 | Faust |  |
89
ACT III
Scene.—Outside the Cathedral, with Martha's house to R. The nave and choir of the Cathedral set across the stage, leaving space for a narrow street that runs up stage between it and Martha's house. Down stage L.C. a fountain. Above it, beside a buttress in the Cathedral wall, stands an image of the Virgin. It is close upon Vesper time, and a group of Girls are gossiping by the fountain as they fill their pitchers.[Elsa enters down street R.
Elsa.
Hast heard the news?
Laine.
Old Katrine's cat is dead!
Lisbeth.
We heard that yesterday.
1st Girl.
Ay, that's no news!
At dawn the cobbler slit his thumb in twain
In mending Sach's shoe!
2nd Girl.
I saw it done.
Lisbeth.
Hast thou nought else to tell?
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In truth I have!
A mighty throng is gathered in the Platz,
'Tis cried the war is ended, and to-day
Our troops draw toward the city.
Lisa.
News indeed!
Then Valentine comes with them?
Elsa.
At their head!
He hath won such glory that he now returns
As captain of his band!
Laine.
Poor Margaret!
I wonder hath she heard?
Lisa.
'Tis likely not,
For since her mother's death three months gone by,
She seldom goes abroad.
Laine.
Both day and night
The shuttered windows of her house are closed,
And there she sits alone.
Lisa.
'Twas late last night
I had tended poor old Anna who lay sick,
And as I hurried homeward, here she stood,
Filling her pitcher 'neath the darkened moon
Whilst all the city slept!
Laine.
I'll go to her;
Her brother's home-coming will cheer her heart.
Lisa.
Hush! here she comes.
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Lisa.
Dear Margaret, hast thou heard
The war is at an end?
Margaret.
Hither as I came
They cried the news along our narrow street.
Laine.
And Valentine returns a captain now!
Shall that not make thee glad?
Margaret.
I must be glad
That he is safely home.
Lisa.
Not every girl
Can boast so proud a brother.
Lisbeth.
Some there are
Who are lucky to have none!
Lisa.
Ay, true enough!
Lisbeth.
'Twould be no joy for Mistress Barbara
Had she a brother homeward bound to-night.
Laine.
Nay, nor for him who brought her to this pass.
Lisbeth.
The fault was hers, not his! No man's to blame
Who takes the gift a wanton flings to him.
Margaret.
[Clinging to Laine.]
What is it that they say?
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Dost thou not know?
Margaret.
I've been too much indoors for three months past,
I have heard nothing but the bell that tolls
From hour to hour.
Lisbeth.
Oh, 'tis a pretty story!
But now she's got her due, and serves her right.
What else could she expect? Both day and night
She hung upon his kisses. Now she knows
What comes of too much kissing.
Margaret.
Oh, poor thing!
But is it so indeed?
Lisa.
Indeed it is!
Lisbeth.
Ask through the city! Every gossip's tongue
Is wagging of her shame. Why pity her?
Whilst honest girls would sit at home and spin
She'd steal away o' nights to meet her swain,
Who leaves her for reward a sinner's shift.
Margaret.
Nay, surely he will take her for his wife?
Lisbeth.
Not he! And who can wonder? There are more
Like proud Miss Barbara who only wait
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He'll meet them on his journey.
Margaret.
Has he gone?
Oh, 'tis not fair!
Lisbeth.
Why, think you he would wed
A maid who could not wait to claim a ring?
Not he! Come, girls, 'tis late, and I've no mind
To furnish food for gossips!
1st Girl.
Nay, nor I!
[They take up their pitchers and move off in different directions. Margaret is left weeping. Lisa, who is just going out, returns to her.
Margaret.
Poor Barbara!
Lisa.
Dear Margaret, grieve not so!
Thy gentle heart is all too pure to know
The sin that tempted her. Yet thou canst weep
While others speak in scorn!
Margaret.
Oh, leave me—go!
Lisa.
See then, I'll take the pitcher to thy door
And come again for thee!
[Lisa goes out.
Margaret.
In days long flown
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Sure of myself, there were no words too hard
To paint the thing I deemed I ne'er could be—
The thing I am to-day—a living sin!
And yet—and yet—that one who drew me down
Seemed then, dear God, so true, so good, so dear!
[She throws herself at the feet of the Virgin.
O Mother of all sorrows, thou alone
Canst pierce my sorrow; thou alone canst cure
The ceaseless pain that bows me to the earth.
