{
  "meta": {
    "schema_version": "1.1",
    "endpoint": "/api/sources/goethe-works/faust/faust-ii/09-act-iv-high-mountains.json"
  },
  "work": {
    "slug": "faust-ii",
    "name": "Faust II (1832)"
  },
  "parents": [
    {
      "slug": "goethe-works",
      "name": "Works of Goethe",
      "url": "/sources/goethe-works/"
    },
    {
      "slug": "faust",
      "name": "Faust (Parts I and II)",
      "url": "/sources/faust/"
    }
  ],
  "chapter": {
    "num": 9,
    "slug": "09-act-iv-high-mountains",
    "title": "Act IV — High Mountains",
    "of": 12,
    "words": 8519,
    "text": "Strong, serrated rocky peaks. A cloud approaches, pauses, and settles\ndown upon @ projecting ledge. It then divides.\n\nFaust (steps forth).\n\nOWN-GAZING on the deepest solitudes below,\nI tread deliberately this summit's lonely edge,\nRelinquishing my cloudy car, which hither bore\nMe softly through the shining day o'er land and sea.\nUnscattered, slowly moved, it separates from me.\nOff eastward strives the mass with rounded, rolling march:\nAnd strives the eye, amazed, admiring, after it.\nIn motion it divides, in wave-like, changeful guise ;\nYet seems to shape a figure.\"9—- Yes! mine eyes not\nerr! —\nOn sun-illumined pillows beauteously reclined,\nColossal, truly, but a godlike woman-form,\n\n314 Faust.\n\nIsee! The like of Juno, Leda, Helena,\n\nMajestically lovely, floats before my sight!\n\nAh, now 't is broken! 'Towering broad and formlessly,\n\nIt rests along the east like distant icy hills,\n\nAnd shapes the grand significance of fleeting days.\n\nYet still there clings a light and delicate band of mist\n\nAround my breast and brow, caressing, cheering me.\n\nNow light, delayingly, it soars and higher soars,\n\nAnd folds together. — Cheats me an ecstatic form,\n\nAs early-youthful, long-foregone and highest bliss?\n\nThe first glad treasures of my deepest heart break forth;\n\nAurora's love, so light of pinion, is its type,\n\nThe swiftly-felt, the first, scarce-comprehended glance,\n\nOutshining every treasure, when retained and held.\n\nLike Spiritual Beauty mounts the gracious Form,\n\nDissolving not, but lifts itself through ether far,\n\nAnd from my inner being bears the best away.\n\n(4 Seven-league Boot trips forward : 13° another immediately follows.\nMEPHISTOPHELES steps out of them. The Boots stride onward in\nhaste.) |\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nI call that genuine forward-striding !\nBut what thou mean'st, I'd have thee own,\n\nThat in such horrors art abiding,\n\nAct IV.\n\nAmid these yawning Jags of stone?\nIt was not here I learned to know them well;\n\nSuch was, indeed, the bottom-ground of Hell.\n\nFaust.\n\nIn foolish legends thou art never lacking ;\n\nAgain thy store thou set'st about unpacking.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES (seriously).\n\nWhen God the Lord — wherefore, I also know, —\nBanned us from air to darkness deep and central,\nWhere round and round, in fierce, intensest glow,\nEternal fires were whirled in Earth's hot entrail,\nWe found ourselves too much illuminated,\n\n; Yet crowded and uneasily situated.\n\nThe Devils all set up a coughing, sneezing,\n\nAt every vent without cessation wheezing :\n\nWith sulphur-stench and acids Hell dilated,\n\nAnd such enormous gas was thence created,\n\nThat very soon Earth's level, far extended,\n\nThick as it was, was heaved, and split, and rended !\nThe thing is plain, no theories o'ercome it:\n\nWhat formerly was bottom, now is summit.\n\nHereon they base the law there 's no disputing,\n\n316 faust.\n\nTo give the undermost the topmost footing :\nFor we escaped from fiery dungeons there\nTo overplus of lordship of the air ; —\n\nA mystery manifest and well concealed,'3!\n\nAnd to the people only late revealed.\n\nFaust.\nTo me are mountain-masses grandly dumb:\nI ask not, Whence? and ask not, Why? they come.\nWhen Nature in herself her being founded,\nComplete and perfect then the globe she rounded,\nGlad of the summits and the gorges deep, |\nSet rock to rock, and mountain steep to steep,\nThe hills with easy outlines downward moulded,\nTill gently from their feet the vales unfolded !\nThey green and grow; with joy therein she ranges,\n\nRequiring no insane, convulsive changes.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nYes, so you talk! You think it clear as sun;\nBut he knows otherwise, who saw it done.\nFor I was there, while still below was surging\nThe red abyss, and streamed the flaming tide, —\nWhen Moloch's hammer, welding rocks and forging,\n\nScattered the mountain-ruins far and wide.\n\nAct IV. 317\n\nO'er all the land the foreign blocks you spy there ; \"3?\nWho solves the force that hurled them to their place?\nThe lore of learned men is all awry there ;\n\nThere lies the rock, and we must let it lie there;\nWe 've thought already — to our own disgrace.\n\nOnly the common, faithful people know,\n\nAnd nothing shakes them in their firm believing:\nTheir wisdom ripened long ago, —\n\nA marvel 't is, of Satan's own achieving.\n\nOn crutch of faith my traveller climbs the ridges,\nPast Devil's Rocks and over Devil's Bridges.\n\nFaust.\n\nWell, —'t is remarkable and new\n\nTo note how Devils Nature view.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nWhat's allto me? Her shape let Nature wear!\nThe point of honor is, the Devil was there!\nWe are the folk to compass grand designs:\nTumult, and Force, and Nonsense! See the signs! —\nYet now, with sober reason to address thee,\nDid nothing on our outside shell impress thee?\nFrom this exceeding height thou saw'st unfurled\n\nThe glory of the Kingdoms of the World.%33\n\n318 Faust.\n\nYet, as thou art, unsatisfied,\n\nDidst feel no lust of power and pride?\n\nFaust.\n\nI did! A mighty plan my fancy won:\nCanst guess it?\n\n. MEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nThat is quickly done.\nI'd take some town, —a capital, perchance, —\nIts core, the people's need of sustenance;\nWith crooked alleys, pointed gables,\nBeets, cabbage, onions, on the market-tables ;\nWith meat-stands, where the blue flies muster,\nAnd round fat joints like gourmands cluster :\nThere shalt thou find, undoubtedly,\nStench, always, and activity.\nThen ample squares, and streets whose measure\nAssumes an air of lordly leisure ;\nAnd last, without a gate to bar,\nThe boundless suburbs stretching far.\n\"T were joy to see the coaches go,\nThe noisy crowding to and fro,\nThe endless running, hither, thither,\n\nOf scattered ants that stream together:\n\nAct LV. 319\n\nAnd whether walking, driving, riding,\nEver their central point abiding,\nHonored by thousands, should be I.\n\nFaust.\n\nTherewith I would not be contented!\nOne likes to see the people multiply,\nAnd in their wise with comfort fed, —\nDeveloped even, taught, well-bred,\nYet one has only, when all's said,\n\nThe sum of rebels thus augmented.