: Forsooth! He serves you after strange devices:


s: No earthly meat or drink the fool suffices:


s: Half conscious of his frenzied, crazed unrest,


s: The fairest stars from Heaven he requireth,


s: From Earth the highest raptures and the best,


s: And all the Near and Far that he desireth


s: Fails to subdue the tumult of his breast.


s: Though still confused his service unto Me,


s: I soon shall lead him to a clearer morning.


s: Sees not the gardener, even while buds his tree,


s: Both flower and fruit the future years adorning?


s: What will you bet? There's still a chance to gain him,


s: While Man's desires and aspirations stir,


s: My thanks! I find the dead no acquisition,


s: And never cared to have them in my keeping.


s: I much prefer the cheeks where ruddy blood is leaping,


s: And when a corpse approaches, close my house:


s: It goes with me, as with the cat the mouse.


s: Enough! What thou hast asked is granted.


s: Turn off this spirit from his fountain-head;


s: Then stand abashed, when thou art forced to say:


s: A good man, through obscurest aspiration,


s: Has still an instinct of the one true way.


s: You'll let me triumph with a swelling breast:


s: As did a certain snake, my near relation.


s: Therein thou'rt free, according to thy merits;


s: The like of thee have never moved My hate.


s: The waggish knave least trouble doth create.


s: Man's active nature, flagging, seeks too soon the level;


s: Whence, willingly, the comrade him I gave,


s: Who works, excites, and must create, as Devil.


s: Creative Power, that works eternal schemes,


s: Clasp you in bonds of love, relaxing never,


s: Fix in its place with thoughts that stand forever!


s: (_Heaven closes: the_ ARCHANGELS _separate_.)


s: I like, at times, to hear The Ancient's word,


s: And straight or cross-wise, wrong or right,


s: I'm cleverer, true, than those fops of teachers,


s: Neither scruples nor doubts come now to smite me,


s: Nor Hell nor Devil can longer affright me.


s: I do not pretend to aught worth knowing,


s: Nor the world's least pomp or honor hold--


s: No dog would endure such a curst existence!


s: Wherefore, from Magic I seek assistance,


s: Which binds the world, and guides its course;


s: Have, from this desk, seen climb the sky


s: With spirits through mountain-caverns hover,


s: And, freed from the fumes of lore that swathe me,


s: To health in thy dewy fountains bathe me!


s: (_He opens the Book, and perceives the sign of the Macrocosm_.)


s: Ha! what a sudden rapture leaps from this


s: I view, through all my senses swiftly flowing!


s: The powers of Nature here, around my path, revealing?


s: What says the sage, now first I recognize:


s: Like heavenly forces rising and descending,


s: From Heaven through Earth I see them pressing,


s: How grand a show! but, ah! a show alone.


s: Thee, boundless Nature, how make thee my own?


s: Where you, ye beasts? Founts of all Being, shining,


s: Whereon hang Heaven's and Earth's desire,


s: Ye flow, ye feed: and am I vainly pining?


s: (_He turns the leaves impatiently, and perceives the sign of the


s: Even now my powers are loftier, clearer;


s: New strength and heart to meet the world incite me,


s: The woe of earth, the bliss of earth, invite me,


s: And though the shock of storms may smite me,


s: No crash of shipwreck shall have power to fright me!


s: Mists rise,--red, angry rays are darting


s: I feel thee draw my heart, absorb, exhaust me:


s: Thou must! thou must! and though my life it cost me!


s: (_He seizes the book, and mysteriously pronounces the sign of


s: the Spirit. A ruddy flame flashes: the Spirit appears in


s: My voice to hear, my countenance to see;


s: Thee, superhuman, shakes? Thy soul's high calling, where?


s: Where is the breast, which from itself a world did bear,


s: And shaped and cherished--which with joy expanded,


s: To be our peer, with us, the Spirits, banded?


s: Where art thou, Faust, whose voice has pierced to me,


s: Who towards me pressed with all thine energy?


s: _He_ art thou, who, my presence breathing, seeing,


s: Trembles through all the depths of being,


s: A writhing worm, a terror-stricken form?


s: In the tides of Life, in Action's storm,


s: Thus at Time's humming loom 'tis my hand prepares


s: The garment of Life which the Deity wears!


s: Thou, who around the wide world wendest,


s: Thou busy Spirit, how near I feel to thee!


s: Thou'rt like the Spirit which thou comprehendest,


s: (_Enter_ WAGNER_, in dressing-gown and night-cap, a lamp in


s: 'Twas sure an old Greek tragedy you read?


s: In such an art I crave some preparation,


s: Might learn, with a comedian for a teacher.


s: Yes, when the priest comedian is by nature,


s: Ah, when one studies thus, a prisoned creature,


s: That scarce the world on holidays can see,--


s: Scarce through a glass, by rare occasion,


s: You'll ne'er attain it, save you know the feeling,


s: Take children's, monkeys' gaze admiring,


s: But ne'er from heart to heart you'll speak inspiring,


s: And if thou'rt moved to speak in earnest,


s: What need, that after words thou yearnest?


s: Yes, your discourses, with their glittering show,


s: Where ye for men twist shredded thought like paper,


s: The rustling leaves through chill autumnal vapor!


s: And oft, with zeal my critic-duties meeting,


s: In head and breast there's something wrong.


s: How hard it is to compass the assistance


s: And, haply, ere one travels half the course


s: Is parchment, then, the holy fount before thee,


s: A draught wherefrom thy thirst forever slakes?


s: Save what from thine own soul spontaneous breaks.


s: When, in the spirit of the ages planted,


s: We mark how, ere our times, a sage has thought,


s: And then, how far his work, and grandly, we have brought.


s: Listen, my friend: the ages that are past


s: Are now a book with seven seals protected:


s: At the first glance who sees it runs away.


s: With maxims most pragmatical and hitting,


s: As in the mouths of puppets are befitting!


s: But then, the world--the human heart and brain!


s: Of these one covets some slight apprehension.


s: Who dares the child's true name in public mention?


s: The few, who thereof something really learned,


s: Unwisely frank, with hearts that spurned concealing,


s: And to the mob laid bare each thought and feeling,


s: Have evermore been crucified and burned.


s: I pray you, Friend, 'tis now the dead of night;


s: I would have shared your watches with delight,


s: That so our learned talk might be extended.


s: To-morrow, though, I'll ask, in Easter leisure,


s: This and the other question, at your pleasure.


s: Much do I know--but to know all is my ambition.


s: That brain, alone, not loses hope, whose choice is


s: To stick in shallow trash forevermore,--


s: Which digs with eager hand for buried ore,


s: And, when it finds an angle-worm, rejoices!


s: Dare such a human voice disturb the flow,


s: Around me here, of spirit-presence fullest?


s: To thee, of all earth's sons the poorest, dullest!


s: For thou hast torn me from that desperate state


s: Which threatened soon to overwhelm my senses:


s: It dwarfed and withered all my soul's pretences!


s: Deeming Eternal Truth secure in nearness--


s: Ye choirs, have ye begun the sweet, consoling chant,


s: Which, through the night of Death, the angels ministrant


s: Why, here in dust, entice me with your spell,


s: Peal rather there, where tender natures dwell.


s: Your messages I hear, but faith has not been given;


s: And yet, from childhood up familiar with the note,


s: To Life it now renews the old allegiance.


s: Once Heavenly Love sent down a burning kiss


s: And, filled with mystic presage, chimed the church-bell slowly,


s: And prayer dissolved me in a fervent bliss.


s: Drove forth my feet through woods and meadows free,


s: And while a thousand tears were burning,


s: These chants, to youth and all its sports appealing,


s: Proclaimed the Spring's rejoicing holiday;


s: And Memory holds me now, with childish feeling,


s: Sound on, ye hymns of Heaven, so sweet and mild!


s: My tears gush forth: the Earth takes back her child!


s: (_Pedestrians of all kinds come forth_.)


s: We'll saunter to the Mill, in yonder hollow.


s: Come up to Burgdorf? There you'll find good cheer,


s: I won't go there, your jolly rows disgust me!


s: No,--no! I'll turn and go to town again.


s: We'll surely find him by those poplars yonder.


s: That's no great luck for me, 'tis plain.


s: You'll have him, when and where you wander:


s: He'll be with Curly-head, I heard him say.


s: Deuce! how they step, the buxom wenches!


s: Come, Brother! we must see them to the benches.


s: A strong, old beer, a pipe that stings and bites,


s: A girl in Sunday clothes,--these three are my delights.


s: Might have the most genteel society to-day!


s: Not quite so fast! Two others come behind,--


s: But they'll accept us, after all, I'm sure.


s: No, Brother! not for me their formal ways.


