Faust [part 1]. Translated Into English in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
MEPHISTOPHELES
And truly ’tis not much, when all is done. That which to Naught is in resistance set,— The Something of this clumsy world,—has yet, With all that I have undertaken, Not been by me disturbed or shaken: From earthquake, tempest, wave, volcano’s brand, Back into quiet settle sea and land! And that damned stuff, the bestial, human brood,— What use, in having that to play with? How many have I made away with! And ever circulates a newer, fresher blood. It makes me furious, such things beholding: From Water, Earth, and Air unfolding, A thousand germs break forth and grow, In dry, and wet, and warm, and chilly; And had I not the Flame reserved, why, really, There’s nothing special of my own to show! So, to the actively eternal Creative force, in cold disdain You now oppose the fist infernal, Whose wicked clench is all in vain! Some other labor seek thou rather, Queer Son of Chaos, to begin! Well, we’ll consider: thou canst gather My views, when next I venture in. Might I, perhaps, depart at present? Why thou shouldst ask, I don’t perceive. Though our acquaintance is so recent, For further visits thou hast leave. The window’s here, the door is yonder; A chimney, also, you behold. I must confess that forth I may not wander, My steps by one slight obstacle controlled,— The wizard’s-foot, that on your threshold made is.
The pentagram prohibits thee? Why, tell me now, thou Son of Hades, If that prevents, how cam’st thou in to me? Could such a spirit be so cheated? Inspect the thing: the drawing’s not completed. The outer angle, you may see, Is open left—the lines don’t fit it. Well,—Chance, this time, has fairly hit it! And thus, thou’rt prisoner to me? It seems the business has succeeded. The poodle naught remarked, as after thee he speeded; But other aspects now obtain: The Devil can’t get out again. Try, then, the open window-pane! For Devils and for spectres this is law: Where they have entered in, there also they withdraw. The first is free to us; we’re governed by the second. In Hell itself, then, laws are reckoned? That’s well! So might a compact be Made with you gentlemen—and binding,—surely? All that is promised shall delight thee purely; No skinflint bargain shalt thou see. But this is not of swift conclusion; We’ll talk about the matter soon. And now, I do entreat this boon— Leave to withdraw from my intrusion. One moment more I ask thee to remain, Some pleasant news, at least, to tell me. Release me, now! I soon shall come again; Then thou, at will, mayst question and compel me. I have not snares around thee cast; Thyself hast led thyself into the meshes. Who traps the Devil, hold him fast! Not soon a second time he’ll catch a prey so precious.
An’t please thee, also I’m content to stay, And serve thee in a social station; But stipulating, that I may With arts of mine afford thee recreation. Thereto I willingly agree, If the diversion pleasant be. My friend, thou’lt win, past all pretences, More in this hour to soothe thy senses, Than in the year’s monotony. That which the dainty spirits sing thee, The lovely pictures they shall bring thee, Are more than magic’s empty show. Thy scent will be to bliss invited; Thy palate then with taste delighted, Thy nerves of touch ecstatic glow! All unprepared, the charm I spin: We’re here together, so begin!
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.