™\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nThen I should build, with conscious power and grace,\nA pleasure-castle in a pleasant place;\n\nWhere hill and forest, level, meadow, field,\n\nGrandly transformed, should park and garden yield.\nBefore green walls of foliage velvet meadows,\n\nWith ordered paths and artful-falling shadows ;\nPlunge of cascades o'er rocks with skill combined,\nAnd fountain-jets of every form and kind,\n\nThere grandly shooting upwards from the middle,\nWhile round the sides a thousand spirt and piddle.\n\nThen for the fairest women, fresh and rosy,\n\n320 faust.\n\nI'd build a lodge, convenient and cosey ;\n\nAnd so the bright and boundless time I should\n- Pass in the loveliest social solitude.\n\nWomen, I say ; and, once for all, believe\n\nThat in the plural I the sex conceive!\n\nFaust.\n\nSardanapalus! Modern, — poor!\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nThen might one guess whereunto thou hast striven?\nBoldly-sublime it was, I'm sure.\nSince nearer to the moon thy flight was driven,\n\nWould now thy mania that realm secure?\n\nFaust.\n\nNot so! This sphere of earthly soil\nStill gives us room for lofty doing.\nAstounding plans e'en now are brewing:\n\nI feel new strength for bolder toil.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nSo, thou wilt Glory earn? 'T is plain to see —\n\nThat heroines have been thy company.\n\nAct IV.\n\nFaust.\n\nPower and Estate to win, inspires my thought!\n\nThe Deed is everything, the Glory naught.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nYet Poets shall proclaim the matter,\nThy fame to future ages flatter,\nBy folly further folly scatter |\n\nFaust.\n\nAll that is far beyond thy reach.\nHow canst thou know what men beseech?\nThy cross-grained self, in malice banned,\n\nHow can it know what men demand?\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nAccording to thy will so let it be! .\n\nConfide the compass of thy whims to me!\n\nFaust.\n\nMine eye was drawn to view the open Ocean : \"35\n\nIt swelled aloft, self-heaved and over-vaulting,\n\nAnd then withdrew, and shook its waves in motion, _\n\nAgain the breadth of level strand assaulting.\n| 45\n\n322 Faust.\n\nThen I was vexed, since arrogance can spite\nThe spirit free, which values every right,\n\nAnd through excited passion of the blood\nDiscomfort it, as did the haughty flood. -\n\nI thought it chance, my vision did I strain ;\nThe billow paused, then thundered back again,\nRetiring from the goal so proudly won:\n\nThe hour returns, the sport 's once more begun.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES (ad spectatores).\n\n*T is nothing new whatever that one hears;\n&\n\nI've known it many a hundred thousand years.\n\nFaust\n\n(continuing impassionedly).\nThe Sea sweeps on, in thousand quarters flowing,\nItself unfruitful, barrenness bestowing ;\nIt breaks and swells, and rolls, and overwhelms\nThe desert stretch of desolated realms.\nThere endless waves hold sway, in strength erected\nAnd then withdrawn, — and nothing is effected.\nIf aught could drive me to despair, 't were, truly,\nThe aimless force of elements unruly.\n\nThen dared my mind its dreams to over-soar :\n\nAd IV. 323\n\nHere would I fight, — subdue this fierce uproar!\nAnd possible 't is! — Howe'er the tides may fill,\nThey gently fawn around the steadfast hill;\n\nA moderate height resists and drives asunder,\n\nA moderate depth allures and leads them on.\n\nSo, swiftly, plans within my mind were drawn:\n~ Let that high joy be mine forevermore,\n\nTo shut the lordly Ocean from the shore,\n\nThe watery waste to limit and to bar,\n\nAnd push it back upon itself afar!\n\nFrom step to step I settled how to fight it:\nSuch is my wish: dare thou to expedite it!\n\n(Drums and martial music in the rear of the spectators, from the dis-\n\ntance, on the right hand.)\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nHow easy, that !|— Hear'st thou the drums afar?\n\nFaust.\n\nWho's wise likes not to hear of coming war.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nIn War or Peace, 't is wise to use the chance,\n\nAnd draw some profit from each circumstance,\n\n324 faust.\n\nOne watches, marks the moment, and is bold:\n\nHere 's opportunity ! — now, Faust, take hold!\n\nFaust.\n\nSpare me the squandering of thy riddle-pelf!\nWhat means it, once for all? Explain thyself!\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nUpon my way, to me it was discovered\n\nThat mighty troubles o'er the Emperor hovered: __\nThou knowest him. The while we twain, beside him,\nWith wealth illusive bounteously supplied him,\n\nThen all the world was to be had for pay;\n\nFor as a youth he held imperial sway,\n\nAnd he was pleased to try it, whether\n\nBoth interests would not smoothly pair,\n\nSince 't were desirable and fair\n\nTo govern and enjoy, together.\n\nFaust.\n\nA mighty error! He who would command\nMust in commanding find his highest blessing :\nThen, let his breast with force of will expand,\n\nBut what he wills, be past another's guessing !\n\nAct IV. 325\n\nWhat to his faithful he hath whispered, that\nIs turned to act, and men amaze thereat:\nThus will he ever be the highest-placed\n\nAnd worthiest ! — Enjoyment makes debased.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nSuch is he not! He did enjoy, even he!\nMeanwhile the realm was torn by anarchy,\nWhere great and small were warring with each other,\nAnd brother drove and slaughtered brother,\nCastle to castle, town 'gainst town arrayed,\nThe nobles and the guilds of trade,\nThe Bishop, with his chapter and congregation, —\nAll meeting eyes but looked retaliation.\nIn churches death and murder; past the gates,\nThe merchants travelled under evil fates ;\nAnd all grew bolder, since no rule was drawn\n\nFor life, but: Self-defence !— So things went on.\nFaust.\nThey went, they limped, they fell, arose again,\nThen tumbled headlong, and in heaps remain.\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nSuch a condition no man dared abuse.\n\nEach would be something, each set forth his dues;\n\n326 faust.\n\nThe smallest even as full-measured passed :\nYet for the best it grew too bad at last.\n\nThe Capable, they then arose with energy,\nAnd said: '\" Who gives us Peace, shall ruler be.\nThe Emperor can and will not! — Be elected\nAn Emperor new, anew the realm directed,\nEach one secure and sheltered stand,\n\nAnd in a fresh-constructed land\n\nJustice and Peace be mated and perfected!\"\n\nFaust.\nPriest-like, that sounds.\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nPriests were they, to be sure;\n| They meant their well-fed bellies to secure;\nThey, more than all, therein were implicated.'3°\nThe riot rose, the riot was consecrated,\n\nAnd now our Emperor, whom we gave delight,\n\nComes hitherward, perchance for one last fight.