s: Quick! lest our game escape us in the press:


s: The hand that wields the broom on Saturdays


s: Will best, on Sundays, fondle and caress.


s: He suits me not at all, our new-made Burgomaster!


s: Since he's installed, his arrogance grows faster.


s: Things worsen,--what improvement names he?


s: On Sundays, holidays, there's naught I take delight in,


s: One at the window sits, with glass and friends,


s: And sees all sorts of ships go down the river gliding:


s: Why, let them break their heads, let loose their passions,


s: And mix things madly through and through,


s: So, here, we keep our good old fashions!


s: Dear me, how fine! So handsome, and so young!


s: Who wouldn't lose his heart, that met you?


s: And what you'd like I'll undertake to get you.


s: 'Tis true, she showed me, on Saint Andrew's Night,


s: My future sweetheart, just as he were living.


s: With several wild young blades, a soldier-lover:


s: And yet, somehow, his face I can't discover.


s: By the quickening glance of the gracious Spring;


s: And weak old Winter himself must shiver,


s: Withdrawn to the mountains, a crownless king:


s: But the sun will permit no white to sparkle;


s: He will brighten the world with the tints he loveth,


s: And, lacking blossoms, blue, yellow, and red,


s: Each will the joy of the sunshine hoard,


s: They feel, themselves, their resurrection:


s: From the low, dark rooms, scarce habitable;


s: From the bonds of Work, from Trade's restriction;


s: From the pressing weight of roof and gable;


s: From the narrow, crushing streets and alleys;


s: From the churches' solemn and reverend night,


s: Scattering through gardens and fields remote,


s: While over the river, that broadly dallies,


s: Yonder afar, from the hill-paths blinking,


s: Their clothes are colors that softly gleam.


s: To stroll with you, Sir Doctor, flatters;


s: But I, alone, would shun these shallow matters,


s: Since all that's coarse provokes my enmity.


s: This fiddling, shouting, ten-pin rolling


s: They rave, as Satan were their sports controlling.


s: Then round the circle went their flight,


s: They danced to left, they danced to right:


s: They first grew red, and then grew warm,


s: (_The People gather in a circle about him_.)


s: Health to the man, so skilled and tried.


s: With what a feeling, thou great man, must thou


s: Thou'rt shown to all the younger generation:


s: A little more, and they would bend the knee


s: A few more steps ascend, as far as yonder stone!--


s: Here from our wandering will we rest contented.


s: Here, lost in thought, I've lingered oft alone,


s: When foolish fasts and prayers my life tormented.


s: With tears, wrung hands and sighs, I've striven,


s: Now like contempt the crowd's applauses seem:


s: Couldst thou but read, within mine inmost spirit,


s: My father's was a sombre, brooding brain,


s: Which through the holy spheres of Nature groped and wandered,


s: And honestly, in his own fashion, pondered


s: And both, tormented then by flame unsparing,


s: By turns in either bridal chamber housed.


s: This was the medicine--the patients' woes soon ended,


s: Thus we, our hellish boluses compounding,


s: Among these vales and hills surrounding,


s: Thousands were done to death from poison of my giving;


s: The shameless murderers praised at last!


s: Why, therefore, yield to such depression?


s: Then may his teaching cheerfully impel thee:


s: Dost thou, as man, increase the stores of truth?


s: Then may thine own son afterwards excel thee.


s: The hope, from Error's deeps to rise forever!


s: That which one does not know, one needs to use;


s: Mark how, beneath the evening sunlight's glow,


s: The glow retreats, done is the day of toil;


s: It yonder hastes, new fields of life exploring;


s: Ah, that no wing can lift me from the soil,


s: Upon its track to follow, follow soaring!


s: On fire each mountain-peak, with peace each valley filled,


s: The silver brook to golden rivers flowing.


s: The mountain-chain, with all its gorges deep,


s: Would then no more impede my godlike motion;


s: And now before mine eyes expands the ocean


s: I hasten on, his beams eternal drinking,


s: Above me heaven unfurled, the floor of waves beneath me,--


s: A glorious dream! though now the glories fade.


s: Alas! the wings that lift the mind no aid


s: Of wings to lift the body can bequeath me.


s: When o'er our heads, lost in the vaulted azure,


s: The lark sends down his flickering lay,--


s: I've had, myself, at times, some odd caprices,


s: But never yet such impulse felt, as this is.


s: One soon fatigues, on woods and fields to look,


s: Nor would I beg the bird his wing to spare us:


s: How otherwise the mental raptures bear us


s: Then winter nights take loveliness untold,


s: As warmer life in every limb had crowned you;


s: And when your hands unroll some parchment rare and old,


s: All Heaven descends, and opens bright around you!


s: One impulse art thou conscious of, at best;


s: Two souls, alas! reside within my breast,


s: And each withdraws from, and repels, its brother.


s: And clinging lust the world in its embraces;


s: The other strongly sweeps, this dust above,


s: 'Twixt Heaven and Earth on potent errands fleeing,


s: Let them drop down the golden atmosphere,


s: And bear me forth to new and varied being!


s: I would not for the costliest stores of treasure--


s: Not for a monarch's robe--the gift resign.


s: Which through the firmament diffused is faring,


s: And danger thousand-fold, our race to wrong.


s: Swift from the North the spirit-fangs so sharp


s: Sweep down, and with their barbéd points assail you;


s: Then from the East they come, to dry and warp


s: Your lungs, till breath and being fail you:


s: If from the Desert sendeth them the South,


s: With fire on fire your throbbing forehead crowning,


s: The West leads on a host, to cure the drouth


s: Only when meadow, field, and you are drowning.


s: They gladly hearken, prompt for injury,--


s: Gladly obey, because they gladly cheat us;


s: From Heaven they represent themselves to be,


s: And lisp like angels, when with lies they meet us.


s: But, let us go! 'Tis gray and dusky all:


s: At night, one learns his house to prize:--


s: Why stand you thus, with such astonished eyes?


s: What, in the twilight, can your mind so trouble?


s: Seest thou the black dog coursing there, through corn and


s: Long since: yet deemed him not important in the least.


s: Inspect him close: for what tak'st thou the beast?


s: Why, for a poodle who has lost his master,


s: Seest thou the spiral circles, narrowing faster,


s: Which he, approaching, round us seems to wind?


s: A streaming trail of fire, if I see rightly,


s: It may be that your eyes deceive you slightly;


s: Naught but a plain black poodle do I see.


s: It seems to me that with enchanted cunning


s: He snares our feet, some future chain to bind.


s: I see him timidly, in doubt, around us running,


s: Since, in his master's stead, two strangers doth he find.


s: A dog thou seest, and not a phantom, here!


s: Behold him stop--upon his belly crawl--His


s: If something's lost, he'll quickly bring it,--


s: Your cane, if in the stream you fling it.


s: No doubt you're right: no trace of mind, I own,


s: Is in the beast: I see but drill, alone.


s: Yes, he deserves your favor thoroughly,--


s: Be still, thou poodle; make not such racket and riot!


s: As thou, up yonder, with running and leaping


s: Amused us hast, on the mountain's crest,


s: Snarl not, poodle! To the sound that rises,


s: And the Good and the Beautiful vilipends,


s: Will the dog, like man, snarl _his_ displeasure?


s: But ah! I feel, though will thereto be stronger,


s: Contentment flows from out my breast no longer.


s: Why must the stream so soon run dry and fail us,


s: Which nowhere worthier is, more nobly sent,


s: I feel impelled, its meaning to determine,--


s: 'Tis written: "In the Beginning was the _Word_."


s: Here am I balked: who, now can help afford?


s: The _Word?_--impossible so high to rate it;


s: Then thus: "In the Beginning was the _Thought_"


s: This first line let me weigh completely,


s: Lest my impatient pen proceed too fleetly.


s: Is it the _Thought_ which works, creates, indeed?


s: "In the Beginning was the _Power,"_ I read.


s: Yet, as I write, a warning is suggested,


s: That I the sense may not have fairly tested.


s: The Spirit aids me: now I see the light!


s: "In the Beginning was the _Act_," I write.


s: Not yet, it seems, have I given him pain.


s: With hair all bristling, it begins to swell.


s: Thou seest, not vain the threats I bring thee:


s: With holy fire I'll scorch and sting thee!


s: (_while the vapor is dissipating, steps forth from behind the


s: stove, in the costume of a Travelling Scholar_.)


s: Why such a noise? What are my lord's commands?


s: A travelling scholar, then? The _casus_ is diverting.


s: You've made me roundly sweat, that's certain!


s: For one whose mind the Word so much despises;


s: With all you gentlemen, the name's a test,


s: Whereby the nature usually is expressed.


s: In names like Beelzebub, Destroyer, Father of Lies.


