University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Drums and Trumpets. Romans march over the Stage. Clodio enters, his sword drawn.
Clod.
Close—and with measured motion, as put on
By one informing spirit, march, and join
The ranging phalanx.

As the Soldiers pass off the Stage, Faustus enters.
Faust.
If the loud din of war hath reach'd his ear,
The field of honour is the likeliest place
Wherein to find him.—Clodio!—O, ye powers
Of justice and of vengeance, nerve my arm,
And ride upon my weapon!—Good, my lord,
Your ear—I bear a message to you.

Clod.
Whence?

Faust.
From my kind mistress.

Clod.
Speak—

Faust.
In thunder—thus!

[Draws.
Clod.
Presumptuous slave!—Then take this answer back,
To thy detested master.

[They fight, and Faustus falls—Exit Clodio.
Faust.
Curse on my feeble arm—that, thus, hath foil'd
The cause it fought for—O, I see, I see,
This world is not the soil where Heaven e'er meant
To plant or prosper truth: it is the field
Where the flagitious triumph!—If there be
In store for worth, or where wrong'd innocence
May look for retribution—that blest region
Is far removed from hence.