\nFaust.\nI pity him; he was so frank, forgiving.\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nCome we 'Il look on! There 's hope while one is living!\n\nLet us release him from this narrow valley !\n\nAct IV. 327\n\nHe's saved a thousand times, if once he rally.\n\nWho knows how yet the dice may fall?\n\nIf he has fortune, vassals come withal.\n\n[ They cross over the middle range of mountains, and view the arrange-\nment of the army in the valley. Drums and military music resound\nfrom below. |\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nA good position is, I see, secured them ;\n\nWe 'Il join, then victory will be assured them.\n\nFaust.\n\nWhat further, I should like to know?\nCheat! Blind delusion! Hollow show!\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nNo,—stratagems, for battle-winning !\nBe steadfast for the grand beginning,\nAnd think upon thy lofty aim!\nIf we secure the realm its rightful claimant,\nThen shalt thou boldly kneel, and claim\n\nThe boundless strand in feoff, as payment.\n\nFaust.\n\nIn many arts didst thou excel :\n\nCome, win a battle now, as well!\n\n328 faust. -\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nNo, thou shalt win it! Here, in brief,\nShalt thou be General-in-Chief.\n\nFaust.\n\nA high distinction: thou wouldst lend, —\n\nThere to command, where naught I comprehend!\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nLeave to the Staff the work and blame,\nThen the Field-Marshal 's sure of fame!\nOf War-Uncouncils I have had enough,\nAnd my War-Council fashion of the stuff\nOf primal mountains' primal human might:\n\nHe's blest, for whom its elements unite!\n\nFaust.\n\nWhat do I see, with arms, in yonder place?\n\nHast thou aroused the mountain-race?\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nNo! But I've brought, like Peter Squence,'37\nFrom all the raff the quintessence.\n\nThe Three Mighty Men appear.*38\n\nAct LV. 329\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nMy fellows draw already near !\n\nThou seest, of very different ages,\n\nOf different garb and armor they appear :\nThey will not serve thee ill when battle rages.\n\n(Ad spectatores.)\n\nNow every child delights to see\n\nThe harness and the helm of knightly action ;\nAnd allegoric, as the blackguards be,\n\nThey ll only all the more give satisfaction.\n\nButy\n(young, lightly armed, clad in motley).\nWhen one shall meet me, face to face,\nMy fisticuffs shall on his chops be showered ;\nAnd midway in his headlong race,\n\nFast by his flying hair I ll catch the coward.\n\nHaveguick\n(manly, well-armed, richly clad).\nSuch empty brawls are only folly!\nThey spoil whate'er occasion brings.\nIn taking, be unwearied wholly,\nAnd after, look to other things!\n\n330 faust.\n\nHo.prast\n(well in years, strongly-armed, without raiment).\n\nYet little gain thereafter lingers !\n\nSoon slips great wealth between your fingers,\nBorne by the tides of Life as down they run.\n*T is well to take, indeed, but better still to hold:\nBe by the gray old churl controlled,\nAnd thou shalt plundered be by none.\n\n(They descend the mountain together.)\n\nAct LV. 331\n\nII.\nON THE HEADLAND.139\nDrums and military music from below. The EMPEROR'S éent is pitched.\n\nEMPEROR. GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. DLiFE-GUARDSMEN.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\nT still appears the prudentest of courses\nThat here, in this appropriate vale,\nWe have withdrawn and strongly massed our forces:\n\nI firmly trust we shall not fail.\n\nEMPEROR.\nWhat comes of it will soon be brought to light ;\nYet I dislike this yielding, semi-flight.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\nLook down, my Prince, where our right flank is planted!\nThe field which War desires hath here been granted :\nNot steep the hills, yet access not preparing,\n\nTo us advantage, to the foe insnaring ;\n\n332 faust.\n\nTheir cavalry will hardly dare surround\nOur strength half hid, on undulating ground.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nMy commendation, only, need I speak ;\n\nNow arm and courage have the test they seek.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF,\n\nHere, on the middle meadow's level spaces\n\nThou seest the phalanx, eager in their places.\n\nIn air the lances gleam and sparkle, kissed\n\nBy sunshine, through the filmy morning mist.\n\nHow darkling sways the grand and powerful square!\nThe thousands burn for great achievements there.\nTherein canst thou perceive the strength of masses ;\n\nAnd thine, be sure, the foemen's strength surpasses.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nNow first do I enjoy the stirring sight:\nAn army, thus, appears of double might.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\nBut of our left I've no report to make.\n\nBrave heroes garrison the rocky brake;\n\nAct IV. 333\n\nThe stony cliffs, by gleams of weapons specked,\n- The entrance to the close defile protect.\nHere, as I guess, the foemen's force will shatter,\n\nForced unawares upon the bloody matter.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nAnd there they march, false kin, one like the other !\nEven as they styled me Uncle, Cousin, Brother,\nAssuming more, and ever more defying,\n\nThe sceptre's power, the throne's respect, denying ;\nThen, in their feuds, the realm they devastated,\nAnd now as Rebels march, against me mated |!\nAwhile with halting minds the masses go,\n\nThen ride the stream, wherever it may flow.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\nA faithful man, sent out some news to win,\n\nComes down the rocks: may he have lucky been!\n\nFirst Spy.\n\nLuckily have we succeeded ;\nHelped by bold and cunning art,\nHere and there have pressed, and heeded,\n\nBut 't is ill news we impart.\n\n334 Faust.\n\nMany, purest homage pledging,\nLike the faithful, fealty swore, —\nFor inertness now alleging\n\nPeople's danger, strife in store.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nThey learn from selfishness self-preservation,\nNot duty, honor, grateful inclination.\nYou do not think that, when your reckoning 's shown,\n\nThe neighbor's burning house shall fire your own!\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\n~The Second comes, descending slowly hither ;\nA weary man, whose strength appears to wither.\n\n'\n_ SECOND Spy.\n\nFirst with comfort we detected\nWhat their plan confused was worth;\nThen, at once and unexpected,\n\nCame another Emperor forth.\n\nAs he bids, in ordered manner\nMarch the gathering hosts away ;\nHis unfolded lying banner\n\nAll have followed. — Sheep are they !\n\nAct IV. a2\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nNow, by a Rival Emperor shall I gain:\n\nThat Jam Emperor, thus to me is plain.