s: Which always wills the Bad, and always works the Good.


s: And justly so: for all things, from the Void


s: 'Twere better, then, were naught created.


s: Thus, all which you as Sin have rated,--


s: Thou nam'st thyself a part, yet show'st complete to me?


s: Part of the Part am I, once All, in primal Night,--


s: Part of the Darkness which brought forth the Light,


s: The haughty Light, which now disputes the space,


s: And claims of Mother Night her ancient place.


s: And yet, the struggle fails; since Light, howe'er it weaves,


s: It flows from bodies, bodies beautifies;


s: I hope, ere, as the bodies die, it dies!


s: And truly 'tis not much, when all is done.


s: That which to Naught is in resistance set,--


s: The Something of this clumsy world,--has yet,


s: From earthquake, tempest, wave, volcano's brand,


s: And that damned stuff, the bestial, human brood,--


s: And ever circulates a newer, fresher blood.


s: It makes me furious, such things beholding:


s: And had I not the Flame reserved, why, really,


s: There's nothing special of my own to show!


s: Why thou shouldst ask, I don't perceive.


s: I must confess that forth I may not wander,


s: My steps by one slight obstacle controlled,--


s: The wizard's-foot, that on your threshold made is.


s: If that prevents, how cam'st thou in to me?


s: Inspect the thing: the drawing's not completed.


s: Well,--Chance, this time, has fairly hit it!


s: The poodle naught remarked, as after thee he speeded;


s: For Devils and for spectres this is law:


s: Where they have entered in, there also they withdraw.


s: The first is free to us; we're governed by the second.


s: In Hell itself, then, laws are reckoned?


s: Made with you gentlemen--and binding,--surely?


s: All that is promised shall delight thee purely;


s: Some pleasant news, at least, to tell me.


s: Release me, now! I soon shall come again;


s: Then thou, at will, mayst question and compel me.


s: Thyself hast led thyself into the meshes.


s: Not soon a second time he'll catch a prey so precious.


s: An't please thee, also I'm content to stay,


s: With arts of mine afford thee recreation.


s: My friend, thou'lt win, past all pretences,


s: That which the dainty spirits sing thee,


s: The lovely pictures they shall bring thee,


s: He sleeps! Enough, ye fays! your airy number


s: For this performance I your debtor prove.--


s: Not yet art thou the man, to catch the Fiend and hold him!--


s: With fairest images of dreams infold him,


s: Yet, for the threshold's magic which controlled him,


s: Here rustles one that soon will work my liberation.


s: To work, at once! The point which made me craven


s: So, dream thy dreams, O Faust, until we meet once more!


s: Remains there naught of lofty spirit-sway,


s: But that a dream the Devil counterfeited,


s: A knock? Come in! Again my quiet broken?


s: A long, sharp sword for show or quarrel,--


s: To no one hope of mine--not one--its promise keeping:--


s: Then, too, when night descends, how anxiously


s: Death is desired, and Life a thing unblest!


s: And yet is never Death a wholly welcome guest.


s: O fortunate, for whom, when victory glances,


s: The bloody laurels on the brow he bindeth!


s: O would that I, before that spirit-power,


s: Ravished and rapt from life, had sunken!


s: And yet, by some one, in that nightly hour,


s: Eavesdropping, ha! thy pleasure seems to be.


s: Omniscient am I not; yet much is known to me.


s: A faith bequeathed from Childhood's dawn,


s: Cursed, all that flatters as possession,


s: Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures


s: Cursed when, for soft, indulgent leisures,


s: Cursed be the vine's transcendent nectar,--


s: Cursed, also, Hope!--cursed Faith, the spectre!


s: That of senses and sap has betrayed thee,


s: That, like a vulture, feeds upon thy breast!


s: The worst society thou find'st will show thee


s: Thy steps through life, I'll guide thee,--


s: Will as servant, slave, with thee abide.


s: And what shall be my counter-service therefor?


s: The time is long: thou need'st not now insist.


s: And is not apt, without a why or wherefore,


s: With such a servant danger comes, I fear.


s: _Here_, an unwearied slave, I'll wear thy tether,


s: The _There_ my scruples naught increases.


s: When thou hast dashed this world to pieces,


s: Here, on this earth, my pleasures have their sources;


s: Yon sun beholds my sorrows in his courses;


s: And when from these my life itself divorces,


s: In this sense, even, canst thou venture.


s: What no man ever saw, I'll give to thee.


s: Canst thou, poor Devil, give me whatsoever?


s: When was a human soul, in its supreme endeavor,


s: Yet, hast thou food which never satiates, now,--


s: That runs, quicksilver-like, one's fingers through,--


s: A game whose winnings no man ever knew,--


s: Beckons my neighbor with her wanton glances,


s: Show me the fruits that, ere they're gathered, rot,


s: Such treasures have I, and can show them.


s: But still the time may reach us, good my friend.


s: When peace we crave and more luxurious diet.


s: When on an idler's bed I stretch myself in quiet.


s: Then let the death-bell chime the token.


s: If thine, or whose? 'tis needless to debate it.


s: But one thing more! Beyond all risk to bind thee,


s: Demand'st thou, Pedant, too, a document?


s: Hast never known a man, nor proved his word's intent?


s: Is't not enough, that what I speak to-day


s: Shall stand, with all my future days agreeing?


s: In all its tides sweeps not the world away,


s: Yet this delusion in our hearts we bear:


s: Blest he, whose bosom Truth makes pure and fair!


s: Nathless a parchment, writ and stamped with care,


s: A spectre is, which all to shun endeavor.


s: And wax and leather keep the lordship then.


s: The terms with graver, quill, or chisel, stated?


s: And to subscribe thy name thou'lt take a drop of blood.


s: Fear not that I this pact shall seek to sever?


s: The thread of Thought at last is broken,


s: To quench the fervors of glowing passion!


s: Only fall to, and show no timid balking.


s: But thou hast heard, 'tis not of joy we're talking.


s: I take the wildering whirl, enjoyment's keenest pain,


s: My bosom, of its thirst for knowledge sated,


s: Shall not, henceforth, from any pang be wrested,


s: Shall be within mine inmost being tested:


s: The highest, lowest forms my soul shall borrow,


s: Shall heap upon itself their bliss and sorrow,


s: And thus, my own sole self to all their selves expanded,


s: I too, at last, shall with them all be stranded!


s: Believe me, who for many a thousand year


s: The same tough meat have chewed and tested,


s: _He_ dwells in splendor single and eternal,


s: But _us_ he thrusts in darkness, out of sight,


s: And teach thy pulses of youth and pleasure


s: Why, on the whole, thou'rt--what thou art.


s: Set wigs of million curls upon thy head, to raise thee,


s: Wear shoes an ell in height,--the truth betrays thee,


s: I feel, indeed, that I have made the treasure


s: Of human thought and knowledge mine, in vain;


s: And if I now sit down in restful leisure,


s: No fount of newer strength is in my brain:


s: Why, Zounds! Both hands and feet are, truly--


s: That round and round some fiend misleads to evil plight,


s: While all about lie pastures fresh and green.


s: Why plague thyself with threshing straw forever?


s: Thou dar'st not tell the youngsters--never!


s: I hear one's footsteps, hither steering.


s: But fifteen minutes' time is all I need;


s: For our fine trip, meanwhile, prepare thyself with speed!


s: With magic works and shows that blind thee,


s: Fate such a bold, untrammelled spirit gave him,


s: Dragged through the wildest life, will I enslave him,


s: With struggling, chilling, checking, so deprave him


s: The dream of drink shall mock, but never lave him:


s: Refreshment shall his lips in vain implore--


s: Had he not made himself the Devil's, naught could save


s: But knowledge worth having I fain would get me.


s: Then you have reached the right place now.


s: I find these walls, these vaulted spaces


s: Thus, at the breasts of Wisdom clinging,


s: Thou'lt find each day a greater rapture bringing.


s: I'll hang thereon with joy, and freely drain them;


s: But tell me, pray, the proper means to gain them.


s: Use well your time! It flies so swiftly from us;


s: But time through order may be won, I promise.


s: There will your mind be drilled and braced,


s: Like eating and drinking, free and strong,--


s: Where a thousand threads one treadle throws,


s: Where fly the shuttles hither and thither.


s: And shows, no otherwise it could have been:


s: First drives out the soul with rigid persistence;


s: Then the parts in his hand he may hold and class,


s: _Encheiresin natures_, this Chemistry names,


s: Nor knows how herself she banters and blames!


s: When you have learned, all things reducing,


s: For what goes in--or won't go in--your mind.


s: That naught is said but what is in the book:


s: One carries home and then goes through it.


s: I cannot reconcile myself to Jurisprudence.


