Faust [part 1]. Translated Into English in the Original Metres · Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
MEPHISTOPHELES
Good Sir, you see the facts precisely As they are seen by each and all. We must arrange them now, more wisely, Before the joys of life shall pall. Why, Zounds! Both hands and feet are, truly— And head and virile forces—thine: Yet all that I indulge in newly, Is’t thence less wholly mine? If I’ve six stallions in my stall, Are not their forces also lent me? I speed along, completest man of all, As though my legs were four-and-twenty. Take hold, then! let reflection rest, And plunge into the world with zest! I say to thee, a speculative wight Is like a beast on moorlands lean, That round and round some fiend misleads to evil plight, While all about lie pastures fresh and green. Then how shall we begin? We’ll try a wider sphere. What place of martyrdom is here! Is’t life, I ask, is’t even prudence, To bore thyself and bore the students? Let Neighbor Paunch to that attend! Why plague thyself with threshing straw forever? The best thou learnest, in the end Thou dar’st not tell the youngsters—never! I hear one’s footsteps, hither steering. FAUST To see him now I have no heart. So long the poor boy waits a hearing, He must not unconsoled depart. Thy cap and mantle straightway lend me! I’ll play the comedy with art. (_He disguises himself_.) My wits, be certain, will befriend me. But fifteen minutes’ time is all I need; For our fine trip, meanwhile, prepare thyself with speed! [_Exit_ FAUST.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.