\n\nBut as a soldier I the mail put on;\n\nNow for a higher aim the sword be drawn!\n\nAt all my shows, however grand to see,\n\nDid nothing lack: but Danger lacked, fo me.\nThough you but tilting at the ring suggested,\nMy heart beat high to be in tourney tested ;\nAnd had you not from war my mind dissuaded,\nFor glorious deeds my name were now paraded.\nBut independence then did I acquire,\n\nWhen I stood mirrored in the realm of fire:\n\nIn the dread element I dared to stand ; —\n\n'T was but a show, and yet the show was grand,\nOf fame and victory I have dreamed alone;\n\nBut for the base neglect I now atone !\n\n(The Heratps are despatched to challenge the Rival Emperor to single\n\ncombat.)\n\nFaust enters, in armor, with half-closed visor. The THREE\n\nMicuty Men, armed and clothed, as already described.\n\nFaust.\n\nWe come, and hope our coming is not chidden ;\n\n336 | faust. :\n\nPrudence may help, though by the need unbidden.\nThe mountain race, thou know'st, think and explore, —\nOf Nature and the rocks they read the lore.\n\nThe Spirits, forced from the level land to sever,\nAre of the rocky hills more fain than ever.\n\nSilent, they work through labyrinthine passes,\n\nIn rich, metallic fumes of noble gases,\n\nOn solving, testing, blending, most intent :\n\nTheir only passion, something to invent.\n\nWith gentle touch of spiritual power\n\nThey build transparent fabrics, hour by hour ;\n\nFor they, in crystals and their silence, furled,'4\nBehold events that rule the Upper World.\n\nEMPEROR.\nI understand it, and can well agree;\n\nBut say, thou gallant man, what 's that to me?\n\nFaust.\n\nThe Sabine old, the Norcian necromancer,\"\nThy true and worthy servant, sends thee answer :\nWhat fearful fate it was, that overhung him!\nThe fagots crackled, fire already stung him;.\nThe billets dry were closely round him fixed,\n\nWith pitch and rolls of brimstone intermixed ;\n\nAc LV. . 337\n\nNot Man, nor God, nor Devil, him could save, —\nThe Emperor plucked him from his fiery grave.\nIt was in Rome. Still is he bound unto thee ;\nUpon thy path his anxious thoughts pursue thee ;\nHimself since that dread hour forgotten, he\nQuestions the stars, the depths, alone for thee.\n\nUs he commissioned, by the swiftest courses\n\nThee to assist. Great are the mountain's forces;\nThere Nature works all-potently and free,\nThough stupid priests therein but magic see.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nOn days of joy, when we the guests are greeting,\n\nWho for their gay delight are gayly meeting,\n\nEach gives us pleasure, as they push and pull,\n\nAnd crowd, man after man, the chambers full;\n\nYet chiefly welcome is the brave man, thus,\n\nWhen as a bold ally he brings to us\n\nNow, in the fateful morning hour, his talents,\n\nWhile Destiny uplifts her trembling balance.\n\nYet, while the fates of this high hour unfold,\n\nThy strong hand from the willing sword withhold, —\n\nHonor the moment, when the hosts are striding,\n\nFor or against me, to the field deciding !\n\nSelf is the Man!'42, Who crown and throne would claim\n\n338 | faust.\n\nMust personally be worthy of the same.\n\nAnd may the Phantom, which against us stands,\nThe self-styled Emperor, Lord of all our lands,\nThe army's Duke, our Princes' feudal head,\nWith mine own hand be hurled among the dead!\n\nFaust.\nHowe'er the need that thy great work be finished,\nRisked were thy head, the chances were diminished.\nIs not the helm adorned with plume and crest?\nThe head it shields, that steels our courage best.\nWithout a head, what should the members bridle?\nLet it but sleep, they sink supine and idle.\nIf it be injured, all the hurt confess in 't,\nAnd all revive, when it is convalescent.\nThen soon the arm its right shall reassert,\nAnd lift the shield to save the skull from hurt:\nThe sword perceives at once its honored trust,\nParries with vigor, and repeats the thrust :\nThe gallant foot its share of luck will gain,\nAnd plants itself upon the necks of slain.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nSuch is my wrath; I'd meet him thus, undaunted,\n\nAnd see his proud head as my footstool planted!\n\nAct IV. 339\n\nHeratps (returning).\nLittle honor was accorded ;\nWe have met with scorn undoubted:\nOur defiance, nobly worded,\nAs an empty farce they flouted:\n\"Lo, your Lord is but a vision, —\nEcho of a vanished prime:\nWhen we name him, says Tradition :\n\n'He was — once upon a time!'\"\n\nFaust.\n\nIt's happened as the best would fain have planned,\nWho, firm and faithful, still beside thee stand.\nThere comes the foe, thy army waits and wishes;\n\nOrder attack! the moment is auspicious.\n\nEMPEROR.\nYet I decline to exercise command.\n\n(To the GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.)\n\nThy duty, Prince, be trusted to thy hand!\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\nThen let the right wing now advance apace!\n\nThe enemy's left, who just begin ascending,\n\n340 Faust.\n\nShall, ere the movement close, give up their place,\n\nBefore the youthful force our field defending.\n\nFaust.\nPermit me, then, that this gay hero may\nBe stationed in thy ranks, without delay, —\nThat with thy men most fully he consort,\nAnd thus incorporate, ply his vigorous sport!\n(He points to the Micuty Man on the right.)\n\nButty (coming forward).*43\n\nWho shows his face to me, before he turn\n\nShall find his cheekbones and his chops are shattered :\n\nWho shows his back, one sudden blow shall earn,\n\nThen head and pig-tail dangling hang, and battered !\n\nAnd if thy men, like me, will lunge\nWith mace and sword, beside each other,\nMan over man the foe shall plunge\n\nAnd in their own deep blood shall smother !\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\nLet then our centre phalanx follow slow, —\nEngage with caution, yet with might, the foe!\nThere to the right, already overtaken,\n\nOur furious force their plan has rudely shaken!\n\n(Exit.\n\nAct IV. 341\n\nFaust (pointing to the middle one).\n\nLet also this one now obey thy word!\n\nHaveguick (comes forward).\nUnto the host's heroic duty\nShall now be joined the thirst for booty ;\nAnd be the goal, where all are sent,\nThe Rival Emperor's sumptuous tent!\nHe shall not long upon his seat be lorded:\nTo lead the phalanx be to me accorded!\n\nSPEEDBOOTY\n(sutleress, fawning upon him).\nThough never tied to him by priest,\nHe is my sweetheart dear, at least.\nOur autumn 't is, of ripest gold!\nWoman is fierce when she takes hold,\nAnd when she robs, 1s merciless:\n\nAll is allowed, so forth to victory press!\n[Exeunt both.\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\nUpon our left, as was to be foreseen,\nTheir right is strongly hurled. Yon rocks between,\nOurs will resist their furious beginning,\n\nAnd hinder them the narrow pass from winning.