s: Nor can I therefore greatly blame you students:


s: I know what science this has come to be.


s: All rights and laws are still transmitted


s: Reason becomes a sham, Beneficence a worry:


s: Thou art a grandchild, therefore woe to thee!


s: This to consider, there's, alas! no hurry.


s: My own disgust is strengthened by your speech:


s: I should not wish to see you here misguided:


s: For, as regards this science, let me hint


s: 'Tis very hard to shun the false direction;


s: There's so much secret poison lurking in 't,


s: So like the medicine, it baffles your detection.


s: Hear, therefore, one alone, for that is best, in sooth,


s: And simply take your master's words for truth.


s: Then through the safest gate you'll enter


s: Of course! But only shun too over-sharp a tension,


s: No word can ever lose a jot from thieving.


s: Pardon! With many questions I detain you.


s: Hear one strong word that might explain you.


s: To grasp the spirit of Medicine is easy:


s: Learn of the great and little world your fill,


s: In vain that through the realms of science you may drift;


s: Each one learns only--just what learn he can:


s: Well-made you are, 'tis not to be denied,


s: To lead the women, learn the special feeling!


s: Have all one source, one mode of healing;


s: A title first must draw and interest them,


s: And show that yours all other arts exceeds;


s: Then, as a greeting, you are free to touch and test them,


s: While, thus to do, for years another pleads.


s: And then, with burning sidelong glances,


s: That's better, now! The How and Where, one sees.


s: My worthy friend, gray are all theories,


s: I swear to you, 'tis like a dream to me.


s: Might I again presume, with trust unbounded,


s: To hear your wisdom thoroughly expounded?


s: Allow me that my album first I reach you,--


s: _Eritis sicut Deus, scientes bonum et malum_.


s: (_Closes the book with reverence, and withdraws_)


s: The little world, and then the great, we'll see.


s: Shalt thou sponge through the term beginning!


s: The attempt, indeed, were a futile strife;


s: I feel so small before others, and thence


s: My friend, thou soon shalt lose all such misgiving:


s: Be thou but self-possessed, thou hast the art of living!


s: How shall we leave the house, and start?


s: Where hast thou servant, coach and horses?


s: We'll spread this cloak with proper art,


s: Then through the air direct our courses.


s: A little burning air, which I shall soon prepare us,


s: And, if we're light, we'll travel swift and clear:


s: I'll teach you how to grin, I'm thinking.


s: Now that's your fault; from you we nothing see,


s: (_Pours a glass of wine over_ BRANDER'S _head_.)


s: With open throat sing chorus, drink and roar!


s: Bring cotton, quick! He's split my ears, that fellow.


s: One first perceives the bass is deep and strong.


s: Well said! and out with him that takes the least offence!


s: A most offensive song! Thank God, each morning, therefore,


s: That you have not the Roman realm to care for!


s: At least, I hold it so much gain for me,


s: Yet also we must have a ruling head, I hope,


s: No, greet my sweetheart not! I tell you, I'll resent it.


s: My sweetheart greet and kiss! I dare you to prevent it!


s: Yes, sing away, sing on, and praise, and brag of her!


s: Me by the nose she led, and now she'll lead you after.


s: Where four roads cross, in wanton play to meet her:


s: An old he-goat, from Blocksberg coming home,


s: Should his good-night in lustful gallop bleat her!


s: A fellow made of genuine flesh and blood


s: Must something fresh for their advantage give.


s: Take heed! 'Tis of the latest cut, my strain,


s: He gnawed and scratched the house throughout.


s: He whirled and jumped, with torment mad,


s: "Ha! ha! he's at his last gasp," said she,


s: To let thee see how smooth life runs away.


s: Here, for the folk, each day's a holiday:


s: Their air's so odd, they've just returned from travel:


s: You've verily hit the truth! Leipzig to me is dear:


s: Paris in miniature, how it refines its people!


s: Who are the strangers, should you guess?


s: Let me alone! I'll set them first to drinking,


s: And then, as one a child's tooth draws, with cleverness,


s: I'll worm their secret out, I'm thinking.


s: They're of a noble house, that's very clear:


s: Would e'er these people scent the Devil!


s: (_Murmurs, inspecting_ MEPHISTOPHELES _from the side_.)


s: Is it permitted that we share your leisure?


s: In place of cheering drink, which one seeks vainly here,


s: No doubt 'twas late when you from Rippach started?


s: And supping there with Hans occasioned your delay?


s: Much of his cousins did he speak, entreating


s: That we should give to each his kindly greeting.


s: O no! my wish is great, my power is only so-so.


s: We've just retraced our way from. Spain,


s: The lovely land of wine, and song, and slumber.


s: Hear, hear! A flea! D'ye rightly take the jest?


s: I fain would drink with you, my glass to Freedom clinking,


s: If 'twere a better wine that here I see you drinking.


s: Did I not fear the landlord might complain,


s: I'd treat these worthy guests, with pleasure,


s: Just treat, and let the landlord me arraign!


s: And if the wine be good, our praises shall be ample.


s: But do not give too very small a sample;


s: With a good mouthful I must be supplied.


s: They're from the Rhine! I guessed as much, before.


s: You've not the casks already at the door?


s: Yonder, within the landlord's box of tools, there's one!


s: Now, give me of your taste some intimation.


s: How do you mean? Have you so many kinds?


s: Aha! you lick your chops, from sheer anticipation.


s: Good! if I have the choice, so let the wine be Rhenish!


s: Our Fatherland can best the sparkling cup replenish.


s: (_boring a hole in the edge of the table, at the place where_


s: Get me a little wax, to make the stoppers, quick!


s: (_bores: in the meantime one has made the wax stoppers, and


s: What's foreign one can't always keep quite clear of,


s: A German can't endure the French to see or hear of,


s: Yet drinks their wines with hearty cheer.


s: (_as_ MEPHISTOPHELES _approaches his seat_)


s: For me, I grant, sour wine is out of place;


s: Fill up my glass with sweetest, will you?


s: No--look me, Sirs, straight in the face!


s: Speak out, and make your choice with speed!


s: (_After the holes have been bored and plugged_)


s: MEPHISTOPHELES (_with singular gestures_)


s: The grapes are juicy, the vines are wood,


s: Now draw the stoppers, and drink your fill!


s: (_as they draw out the stoppers, and the wine which has been


s: O beautiful fountain, that flows at will!


s: See, now, the race is happy--it is free!


s: (_drinks carelessly: the wine spills upon the earth, and turns to


s: MEPHISTOPHELES (_charming away the flame)_


s: A bit of purgatory 'twas for this time, merely.


s: What mean you? Wait!--you'll pay for't dearly!


s: Don't try that game a second time upon us!


s: I think we'd better send him packing quietly.


s: (_draws a stopper out of the table: fire flies in his face_.)


s: The knave is outlawed! Cut him as you like!


s: (_They draw their knives, and rush upon_ MEPHISTOPHELES.)


s: (_They stand amazed and look at each other_.)


s: And how the Devil jests, be now enlightened!


s: (_He disappears with_ FAUST: _the revellers start and separate_.)


s: It was a blow that went through every limb!


s: Give me a chair! I sink! my senses swim.


s: Where is he? If I catch the scoundrel hiding,


s: I saw him with these eyes upon a wine-cask riding


s: Still in my feet the fright like lead is weighing.


s: Why! If the fount of wine should still be playing?


s: 'Twas all deceit, and lying, false design!


s: And yet it seemed as I were drinking wine.


s: Shall one believe no miracles, just say!


s: (_Upon a low hearth stands a great caldron, under which a fire


s: is burning. Various figures appear in the vapors which


s: rise from the caldron. An ape sits beside it, skims it, and


s: watches lest it boil over. The he-ape, with the young


s: ones, sits near and warms himself. Ceiling and walls are


s: covered with the most fantastic witch-implements_.)


s: From an old hag shall I demand assistance?


s: Woe's me, canst thou naught better find!


s: Once more, my friend, thou talkest sensibly.


s: There is, to make thee young, a simpler mode and apter;


s: Live with the ox as ox, and think it not a theft


s: That thou manur'st the acre which thou reapest;--


s: Whereby for eighty years thy youth thou keepest!


s: I am not used to that; I cannot stoop to try it--


s: I'd build a thousand bridges meanwhile, I've a notion.


s: Long is the calm brain active in creation;


s: Time, only, strengthens the fine fermentation.


s: Is rare and strange, howe'er you take it:


s: Is that which has the most attractive features!


s: (_comes up and fawns on_ MEPHISTOPHELES)


s: How would the ape be sure his luck enhances.


s: (_In the meantime the young apes have been playing with a


s: large ball, which they now roll forward_.)