\n\n342 Faust.\n\nFaust\n\n(deckons to the Micuty Man on the left).\n\nI beg you, Sire, let this one also aid ;\n\n'T is well when even the strong are stronger made.\n\nHotprast (coming forwards).\nNow let the left wing have no fear!\nThe ground is surely held, where I appear:\nI am the Ancient you were told of :\n\nNo lightning splits what I keep hold of!\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES\n(descending from above).\n\nAnd now behold, how, more remote,\n\nFrom every jagged rocky throat\n\nComes forth an arméd host, increasing,\n\nDown every narrow pathway squeezing,\n\nWith helm and harness, sword and spear,\n\nA living rampart in our rear,\n\nAnd wait the sign to charge the foemen!\n(Aside, to the knowing ones.)\n\nYou must not ask whence comes the omen.\n\nI have not been a careless scout,\n\nBut cleared the halls of armor round about.\n\n[ Exit.\n\nAct LV. 343\n\nThey stood a-foot, they sat on horses,\n\nLike Lords of Earth and real forces:\n\nOnce Emperors, Kings, and Knights were they, |\nNow empty shells, — the snails have crawled away.\nFull many ghosts, arrayed so, have for us\nRevamped the Middle Ages thus.\n\nWhatever Devils now the shells select,\n\nThis once 't will still create effect.\n( Aloud.)\n\nHark! in advance they stir their anger,\n\nEach jostling each with brassy clangor!\n\nThe banner-rags of standards flutter flowing,\nThat restless waited for the breeze's blowing.\nHere standeth ready, now, an ancient race;\nIn the new conflict it would fain have place.\n\n(Tremendous peal of trumpets from above: a perceptible wavering in\n\nthe hostile army.)\n\nFaust.\n\nThe near horizon dims and darkles;\nYet here and there with meaning sparkles\nA ruddy and presaging glow ; 4\n\nThe blades are red where strife is sorest,\n\n344 Faust.\n\nThe atmosphere, the rocks, the forest,\n\nThe very heavens the combat show.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nThe right flank holds its ground with vigor :\nThere, towering over all, defiant,\nJack Bully works, the nimble giant,\n\nAnd drives them with his wonted rigor.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nI first beheld one arm uplifted,\nBut now a dozen tossed and shifted:\n\nUnnatural such things appear.\n\nFaust.\n\nHast thou not heard of vapors banded,\nO'er the Sicilian coasts expanded ?\nThere, hovering in daylight clear,\nWhen mid-air gleams in rarer phases,\nAnd mirrored in especial hazes,\n\nA vision wonderful awakes:\n\nThere back and forth are cities bending,\nWith gardens rising and descending,\n\nAs form on form the ether breaks.\n\nAct IV. 345\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nYet how suspicious! I behold\n\nThe tall spears tipped with gleams of gold:\nUpon our phalanx' shining lances\n\nA nimble host of flamelets dances:\n\nToo spectral it appears to me.\n\nFaust.\n\nPardon me, Lord, those are the traces\nOf spirits of the vanished races, —\nThe fires of Pollux and of Castor,\nWhom seamen call on in disaster :\n\nThey here collect their final strength for thee.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nBut say, to whom are we indebted,\nThat Nature hath our plans abetted,\nWith shows of rarest potency ?\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nTo whon, indeed, but that old Roman\nWhose care for thee at last is proved?\nBy the strong menace of thy foemen\nHis deepest nature has been moved.\n\n346 Faust.\n\nHis gratitude would see thee now delivered,\n\nThough his own being for thy sake be shivered.\n\n| Emperor.\nThey cheered my march, with every pomp invested ;\nI felt my power, I meant to see it tested ;\nSo, carelessly, I found it well, as ruler,\nTo send the white beard where the air was cooler.\nI robbed the Clergy of a pleasant savor,\nAnd, truly, have not thus acquired their favor.\nShall I, at last, since many years are over,\n\nThe payment for that merry deed recover?\n\nFaust.\nFree-hearted help heaps interest :\nLook up, and cease to watch the foemen!\nMethinks that 4e will send an omen:\n\nAttend! the sign is now expressed.\"45\n\nEmperor.\n\nAn Eagle hovers in the heavenly vault :\n\nA Griffin follows, menacing assault.\n\nFaust.\n\nGive heed! It seems most favorable.\nThe Griffin is a beast of fable:\n\nAct IV.\n\nHow dare he claim a rival regal,\n\nAnd meet in fight a genuine Eagle?\n\nEMPEROR.\nAnd now, in circles wide extended,\nThey wheel involved, — then, like a flash,\nUpon each other swiftly dash,\nThat necks be cleft and bodies rended !\n\nFaust.\nMark now the evil Griffin quail !\nRumpled and torn, the foe he feareth,\nAnd with his drooping lion's-tail,\nPlunged in the tree-tops, disappeareth.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nEven as presaged, so may it be!\n\nI take the sign, admiringly.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES (towards the right).\n\nFrom the force of blows repeated\n\nHave our enemies retreated ;\n\nAnd in fight uncertain, shifting,\n\nTowards their right they now are drifting,\nThus confusing, by their courses,\n\nAll the left flank of their forces.\n\n348 Faust.\n\nSee! our phalanx, firmly driven,\nMoves to right, and, like the levin,\nStrikes them in the weak position. —\nNow, like waves in wild collision,\nEqual powers, with rage opposing,\nIn the double fight are closing.\nGloriously the weapons rattle;\n\nWe, at last, have won the battle!\n\nEMPEROR\n(on the left, to Faust).\n\nLook! it yonder seems suspicious ;\nFor our post the luck 's capricious.\nNot a stone I see them throw there;\nMounted are the rocks below there,\nAnd the upper ones deserted.\n\nNow !— to one huge mass converted\nNearer moves the foe, unshaken,\nAnd perchance the pass hath taken.\nSuch the unholy plan's conclusion !\nAll your arts are but delusion.\n\nPause.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nThere come my ravens, croaking presage ;\n\nAct IV.\n\nWhat nature, then, may be their message?\n\nI fear we stand in evil plight.\n\nEMPEROR.\nWhat mean these fatal birds enchanted ?\nTheir inky sails are hither slanted,\nHot from the rocky field of fight.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES (fo the Ravens).\n\nSit at mine ears, your flight retarded!\nHe is not lost whom you have guarded ;\n\nYour counsel 's logical and right.\n\nFaust (to the EMPEROR).\nThou hast, of course, been told of pigeons,\nTaught to return from distant regions ,\nTo nests upon their native coast.\nHere, differently, the plan 's succeeded ;\nThe pigeon-post for Peace is needed,\n\nBut War requires the raven-post.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nThe birds announce us sore mischances.\nSee, yonder, how the foe advances\n\nAgainst our heroes' rocky wall,\n\n350 Faust.\n\nThe nearest heights even now attaining!\nShould they succeed the pass in gaining,\n\nOur fortunes, then, were critical.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nDefeat and cheat at last are on me!\nInto your meshes you have drawn me:\n\nI shudder, since they bind me fast.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nCourage! Not yet the die is cast.\nPatience and knack, for knot-untying!\nThe close will be the fiercest stand.\nSure messengers for me are flying:\n\nCommand that I may give command!\n\nGENERAL-IN-CHIEF\n(who has meanwhile arrived).\n\nTo follow these hast thou consented ;\nThence all the time was I tormented:\nNo fortune comes of jugglery.\n\nThe battle 's lost, I cannot mend it;\n\n\"T was they began, and they may end it:\nMy baton I return to thee.\n\nAct LV. 351\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nRetain it for the better season\nWhich Fortune still to us may send!\nI dread the customers with reason, —\nThe ravens and their ugly friend.\n\n(To MEPHISTOPHELES.)\nAs for the baton, thou must leave it;\nThou 'rt not, methinks, the proper man.\nCommand the fight, canst thou retrieve it!\nLet happen all that happen can!\n\n[ Exit into the tent with the GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nThe blunt stick still be his protection !\n°T would naught avail in our direction ;\n\nThere was a sort of Cross thereon.\n\nFaust.\n\nWhat 's to be done?\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nThe thing is done ! 146 —\nNow, my black cousins, speed upon your duties\nTo the mountain-lake! The Undines, watery beauties,\n\nEntreat, the appearance of their floods to spare!\n\n=\n\n352 Faust.\n\nBy female arts, beyond our sharpest seeing, A\nThey can divide the Appearance from the Being, ~\nAnd all will swear the Being 's there! i ea\n\nPause.\n\nFaust.\n\nOur ravens must, with flattery beladen,\n\nHave sweetly coaxed each winsome water-maiden ;\nThe trickling streams at once descend.\n\nThe bald and rocky shoulders of the mountains\nGive birth to full and swiftly-flowing fountains ;\n\nTheir victory is at an end.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nTo such reception they 're not used :\n\nThe boldest climbers grow confused.\n\nFaust.\n\nNow brook roars down to brook with mighty bubble;\nThen from the mouths of glens they issue double,\nAnd fling themselves, in arches, o'er the pale ;\n\nThen suddenly spread along the rocky level,\n\nAnd to and fro foam onward in their revel,\n\nAs down a stairway hurled into the vale.\n\nAct IV. 353\n\nWhat boots their gallant, hero-like resistance?\nThe billow bursts, and bears them down the distance;\n\nBefore such wild uproar even I must quail.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\n\nNothing I see of all this moist illusion:\n\nTo human eyes, alone, it brings confusion,\nAnd in the wondrous chance I take delight.\nThey fly in headlong, hurried masses ;\n\nThat they are drowning, think the asses :\nThough on the solid land, they see an ocean,\nAnd run absurdly with a swimming motion.\n\nIt is a most bewildering plight.\n(The Ravens return.)\n\nTo the high Master will I praise you duly ;\n\nBut would you test yourselves as masters fully,\n\nThen hasten to that smithy eerie,\n\nWhere the dwarf-people, never weary,\n\nHammer the sparks from ore and stone.\n\nDemand, while there you prate and flatter,\n\nA fire to shine, and shoot, and scatter,\n\nAs in the highest sense 't is known. |\n\n\"T is true that distant lightning, quivering far-lights,\n\nAnd falling, quick as wink, of highest star-lights,\n\n3 54 Faust.\n\nMay happen any summer night ;\n\nBut lightning, loose among the tangled bushes,\nAnd stars that hiss and fizzle in the rushes,\nAre shows that seldom meet the sight.\n\nTake no great pains, you understand ;\n\nBut first entreat, and then command!\n(Exeunt the Ravens. All takes place as prescribed.)\nUpon the foe falls Night's thick curtain,\n\nAnd step and march become uncertain !\nIn every quarter wandering blazes,\n\nAnd sudden glare, that blinds and dazes! .\nAll that seems fine; yet we should hear\n\nTheir wild, commingled cries of fear.\n\nFaust.\n\nThe hollow armor from the vaulted chambers\nIn the free air its ancient strength remembers :\nIt rattles there, and clatters all around, —\n\nA wonderful, a cheating sound.\n\nMEPHISTOPHELES.\nQuite right! The forms there's no restraining :\n\nAlready knightly whacks are raining,\nAs in the splendid times of old.\n\nAct IV. —- acs\n\nThe brassarts there, as well as cuisses,\nAre Guelfs and Ghibellines ; and this is\nRenewal of the feud they hold.\n\nFirm in transmitted hate they anchor,\nAnd show implacably their rancor :\nNow far and wide the noise hath rolled.\nAt last, the Devils find a hearty\nAdvantage in the hate of Party,\n\nTill dread and ruin end the tale:\nRepulsive sounds of rage and panic,\nWith others, piercing and Satanic,\nResound along the frightened vale!\n(Warlike tumult in the Orchestra, finally passing into lively martial\n\nmeasures.)\n\n356 Faust.\n\n1 0 0 Ps\n\n' ng. e\nee aia or Sai\n\nTHE RIVAL EMPEROR'S TENT.\nTHRONE: RicH SURROUNDINGS.\nHaveguick. SPEEDBOOTY.\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\n\nS°: we are here the first, I see!\n\nHaveEguiIck.\n\nNo raven flies so swift as we.\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\n\nO, how the treasure-piles extend!\n\nWhere shall I once begin? where end?\n\nHaveEgvlIck.\n\nBut all the space is full! And now\n\nI know not what to take, I vow!\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\n\nThis carpet is the thing I need!\nMy couch is often hard indeed.\n\nAct IV. cy,\n\nHaveEguvick.\n\nHere hangs a morning-star, so strong,\n\nThe like of which I've wanted long.\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\nThis crimson mantle, bound with gold,\n\nIs like the one my dreams foretold.\n\nHaveguick (taking the weapon).\nWith this, a man is quickly sped ;\nOne strikes him dead, and goes ahead.\nThou art already laden so,\nAnd nothing right thy sack can show.\nThis rubbish, rather, here forsake,\nAnd one of yonder caskets take!\nThe army's modest pay they hold,\nTheir bellies full of purest gold.\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\nO what a murderous weight is there!\n\nI cannot lift it, cannot bear.\n\nHavegulIcK.\n\nQuick, bend and squat to take the pack!\nI'll heave it on thy sturdy back.\n\n358 faust.\n\nSPEEDBOOTY.\n\nOme! Alack! the burden slips :\nThe weight has crushed my back and hips.\n\n(The chest falls and bursts open.)\n\nHaveEguviIck.\n\nThere lies the red gold in a heap! |\nQuick, rake and take what thou canst keep!\n\nSPEEDBOOTY (crouching down).\nQuick, let the booty fill my lap!\n'T will still be quite enough, mayhap.\n\n\\\nHaveEguick.\n\nSo! there 's enough! Now haste, and go!\n| (She rises.)\n\nThe apron has a hole, ah woe!