s: (_He runs to the_ SHE-APE, _and lets her look through it_.)


s: (_He invites_ MEPHISTOPHELES _to sit down_.)


s: (_who during all this time has been standing before a mirror,


s: now approaching and now retreating from it_)


s: What do I see? What heavenly form revealed


s: Shows through the glass from Magic's fair dominions!


s: O lend me, Love, the swiftest of thy pinions,


s: Ah, if I leave this spot with fond designing,


s: Dim, as through gathering mist, her charms appear!--


s: And must I find her body, there reclining,


s: Why, surely, if a God first plagues Himself six days,


s: I'll yet detect thy sweetheart and ensnare her,


s: And blest is he, who has the lucky fate,


s: Some day, as bridegroom, home to bear her.


s: (FAUST _gazes continually in the mirror_. MEPHISTOPHELES,


s: _stretching himself out on the settle, and playing with the


s: So sit I, like the King upon his throne:


s: I hold the sceptre, here,--and lack the crown alone.


s: (_who up to this time have been making all kinds of fantastic


s: movements together bring a crown to_ MEPHISTOPHELES


s: (_They handle the crown awkwardly and break it into two


s: pieces, with which they spring around_.)


s: MEPHISTOPHELES (_pointing to the Animals_)


s: My own head, now, is really nigh to sinking.


s: One must, at least, make this admission--


s: (_The caldron, which the_ SHE-APE _has up to this time neglected


s: to watch, begins to boil over: there ensues a great flame_,


s: _which blazes out the chimney. The_ WITCH _comes careering


s: down through the flame, with terrible cries_.)


s: To leave the kettle, and singe the Frau!


s: (_Perceiving_ FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES.)


s: (_She plunges the skimming-ladle into the caldron, and scatters


s: flames towards_ FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES, _and the Animals.


s: (_reversing the brush, which he has been holding in his hand,


s: and striding among the jars and glasses_)


s: (_As the_ WITCH _starts back, full of wrath and horror_)


s: Know'st thou, at last, thy Lord and Master?


s: Thee and thy monkey-sprites with fell disaster?


s: Dost recognize no more the tall cock's-feather?


s: And both your ravens, where are _they_ now?


s: This time, I'll let thee 'scape the debt;


s: Culture, which smooth the whole world licks,


s: The days of that old Northern phantom now are over:


s: Where canst thou horns and tail and claws discover?


s: And, as regards the foot, which I can't spare, in truth,


s: Therefore I've worn, like many a spindly youth,


s: It's long been written in the Book of Fable;


s: Yet, therefore, no whit better men we see:


s: The Evil One has left, the evil ones are stable.


s: Sir Baron call me thou, then is the matter good;


s: A cavalier am I, like others in my bearing.


s: Thou hast no doubt about my noble blood:


s: See, here's the coat-of-arms that I am wearing!


s: A rogue you are, and you were always so.


s: To manage witches, this is just the way.


s: Give us a goblet of the well-known juice!


s: But, I must beg you, of the oldest brewage;


s: With all my heart! Now, here's a bottle,


s: Wherefrom, sometimes, I wet my throttle,


s: Yet, if this man without due preparation drinks,


s: As well thou know'st, within an hour 'twill kill him.


s: He is a friend of mine, with whom it will agree,


s: And he deserves thy kitchen's best potation:


s: Come, draw thy circle, speak thine adjuration,


s: (_with fantastic gestures draws a circle and places mysterious


s: articles therein; meanwhile the glasses begin to ring, the


s: caldron to sound, and make a musical accompaniment.


s: Finally she brings a great book, and stations in the circle


s: the Apes, who are obliged to serve as reading-desk, and to


s: hold the torches. She then beckons_ FAUST _to approach_.)


s: Now, what shall come of this? the creatures antic,


s: O, nonsense! That's a thing for laughter;


s: She juggles you as doctor now, that, after,


s: (_He persuades_ FAUST _to step into the circle_.)


s: (_begins to declaim, with much emphasis, from the book_)


s: Thou'lt hear much more before we leave her.


s: 'Tis all the same: the book I can repeat,


s: Such time I've squandered o'er the history:


s: Is always for the wise, no less than fools, a mystery.


s: They prate and teach, and no one interferes;


s: All from the fellowship of fools are shrinking.


s: Man usually believes, if only words he hears,


s: That also with them goes material for thinking!


s: O Sibyl excellent, enough of adjuration!


s: And quickly fill the beaker to the brim!


s: This drink will bring my friend no injuries:


s: (_The_ WITCH, _with many ceremonies, pours the drink into a


s: cup; as_ FAUST _sets it to his lips, a light flame arises_.)


s: (_The_ WITCH _breaks the circle_: FAUST _steps forth_.)


s: Thy wish be on Walpurgis Night expressed;


s: What boon I have, shall then be given unto thee.


s: Here is a song, which, if you sometimes sing,


s: And through thy frame the liquor's potence fling.


s: The noble indolence I'll teach thee then to treasure,


s: And soon thou'lt be aware, with keenest thrills of pleasure,


s: How Cupid stirs and leaps, on light and restless wing.


s: One rapid glance within the mirror give me,


s: Thou'lt find, this drink thy blood compelling,


s: I'll not forget while the world rolls on!


s: She, there? She's coming from confession,


s: Who every flower for himself would take,


s: And knead and shape her to your thought,


s: I'll find her room to-day, and take you in it.


s: Breathing her atmosphere in fullest measure.


s: Presents at once? That's good: he's certain to get at her!


s: I must, perforce, look up the matter. _[Exit_.


s: (_plaiting and binding up the braids of her hair_)


s: And he wouldn't, else, have been so bold!


s: That breathes throughout this hallowed shrine!


s: Sweet pain of love, bind thou with fetters fleet


s: The heart that on the dew of hope must pine!


s: What bliss within this narrow den is pent!


s: (_He throws himself into a leathern arm-chair near the bed_.)


s: Receive me, thou, that in thine open arms


s: Departed joy and pain wert wont to gather!


s: How oft the children, with their ruddy charms,


s: Hung here, around this throne, where sat the father!


s: Perchance my love, amid the childish band,


s: Grateful for gifts the Holy Christmas gave her,


s: Here meekly kissed the grandsire's withered hand.


s: Of order and content around me whisper,--


s: Which leads thee with its motherly control,


s: The cloth upon thy board bids smoothly thee unroll,


s: The sand beneath thy feet makes whiter, crisper.


s: Here could I spend whole hours, delaying:


s: Here Nature shaped, as if in sportive playing,


s: Here lay the child, with Life's warm essence


s: And here was wrought, through holier, purer presence,


s: What seek I? Why so full my heart, and sore?


s: Miserable Faust! I know thee now no more.


s: And lie dissolved in dreams of love's sweet leisure!


s: Are we the sport of every changeful atmosphere?


s: How would I for the fault atonement render!


s: Which elsewhere I have just been earning.


s: I swear, 'twill turn her head, to spy it:


s: Yourself, perhaps, would keep the bubble?


s: (_He places the casket in the press, and locks it again_.)


s: To the lecture-hall you were forced to go,--


s: How comes that lovely casket here to me?


s: 'Tis truly wonderful! What can within it be?


s: Perhaps 'twas brought by some one as a pawn,


s: What is that? God in Heaven! Whence came


s: Such things? Never beheld I aught so fair!


s: What helps one's beauty, youthful blood?


s: By all love ever rejected! By hell-fire hot and unsparing!


s: I wish I knew something worse, that I might use it for


s: What ails thee? What is't gripes thee, elf?


s: It much becomes thee to be raving madly.


s: Just think, the pocket of a priest should get


s: But Margaret thought, with sour grimace,


s: He saw, at once, where the game was hidden,


s: Has for ill-gotten goods the right digestion."


s: Then bagged the spangles, chains, and rings,


s: And thanked no less, and thanked no more


s: But more on him who gave her such delight.


s: O yes, the gentleman finds it all child's-play!


s: To give his sweetheart a diverting show.


s: God knows I loved, and can't forget him!


s: I scarce can stand, my knees are trembling!


s: 'Twould go to the priest, as did the other.


s: But, ah! in the streets I dare not bear them,


s: Walk up and down an hour, before the mirror yonder,--


s: When, piece by piece, can one the things abroad display,


s: Thy mother will not see, and stories we'll invent.


s: Whoever could have brought me things so precious?


s: That something's wrong, I feel suspicious.


s: Good Heaven! My mother can that have been?


s: (_Steps back reverently, on seeing_ MARGARET.)


s: I'm she: what does the gentleman desire?


s: Your husband's dead, and sends a greeting.


s: Ah, dearest dame, let not your courage fail!


s: A loss like this to death would grieve me.