\n'Wherever thou dost walk or stand,\n\nThou sowest treasure on the land.'47\n\nGuarRpsMEN (of our EMPEROR).\n\nWhat seek ye here with wanton eyes?\n\nYe rummage the Imperial prize!\n\nAct IV.\n\nHaveEguick.\n\nWe hazarded our limbs for pay,\nAnd now we take our share of prey.\nIn hostile tents 't is always so,\n\nAnd we are soldiers too, you know.\n\nGUARDSMEN.\n\nAmong our troops he comes to grief\nWho 's both a soldier and a thief:\nWho serves our Emperor fair and free,\n\nLet him an honest soldier be!\n\nHaveEgvick.\n\nO yes! such honesty we know:\n\n\"T is Contribution, — call it so! \"48\n\nIn the same mould you all are made:\n\"Give!\" is the password of your trade.\n\n(To SpEEDBOOTY.)\n\nWith what thou hast, the coast we 'Il clear :\n\nAs guests we are not welcome here.\n\nFirst GuaRDSMAN.\n\nWhy didst thou not at once bestow\n\nOn the scamp's face a smashing blow?\n\n[ Exeunt.\n\n360 faust,\n\nSECOND.\n\nI know not, — had not strength to strike;\n\nThey seemed to me so phantom-like.\n\nTHIRD.\n\nSomething there was disturbed my sight, —\nA flash: I could not see aright.\n\nFourtu.\nI, also, can declare it not:\nThe whole day long it was so hot,\nSo sultry, close, and terrible ;\nOne man stood firm, another fell ;\nWe groped and fought, with valor rash,\nThe foemen fell at every slash ;\nBefore one's eyes there was a mist,\nAnd something roared, and hummed, and hissed ;\nSo to the end, and here are we,\nAnd how it happened, cannot see.\n(The EMPEROR enters, accompanied by Four Princes. The\n\nGUARDSMEN retire.)\n\nEMPEROR.'499\n\nNow fare he, as he may! For us is won the battle,\nAnd o'er the plain the foe have fled like frightened cattle.\n\nAct IV. 361\n\nThe trait'rous treasure, here, the empty throne, we 've\nfound,\n\nThat, hung with tapestry, contracts the space around.\n\nEnthroned in honor we, true guardsmen us protecting,\n\nThe people's envoys are imperially expecting.\n\nThe messengers of joy arrive from every side,\n\nAnd, loyal now to us, the realm is pacified.\n\nThough in our fight, perchance, some jugglery was woven,\n\nYet, at the last, our own unaided strength we 've proven.\n\nTrue, accidents sometimes for combatants are good ;\n\nA stone may fall from heaven, on foes a shower of blood ;\n\nFrom rocky caves may ring tremendous strains of wonder,\n\nThat lift our hearts with faith, and drive the foe asunder.\n\nThe Conquered yielded, scourged by Scorn's immortal rod ;\n\nThe Victor, as he boasts, exalts the favoring God ;\n\nAnd all responsive shout, unordered, unentreated :\n\n\"We praise Thee, God our Lord!\" from million throats\nrepeated.\n\nYet as the highest praise, so rarely else expressed,\n\nI turn my pious glance on mine own grateful breast.\n\nA young and lively Prince may give his days to pleasure;\n\nHim teach the years, at last, the moment's use to measure.\n\nTherefore, without delay, I call ye, for support,\n\nBeside me, worthy Four, in realm and house and court.\n\n362 faust.\n\n(To the First.)\n\nThine was, O Prince! the host's arrangement, wise in-\nspection,\n\nThen, in the nick of time, heroic, bold direction :\n\nAct now in peace, as Time thine offices may show!\n\nArch-Marshal shalt thou be: the sword I here bestow.\n\nARCH-MARSHAL.\n\nThy faithful host, till now employed for civil order,\n\nThee and thy throne secured, shall strengthen next thy\nborder : |\n\nThen let us be allowed, when festal throngs are poured\n\nThrough thine ancestral halls, to dress for thee the board.\n\nBefore thee brightly borne, and brightly held beside thee,\n\nThy Majesty's support, the sword shall guard and guide\nthee!\n\nEmperor (0 the SECOND).\n\nHe who as gallant man can also gracious be,\n\nThou, — be: Arch-Chamberlain ! — not light the place,\nfor thee.\n\nThou art the highest now of all the house-retainers\n\nWhose strife makes service bad,— the threateners and\n\ncom plainers :\n\nAct IV. 363\n\nLet thy example be an honored sign to these,\nHow they the Prince and Court, and all, should seek to\n\nplease !\n\nArRcH-CHAMBERLAIN.\n\nTo speed thy high design, thy grace is fair precursor:\nThe Better to assist, and injure not the Worser, —\n\nBe frank, yet cunning not, and calm without deceit !\nIf thou but read my heart, I'm honored as is meet.\nBut let my fancy now to festal service hasten!\n\nThou goest to the board, I bear the golden basin,\nAnd hold thy rings for thee, that on such blissful days\nThy hands may be refreshed, as I beneath thy gaze.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nToo serious am I still, to plan such celebration ;\n\nYet be itso! We need a glad inauguration.\n(To the Tuirp.)\n\nI choose thee Arch-High-Steward! Therefore hence-\nforth be\n\nChase, poultry-yard, and manor subject unto thee!\n\nGive me at all times choice of dishes I delight in,\n\nAs with the month they come, and cooked with appetite\n\nin |\n\n364 faust.\n\nARCH-HIGH-STEWARD.\n\nA rigid fast shall be the penalty I wish,\n\nUntil before thee stands a goodly-savored dish.\n\nThe kitchen-folk shall join, and gladly heed my reasons\nTo bring the distant near and expedite the seasons.\n\nYet rare and early things shall not delight thee long:\nThy taste desires, instead, the simple and the strong.\n\nEmperor (To the Fourtn).\n\nSince here, perforce, we plan but feasts, and each is sharer,\nBe thou for me transformed, young hero, to Cup-bearer !\nArch Cup-Bearer, take heed, that all those vaults of mine\nRichly replenished be with noblest taps of wine!\nBe temperate thyself, howe'er temptation presses,\n\nNor let occasion's lure mislead thee to excesses !\n\nArcH Cup-BEarRER.\n\nMy Prince, the young themselves, if trust in them be\nshown,\n\nAre, ere one looks around, already men full-grown.\n\nI at the lordly feast shall also take my station,\n\nAnd give thy sideboard's pomp the noblest decoration\n\nOf gorgeous vessels, golden, silver, grand to see;\n\nYet first the fairest cup will I select for thee, —\n\nAct IV. 365\n\nA clear Venetian glass, good cheer within it waiting,\nHelping the taste of wine, yet ne'er intoxicating.\nOne oft confides too much on such a treasured store:\n\nThy moderation, though, High Lord, protects thee more.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nWhat, in this earnest hour, for you have I intended,\nFrom valid mouth confidingly you 've comprehended.\nThe Emperor's word is great, his gift is therefore sure,\nBut needs, for proper force, his written signature :\n\nThe high sign-manual fails. Here, for commission needful,\n\nI see the right man come, of thg right moment heedful.\n\n(The ARcHBISHOP-ARCH-CHANCELLOR enters.)\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nIf in the keystone of the arch the vault confide,\n\n\"T is then securely built, for endless time and tide.