s: Joy follows woe, woe after joy comes flying.


s: Three hundred masses buy, to save him from perdition!


s: What every journeyman within his wallet spares,


s: Yet, on my word, his cash was put to proper uses.


s: And he lamented his ill fortune all the more.


s: Surely for his soul's sake full many a prayer I'll proffer.


s: You well deserve a speedy marriage-offer:


s: To have a dear thing for one's caressing.


s: Half-rotten straw: and yet, he died a Christian, sure,


s: And found that heavier scores to his account were lying.


s: He cried: "I find my conduct wholly hateful!


s: To leave my wife, my trade, in manner so ungrateful!


s: Would of my wrong to her I might be shriven!"


s: The dear, good man! Long since was he forgiven.


s: "Yet she, God knows! was more to blame than I."


s: He lied! What! On the brink of death he slandered?


s: He said: "I had no time for play, for gaping freedom:


s: First children, and then work for bread to feed 'em,--


s: For bread, in the widest sense, to drudge,


s: And could not even eat my share in peace and quiet!"


s: Had he all love, all faith forgotten in his riot?


s: Not so: the memory of it touched him quite.


s: My prayers for wife and little ones were zealous,


s: That to the Soldan bore a mighty treasure.


s: Since bravery was paid in fullest measure,


s: Say, how? Say, where? If buried, did he own it?


s: Who knows, now, whither the four winds have blown it?


s: A fair young damsel took him in her care,


s: As he in Naples wandered round, unfriended;


s: And she much love, much faith to him did bear,


s: So that he felt it till his days were ended.


s: The villain! From his children thieving!


s: Could not prevent his shameful way of living!


s: Were I in _your_ place, do not doubt me,


s: And for another keep, meanwhile, my eyes about me.


s: As was my first, this world will hardly give me.


s: There never was a sweeter fool than mine,


s: Well, well! That might have done, however,


s: And treated _your_ slips with as little heed.


s: She'd take the Devil at his word, I fear.


s: Where, how, and when he died, to certify his fitness.


s: I want his death in the weekly paper stated.


s: And this young lady will be present, too?


s: How is it? under way? and soon complete?


s: Well, Margaret soon will still your yearning:


s: At Neighbor Martha's you'll this evening meet.


s: That now her husband's limbs, outstretched and pallid,


s: Most wise! And first, of course, we'll make the journey


s: _Sancta simplicitas_! no need of such a toil;


s: Depose, with knowledge or without it, either!


s: If you've naught better, then, I'll tear your pretty plan!


s: Is it the first time in your life you're driven


s: Of God, the world and all that in it has a place,


s: Of Man, and all that moves the being of his race,


s: Have you not terms and definitions given


s: And, if you'll probe the thing profoundly,


s: Knew you so much--and you'll confess it roundly!--


s: As here of Schwerdtlein's death and place of rest?


s: Thou art, and thou remain'st, a sophist, liar.


s: Will that, too, prompt this heart of thine?


s: Then range with all my senses through creation,


s: Ne'er entertain such an experienced man.


s: A look from thee, a word, more entertains


s: Don't incommode yourself! How could you ever kiss it!


s: What work I do,--how hard and steady is it!


s: And you, Sir, travel always, do you not?


s: With what a pang one leaves so many a spot,


s: And dares not even now and then to tarry!


s: In young, wild years it suits your ways,


s: This round and round the world in freedom sweeping;


s: And so, as bachelor, into his grave a-creeping,


s: I dread to see how such a fate advances.


s: Then, worthy Sir, improve betimes your chances!


s: Trust me, dear heart! what men call sensible


s: Ah, that simplicity and innocence ne'er know


s: Themselves, their holy value, and their spell!


s: That meekness, lowliness, the highest graces


s: So you but think a moment's space on me,


s: All times I'll have to think on you, all places!


s: We have no maid: I do the knitting, sewing, sweeping,


s: The cooking, early work and late, in fact;


s: And mother, in her notions of housekeeping,


s: Not that she needs so much to keep expenses down:


s: We, more than others, might take comfort, rather:


s: But now my days have less of noise and hurry;


s: True, with the child a troubled life I led,


s: Yet I would take again, and willing, all the worry,


s: Father had died before it saw the light,


s: And mother's case seemed hopeless quite,


s: And she recovered, then, so slowly, day by day.


s: It smiled, and tumbled, and grew strong.


s: The purest bliss was surely then thy dower.


s: My bed at night: if 't even stirred, I'd guess it,


s: And I must nurse it, warm beside me press it,


s: And dandling back and forth the restless creature take,


s: Then at the wash-tub stand, at morning's break;


s: And then the marketing and kitchen-tending,


s: Day after day, the same thing, never-ending.


s: One's spirits, Sir, are thus not always good,


s: But then one learns to relish rest and food.


s: Yes, the poor women are bad off, 'tis true:


s: A stubborn bachelor there's no converting.


s: And I should turn to better ways than flirting.


s: Speak plainly, Sir, have you no one detected?


s: Has not your heart been anywhere subjected?


s: I mean, have you not felt desire, though ne'er so slightly?


s: I've everywhere, in fact, been entertained politely.


s: I meant to say, were you not touched in earnest, ever?


s: One should allow one's self to jest with ladies never.


s: And me, thou angel! didst thou recognize,


s: Did you not see it? I cast down my eyes.


s: And thou forgiv'st my freedom, and the blame


s: I was confused, the like ne'er happened me;


s: No one could ever speak to my discredit.


s: Ah, thought I, in my conduct has he read it--


s: That with this wench 'twere very easy dealing.


s: (_She plucks a star-flower, and pulls off the leaves, one after


s: (_She pulls off the leaves and murmurs_.)


s: (_plucking the last leaf, she cries with frank delight_:)


s: For thee be speech divine! He loves thee!


s: Ah, know'st thou what it means? He loves thee!


s: Let this warm clasp of hands declare thee


s: To yield one wholly, and to feel a rapture


s: But evil tongues in this town have full play.


s: It's as if nobody had nothing to fetch and carry,


s: But spying all the doings of one's neighbor:


s: And one becomes the talk, do whatsoe'er one may.


s: (MARGARET _comes in, conceals herself behind the door, puts her


s: finger to her lips, and peeps through the crack_.)


s: (_clasping him, and returning the kiss_)


s: I can't think what he finds in me! [_Exit_.


s: Spirit sublime, thou gav'st me, gav'st me all


s: Hast thou thy countenance revealed in fire.


s: Thou gav'st me Nature as a kingdom grand,


s: With power to feel and to enjoy it. Thou


s: Not only cold, amazed acquaintance yield'st,


s: But grantest, that in her profoundest breast


s: The ranks of living creatures thou dost lead


s: Before me, teaching me to know my brothers


s: And when the storm in forests roars and grinds,


s: The giant firs, in falling, neighbor boughs


s: And neighbor trunks with crushing weight bear down,


s: And falling, fill the hills with hollow thunders,--


s: Then to the cave secure thou leadest me,


s: Then show'st me mine own self, and in my breast


s: And when the perfect moon before my gaze


s: Comes up with soothing light, around me float


s: And temper the austere delight of thought.


s: Which brings me near and nearer to the Gods,


s: Thou gav'st the comrade, whom I now no more


s: Can do without, though, cold and scornful, he


s: Demeans me to myself, and with a breath,


s: A word, transforms thy gifts to nothingness.


s: Within my breast he fans a lawless fire,


s: Unwearied, for that fair and lovely form:


s: Have you not led this life quite long enough?


s: 'Tis very well, that once one tries the stuff,


s: But something new must then requite you.


s: To plague my day auspicious thou returnest.


s: The loss of thee were truly very slight,--


s: One has one's hands full all the day and night;


s: If what one does, or leaves undone, is right,


s: From such a face as thine there is no telling.


s: That thou hast bored me, I must thankful be!


s: Poor Son of Earth, how couldst thou thus alone


s: I, for a time, at least, have worked thy cure;


s: Thy fancy's rickets plague thee not at all:


s: Why here to caverns, rocky hollows slinking,


s: Sit'st thou, as 'twere an owl a-blinking?


s: Why suck'st, from sodden moss and dripping stone,


s: What fresh and vital forces, canst thou guess,


s: Spring from my commerce with the wilderness?


s: But, if thou hadst the power of guessing,


s: Thou wouldst be devil enough to grudge my soul the blessing.


s: A blessing drawn from supernatural fountains!


s: In night and dew to lie upon the mountains;


s: All Heaven and Earth in rapture penetrating;


s: To grub with yearning force through Earth's dark marrow,


s: Compress the six days' work within thy bosom narrow,--


s: To taste, I know not what, in haughty power,


s: Thine own ecstatic life on all things shower,


s: daren't say how--to pluck the final flower!


s: Thou hast the moral right to cry me "shame!" at present.


s: One dares not that before chaste ears declare,


s: Which chaste hearts, notwithstanding, cannot spare;


s: And, once for all, I grudge thee not the pleasure


s: Of lying to thyself in moderate measure.


s: But such a course thou wilt not long endure;


s: Enough of that! Thy love sits lonely yonder,


s: Her thoughts and yearnings seek thee, tenderer, fonder,--


s: First came thy passion's flood and poured around her


s: As when from melted snow a streamlet overflows;


s: Thou hast therewith so filled and drowned her,


s: That now _thy_ stream all shallow shows.


s: Methinks, instead of in the forests lording,


s: She haunts her window, watching clouds that stray


s: "Were I a little bird!" so runs her song,


s: What wouldst thou, then? She thinks that thou art flown;


s: Yet am I near, and love keeps watch and ward;


s: Though I were ne'er so far, it cannot falter:


s: The touching of her lips, before the altar.


s: On your twin-pair, that feed among the roses.


s: Perceived the noblest purpose of His trade,


s: 'Tis for your sweetheart's room you're bound,


s: What are, within her arms, the heavenly blisses?


s: I am the fugitive, all houseless roaming,


s: That like a cataract, down rocks and gorges foaming,


s: Leaps, maddened, into the abyss's breast!


s: And side-wards she, with young unwakened senses,


s: Thou, Hell, hast claimed this sacrifice as thine!


s: Help, Devil! through the coming pangs to push me;


s: Let fall on me her fate, and also crush me,--


s: When such a head as thine no outlet knows,


s: Thou, else, dost well the devil-nature wear:


s: And yet, I think, dost not incline that way.


s: Leave that, my child! Thou know'st my love is tender;


s: For love, my blood and life would I surrender,


s: And as for Faith and Church, I grant to each his own.


s: That's not enough: we must believe thereon.


s: Then, too, thou honorest not the Holy Sacraments.


s: 'Tis long since thou hast been to mass or to confession.


s: Ask priest or sage the answer to declare,


s: Hear me not falsely, sweetest countenance!


s: Vast as it is, fill with that force thy heart,


s: And when thou in the feeling wholly blessed art,


s: All that is fine and good, to hear it so:


s: All hearts that beat beneath the heavenly day--


s: Has given my heart so keen a pang of loathing,


s: But, much as my heart to see thee yearneth,


s: There must be such queer birds, however.


s: One sees that in nothing no interest he hath:


s: And in his presence stifled seems my heart.


s: I feel as though I'd lost my love for thee.


s: When he is by, I could not pray to Heaven.


s: And surely, Henry, 'tis with thee the same.


s: A quiet hour, to see us fondly plighted,


s: With breast to breast, and soul to soul united?


s: I'd draw the bolts to-night, for thy desire;


s: And deepest sleep will on her senses sink.


s: What would I not, to give thee pleasure?


s: It will not harm her, when one tries it?


s: That scarcely more is left me to fulfil.


s: I've heard, most fully, how she drew thee.


s: The Doctor has been catechised, 'tis plain;


s: Great good, I hope, the thing will do thee.


s: If one is prim and good, as ancient rules compel:


s: If there he's led, they think, he'll follow them as well.


s: That her salvation is,--with scruples holy


s: Pines, lest she hold as lost the man she loves so well!


s: Thou, full of sensual, super-sensual desire,


s: And then, how masterly she reads physiognomy!


s: When I am present she's impressed, she knows not how;


s: She in my mask a hidden sense would read:


s: She feels that surely I'm a genius now,--


s: She's played the fool at last, there's not a doubt.


s: She's feeding two, whene'er she eats and drinks.


s: She clung to the fellow so long and tightly!


s: As the first they must everywhere shine,


s: And he treated her always to pies and wine,


s: And she made a to-do with her face so fine;


s: She took all the presents the fellow gave her.


s: And mother, nights, ne'er let us out the door


s: The length of the time they'd never mark.


s: But do church-penance in her sinner's shift!


s: The boys shall dash her wreath on the floor,


s: And we'll scatter chaff before her door!


s: (_In a niche of the wall a shrine, with an image of the Mater


s: Thou lookest up to where Thy Son is slain!


s: VALENTINE (_a soldier_, MARGARET'S _brother_)


s: With brimming glass that spilled the toast,


s: Cling! clang! "Here's to her!" went around


s: The board: "He speaks the truth!" cried some;


s: "In her the flower o' the sex is found!"


s: And now!--I could tear my hair with vexation.


s: With turned-up nose each scamp may face me,


s: With sneers and stinging taunts disgrace me,


s: A chance-dropped word may set me sweating!


s: But what comes sneaking, there, to view?


s: Upward th'eternal lamp sends forth a glimmer,


s: That, lessening side-wards, fainter grows and dimmer,


s: The shadows thus within my bosom gather.


s: That round the tall fire-ladders sweeps,


s: And stealthy, then, along the coping creeps:


s: A little thievish and a little frolicsome.


s: Meanwhile, may not the treasure risen be,


s: Now, while the sky leads forth its starry throng,


s: Thou'lt hear a masterpiece, no work completer:


s: The cither's smashed! For nothing more 'tis fitting.


s: There's yet a skull I must be splitting!


s: Stand by: I'll lead, if you'll but tarry:


s: How is it, then? my hand's already lame:


s: But come, away! 'Tis time for us to fly;


s: With the police 'twere easy to compound it,


s: But here the penal court will sift and sound it.


s: They swear and storm, they yell and fight!


s: Her life, in fact, they're loath to spare her.


s: But let her growth and strength display,


s: The more she seeks the day's broad light.


s: From thee, thou jade! and seek protection


s: Thy guilty heart shall then dismay thee.


s: Among the beggars and cripples hide thee;


s: That you your heart with slander harden!


s: 'Twould bring, for all my sinful pleasure,


s: (MARGARET _among much people: the_ EVIL SPIRIT _behind_


s: Pray'st thou for mercy on thy mother's soul,


s: That fell asleep to long, long torment, and through thee?


s: That cross me, drawing hither and thither


s: Neighbor! your cordial! (_She falls in a swoon_.)


s: DOST thou not wish a broomstick-steed's assistance?


s: The sturdiest he-goat I would gladly see:


s: The way we take, our goal is yet some distance.


s: So long as in my legs I feel the fresh existence.


s: Along this labyrinth of vales to wander,


s: Wherefrom the fountain flings eternal spray,


s: Is such delight, my steps would fain delay.


s: The spring-time stirs within the fragrant birches,


s: Should then our limbs escape its gentle searches?


s: The moon's lone disk, with its belated glow,


s: And lights so dimly, that, as one advances,


s: At every step one strikes a rock or tree!


s: Let us, then, use a Jack-o'-lantern's glances:


s: Ho, there! my friend! I'll levy thine attendance:


s: Be kind enough to light us up the steep!


s: Or I'll blow out his being's flickering spark!


s: You are the master of the house, I mark,


s: But then, reflect: the mountain's magic-mad to-day,


s: And if a will-o'-the-wisp must guide you on the way,


s: Through the moss and through the heather!


s: How strangely glimmers through the hollows


s: Here steam, there rolling vapor sweepeth;


s: Here burns the glow through film and haze:


s: There, in a corner pressed and sundered,


s: Like scattered showers of golden sand;--


s: But, see! in all their height, at present,


s: The boisterous guests approach that were invited.


s: With what fierce blows upon my neck 'tis beating!


s: Under the old ribs of the rock retreating,


s: Hold fast, lest thou be hurled down the abysses there!


s: The stubble is yellow, and green the crop.


s: The broom it scratches, the fork it thrusts,


s: The child is stifled, the mother bursts.


s: When towards the Devil's House we tread,


s: We've washed, and are bright as ever you will,


s: Who calls from the rocky cleft below there?


s: When round the summit whirls our flight,


s: They crowd and push, they roar and clatter!


s: They whirl and whistle, pull and chatter!


s: They shine, and spirt, and stink, and burn!


s: Keep close! or we are parted, in our turn,


s: Then house-right I must use, and clear the way.


s: Make room! Squire Voland comes! Room, gentle rabble,


s: Here, Doctor, hold to me: in one jump we'll resume


s: An easier space, and from the crowd be free:


s: Yonder, with special light, there's something shining clearer


s: Within those bushes; I've a mind to see.


s: Spirit of Contradiction! On! I'll follow straight.


s: 'Tis planned most wisely, if I judge aright:


s: We climb the Brocken's top in the Walpurgis-Night,


s: That arbitrarily, here, ourselves we isolate.


s: But see, what motley flames among the heather!