\n\nThou seest four Princes here! To them we've just ex-\npounded\n\nHow next our House and Court shall be more stably\nfounded. a\n\nNow, all the realm contains, within its bounds enclosed,\n\nShall be, with weight and power, upon Ye Five imposed !\n\n366 faust.\n\nYour landed wealth shall be before all others splendid ;\nTherefore at once have I your properties extended\nFrom their inheritance, who raised 'gainst us the hand.\nYou I award, ye Faithful, many a lovely land,\n'Together with the right, as you may have occasion,\nTo spread them by exchange, or purchase, or invasion:\nThen be it clearly fixed, that you unhindered use\nWhate'er prerogatives have been the landlord's dues.\nWhen ye, as Judges, have the final sentence spoken,\nBy no appeal from your high Court shall it be broken:\nThen levies, tax and rent, pass-money, tolls and fees\nAre yours, -—of mines and salt and coin the royalties.\nThat thus my gratitude may validly be stated,\n\nYou next to Majesty hereby I 've elevated.\n\nARCHBISHOP.\n\nIn deepest thanks to thee we humbly all unite:\n\nThou mak'st us strong and sure, and strengthenest thy might.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nYet higher dignities I give for your fulfilling.\nStill for my realm I live, and still to live am willing ;\nYet old ancestral lines compel the prudent mind\n\nTo look from present deeds to that which looms behind.\n\nAct LV. 367\n\nI, also, in my time, must meet the sure Redresser ;\nYour duty be it, then, to choose me a successor.\nCrowned, at the altar raise his consecrated form,\n\nThat so may end in peace what here began in storm!\n\nARCH-CHANCELLOR.\n\nWith pride profound, yet humbly, as our guise evinces,\nBehold, before thee bowed, the first of earthly princes!\nSo long the faithful blood our living veins shall fill,\nWe are the body which obeys thy lightest will.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nNow, to conclude, let all that we have here asserted,\n\nBe, for the future time, to document converted !\n\n°T is true that ye, as lords, have your possession free,\nWith this condition, though, that it unparcelled be;\nAnd what ye have from us, howe'er ye swell the treasure,\n\nShall to the eldest son descend in equal measure.\n\nARCH-CHANCELLOR.\n\nOn parchment I, at once, shall gladly tabulate,\n\nTo bless the realm and us, the statute of such weight:\nThe copy and the seals the Chancery shall procure us,\nThy sacred hand shall then validity assure us. |\n\n368 faust.\n\nEMPEROR.\nDismissal now I grant, that you, assembled, may\nDeliberate upon the great, important day. .\n\n(The Secular Princes retire.)\n\nARCHBISHOP\n(remains and speaks pathetically),\n\nThe Chancellor withdrew, the Bishop stands before thee:\nA warning spirit bids that straightway he implore thee!\n\nHis heart paternal quakes with anxious fear for thee.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nIn this glad hour what may thy dread misgiving be?\n\nARCHBISHOP.\n\nAlas, in such an hour, how much my pain must greaten,\nTo find thy hallowed head in covenant with Satan!\nTrue, to the throne, it seems, hast thou secured thy right;\nBut, woe! in God the Lord's, the Holy Pontiff's spite.\nSwift shall he punish when he learns the truth — the latter:\nThy sinful realm at once with holy ban he 'll shatter!\nHe still remembers how, amid thy highest state,\n\nWhen newly crowned, thou didst the wizard liberate.'5\nThy diadem but made thy heart for Christians harden,\n\nAct LV. 369\n\nFor on that head accurst fell its first beam of pardon.,\n\nNow beat thy breast, and from thy guilty stores, this day,\n\nUnto the Sanctuary a moderate mite repay !\n\nThe spacious sweep of hills, where stood thy tent erected, —\n\nWhere Evil Spirits then, united, thee protected, —\n\nWhere late the Liar-Prince thy hearing did secure, —\n\nDevote thou, meekly taught, to pious use and pure,\n\nWith hill and forest dense, far as they stretch extended,\n\nAnd slopes that greenly swell for pastures never ended,\n\nThen crystal lakes of fish, unnumbered brooks that flow\n\nIn foamy windings down, and braid the vale below;\n\nThe broad vale then, itself, with mead, and lawn, and\nhollow!\n\nThus penitence is shown, and pardon soon shall follow.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nFor this, my heavy sin, my terror is profound:\n\nBy thine own measure shalt thou draw the borders round.\n\nARCHBISHOP.\n\nFirst be the spot profane, where sin was perpetrated,\nTo God's high service soon and wholly dedicated!\nWith speed the walls arise to meet the mind's desire;\nThe rising morning sun already lights the choir ;\n\n370 faust.\n\nThe growing structure spreads, the transept stands exalted ;\nJoy of Believers, then, the nave is lifted, vaulted ;\n\nAnd while they press with zeal within the portals grand,\nThe first clear call of bells is swept across the land,\n-Pealed from the lofty towers that heavenwards have striven:\nThe penitent draws near, new life to him is given.\n\nThe consecration-day — O, may it soon be sent ! —\n\nThy presence then shall be the highest ornament.\n\nEMPEROR.\nSo great a work shall be my pious proclamation\nTo praise the Lord our God, and work mine expiation.\n\nEnough! I feel, e'en now, how high my thoughts aspire.\n\nARCHBISHOP.\n\nAs Chancellor, next, the formal treaty I require.\n\nEMPEROR.\nA formal document, — the Church needs full requital :\nBring it to me, and I with joy will sign her title!\n\nARCHBISHOP\n(has taken leave, but turns back again at the door).\nAt once unto the work devote, that it may stand,\n\nTithes, levies, tax, —— the total income of the land,\n\nAct LV. 371\n\nForever. Much it needs, to be supported fairly,\n\nAnd careful maintenance will also cost us rarely :\n\nAnd, that it soon be built, on such a lonesome wold,\nThou 'It from thy booty spare to us some little gold.\nMoreover, we shall want — here, most, we claim assist-\n\nance — |\n\nLumber, and lime, and slate, and such like, from a distance.\nThe people these shall haul, thus from the pulpit taught ;\nThe Church shall bless the man, whose team for her has\n\nwrought. [ Exit.\n\nEMPEROR.\n\nThe sin is very sore, wherewith my soul is weighted :\n\nMuch damage unto me the Sorcerers have created.\n\nARCHBISHOP\n(returning once again, with profoundest genuflections).\n\nPardon, O Prince! to him, that vile, notorious man,\nThe Empire's coast was given; but him shall smite the ban,\nUnless thy penitence the Church's wrath relaxes\n\nThere, too, with tithes and gifts, and revenues and taxes,\n\nEMPEROR (i/l-humoredly).\n\nThe land doth not exist: far in the sea it lies.\n\n372 faust.\n\nARCHBISHOP,\n\nWho patient is, and right, his day shall yet arise.\nYour word for us remains, and makes secure our trover!\n[ Exit.\n\nEMPEROR (solus).\n\nI might as well, at last, make all the Empire over !\n\nAd V. 373\n\nOPEN COUNTRY.",
    "project_translation": false,
    "license": null,
    "methodology_url": null
  }
}