s: They seek the Evil One in wild confusion:


s: That in the greater world the little worlds are made.


s: I see stark-nude young witches congregate,


s: And old ones, veiled and hidden shrewdly:


s: On my account be kind, nor treat them rudely!


s: I hear the noise of instruments attuning,--


s: Vile din! yet one must learn to bear the crooning.


s: Come, come along! It _must_ be, I declare!


s: That is no little space: what say'st thou, friend?


s: Look yonder! thou canst scarcely see the end:


s: A hundred fires along the ranks are burning.


s: They dance, they chat, they cook, they drink, they court:


s: Now where, just tell me, is there better sport?


s: Wilt thou, to introduce us to the revel,


s: I'm mostly used, 'tis true, to go incognito,


s: But on a gala-day one may his orders show.


s: But honored and at home is here the cloven foot.


s: Perceiv'st thou yonder snail? It cometh, slow and steady;


s: But come! we'll go from this fire to a newer:


s: I am the go-between, and thou the wooer.


s: (_To some, who are sitting around dying embers_:)


s: Old gentlemen, why at the outskirts? Enter!


s: I'd praise you if I found you snugly in the centre,


s: With youth and revel round you like a zone:


s: You each, at home, are quite enough alone.


s: Say, who would put his trust in nations,


s: Howe'er for them one may have worked and planned?


s: They're now too far from what is just and sage.


s: But now all things have from their bases slid,


s: Just as we meant to hold them fast together.


s: Who, now, a work of moderate sense will read?


s: Such works are held as antiquate and mossy;


s: And as regards the younger folk, indeed,


s: They never yet have been so pert and saucy.


s: I feel that men are ripe for Judgment-Day,


s: Now for the last time I've the witches'-hill ascended:


s: Since to the lees _my_ cask is drained away,


s: The world's, as well, must soon be ended.


s: And yet, there's nothing I've collected--


s: No shop, on earth, like this you'll find!--


s: Which has not, once, sore hurt inflicted


s: No dagger's here, that set not blood to flowing;


s: No cup, that hath not once, within a healthy frame


s: No gems, that have not brought a maid to shame;


s: No sword, but severed ties for the unwary,


s: Or from behind struck down the adversary.


s: Gossip! the times thou badly comprehendest:


s: What's done has happed--what haps, is done!


s: 'Twere better if for novelties thou sendest:


s: Let me not lose myself in all this pother!


s: Thou'rt shoved thyself, imagining to shove.


s: Beware the lure within her lovely tresses,


s: The splendid sole adornment of her hair!


s: When she succeeds therewith a youth to snare,


s: Not soon again she frees him from her jesses.


s: Those two, the old one with the young one sitting,


s: They've danced already more than fitting.


s: They start another dance: come now, let us take hold!


s: MEPHISTOPHELES (_dancing with the old one_)


s: Accurséd folk! How dare you venture thus?


s: That ghosts can't stand on ordinary foundation?


s: When others dance, he weighs the matter:


s: Then 'tis the same as were the step not made;


s: But if you forwards go, his ire is most displayed.


s: Especially if you heard and heeded his hortation.


s: You still are here? Nay, 'tis a thing unheard!


s: Vanish, at once! We've said the enlightening word.


s: The pack of devils by no rules is daunted:


s: We are so wise, and yet is Tegel haunted.


s: To clear the folly out, how have I swept and stirred!


s: Twill ne'er be clean: why, 'tis a thing unheard!


s: Naught will succeed, I see, amid such revels;


s: Yet something from a tour I always save,


s: And hope, before my last step to the grave,


s: He now will seat him in the nearest puddle;


s: The solace this, whereof he's most assured:


s: And when upon his rump the leeches hang and fuddle,


s: He'll be of spirits and of Spirit cured.


s: Wherefore forsakest thou the lovely maiden,


s: A red mouse from her mouth--sufficient reason.


s: That's nothing! One must not so squeamish be;


s: So the mouse was not gray, enough for thee.


s: Who'd think of that in love's selected season?


s: Alone and far, a girl most pale and fair?


s: As if with fettered feet that stay her going.


s: Let the thing be! All thence have evil drawn:


s: It is a magic shape, a lifeless eidolon.


s: Their blank, set stare benumbs the human blood,


s: Forsooth, the eyes they are of one whom, dying,


s: That is the breast whereon I once was lying,--


s: Tis magic all, thou fool, seduced so easily!


s: Her head beneath her arm she'll sometimes carry;


s: Twas Perseus lopped it, her old adversary.


s: A new performance--'tis the last of seven.


s: That now I vanish, pardon, I entreat you!


s: I find it good: for that's your proper place.


s: "Don't be disturbed! 'tis, in the reeds,


s: (FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES _speeding onward on black horses_.)


s: What weave they there round the raven-stone?


s: I know not what they are brewing and doing.


s: Soaring up, sweeping down, bowing and bending!


s: (_with a bunch of keys and a lamp, before an iron door_)


s: Mankind's collected woe o'erwhelms me, here.


s: She dwells within the dark, damp walls before me,


s: On! my shrinking but lingers Death more near.


s: (_He grasps the lock: the sound of singing is heard inside_.)


s: _Then was I a beautiful bird o' the wood;


s: She does not dream her lover listens near;


s: That he the rattling chain, the rustling straw, can hear.


s: MARGARET (_hiding herself on the pallet_)


s: Woe! woe! They come. O death of bitterness!


s: Hush! hush! The hour is come that frees thee.


s: MARGARET (_throwing herself before him_)


s: Thy cries will wake the guards, and they will seize thee!


s: (_He takes hold of the fetters to unlock them_.)


s: Is't not soon enough when morning chime has run?


s: I, too, was fair, and that was my undoing.


s: Torn lies the wreath, scattered the blossoms are.


s: I never chanced, in all my days, to meet thee!


s: And now they say I killed the child outright.


s: They sing songs about me! 'tis bad of the folk to do it!


s: There's an old story has the same refrain;


s: MARGARET (_flinging herself beside him_)


s: O let us kneel, and call the Saints to hide us!


s: (_She springs to her feet: the fetters fall off_.)


s: On the threshold he stood, and _Margaret_! calling,


s: Midst of Hell's howling and noises appalling,


s: Midst of the wrathful, infernal derision,


s: I knew the sweet sound of the voice of the vision!


s: 'Tis he! 'tis he! Where now is all my pain?


s: The anguish of the dungeon, and the chain?


s: My friend, so short a time thou'rt missing,


s: Why is my heart so anxious, on thy breast?


s: Where once a heaven thy glances did create me,


s: And thou didst kiss, as thou wouldst suffocate me--


s: Come, follow me! My darling, be more bold:


s: I'll clasp thee, soon, with warmth a thousand-fold;


s: And is it thou? Thou, surely, certainly?


s: How comes it that thou dost not shrink from me?--


s: Say, dost thou know, my friend, whom thou mak'st free?


s: Come! come! The night already vanisheth.


s: Thee, too!--'Tis thou! It scarcely true doth seem--


s: Thy dear, dear hand!--But, ah, 'tis wet!


s: Now I'll tell thee the graves to give us:


s: And here, on my right breast, my baby lay!


s: I would force myself on thee and constrain it,


s: And yet 'tis thou, so good, so kind to see!


s: If thou feel'st it is I, then come with me!


s: Thou goest away! O Henry, if I could go!


s: Thou canst! Just will it! Open stands the door.


s: I dare not go: there's no hope any more.


s: Why should I fly? They'll still my steps waylay!


s: It is so wretched, forced to beg my living,


s: And a bad conscience sharper misery giving!


s: It is so wretched, to be strange, forsaken,


s: She beckons, she nods not, her heavy head falls o'er;


s: She slept so long that she wakes no more.


s: Here words and prayers are nothing worth;


s: I've done, else, all things for the love of thee.


s: Day? Yes, the day comes,--the last day breaks for me!


s: Tell no one thou has been with Margaret!


s: The crowd is thronging, no word is spoken:


s: The death-bell tolls, the wand is broken.


s: Shoved to the block--they give the sign!


s: Come! or I'll leave her in the lurch, and thee!


s: Of these 64 poems, 12 are now published for the first time. The


s: remainder are selected from two previous volumes.


s: Dim, gradual thinning of the shapeless gloom


s: Shudders to drizzling daybreak that reveals


s: Disconsolate men who stamp their sodden boots


s: And turn dulled, sunken faces to the sky


s: Haggard and hopeless. They, who have beaten down


s: The stale despair of night, must now renew


s: Murdering the livid hours that grope for peace.


s: Yet these, who cling to life with stubborn hands,


s: Can grin through storms of death and find a gap


s: In the clawed, cruel tangles of his defence.


s: They march from safety, and the bird-sung joy