The prayer I dare not utter thou canst hear!
And those vain tears that washed thy stainless feet
Night after night, hast thou not seen them fall?
I have no help but thee! no hope but here.
As thou wert once a maid, be pitiful,
Take in thy hands my breaking, bleeding heart
And save my ruined soul from death's last stain.
[There is a pause. The organ sounds from the Church, the windows of which show the candle-light within. A few Citizens come from L. and enter the porch. They are followed by Lisa.
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Dear Margaret, you are weary. Let us go.
Margaret.
Ay, let us go within. Lend me your hand;
To-night we'll pray together, if I may!
[As Lisa supports her into the Church, Faust and Mephistopheles come down the dark alley from the right. Mephistopheles peeps round the angle of the Church and sees Margaret.
Faust.
Who was it entered there?
Mephistopheles.
Some aged crone
With crooked, twisted limbs—no dish for thee.
Faust.
I thought 'twas Margaret!
Mephistopheles.
Nay, that lonely bird
Sits in her wicker cage waiting for him
Who clipped her wings.
Faust.
Why, then I'll go to her!
Mephistopheles.
What! doth that poorer fancy still endure?
Doctor, you shame my trade! For this mean feast
The merest prentice pander might have served!
Have I not cured you yet? What find you there?
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A fluttering flower that lures me like a star.
Mephistopheles.
I love them not,—these flowers that scent the air
I was not born to breathe. In these past months
Since first that bud was plucked, we have seen the world.
Faust.
Ay! and not once her equal in the world.
Mephistopheles.
Nay! there are worlds on worlds unfolded yet
Whose treasured store of beauty still awaits us.
As children strew the hedge-blooms they have gathered
Along the dusty highway—cast her off
And let us on our road.
Faust.
There is no road
That leads not back to her.
Mephistopheles.
Well, as you will!
Meanwhile I have some business of my own
That needs my presence here.
Faust.
I need thee not!
[Exit Faust.
Mephistopheles.
This comedy must end, and swiftly too.
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I have no scythe to shear a harebell down,
Its weakness masters me. Till that hour come,
When all engulfed in sin she sinks and drowns,
My power is powerless. Once that hour is past,
Then, Faust, thou art mine again!
[Music heard from Church.
She kneels within
Yet knows not how to pray. I'll go to her.
Unseen, yet seeing all, beside her chair
I'll breathe a whispered poison in her ear
Shall draw her soul down to the verge of Hell.
[As he speaks the stage darkens and the wall of the Church becomes transparent, showing the dimly-lit interior where Margaret kneels among the worshippers, Mephistopheles bending over her. The opening lines of the Latin hymn are being chanted.
Chorus
Dies Irae dies illa
Solvet saeclum in favilla.
Mephistopheles.
It is not with thee now as once it was,
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First learned by rote the words of Holy Writ
From out the well-worn book thy mother held.
Margaret.
I cannot pray! Across my darkened soul
Hither and thither in a tangled flight
Come thoughts that drag me down.
Chorus
Judex ergo cum sedebit,
Quidquid latet adparebit,
Nil inultum remanebit.
Mephistopheles.
Where tends thy thought?
What hidden crime within thy bosom dwells?
Wouldst pray for mercy on thy mother's soul,
Who slept nor woke again through thee! through thee!
Her blood lies at thy door.
Chorus [With third verse.]
Margaret.
Oh, woe is me!
I dare not look toward Heaven: the gate is shut,
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Mephistopheles.
Beneath thy breast
Canst thou not feel the pulse of that new life
That stirs and quickens there? Dost thou not know
Whither thy sin shall drive thee?
Chorus
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus,
Quem patronum rogaturus,
Cum vix justus sit securus?
Margaret.
Oh! no more!
The pillars close me in; the roof falls down
To crush me to the earth. I cannot breathe!
Dear Mary Mother, turn thy face once more.
Mephistopheles.
Her face is turned away, she heeds thee not;
The light of Heaven goes out.
Margaret.
[To Lisa.]
Thy cordial! Oh!
[Margaret half swoons as, with the final repeat of the Chorus, the vision fades and the exterior view of the Cathedral is restored. In the darkness Mephistopheles creeps stealthily from the door
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Altmayer.
They've reached the city! We'll drink deep to-night.
1st Student.
[To Frosch, who comes with Others down the alley.]
Where are they now?
Frosch.
Within the Western gate.
Altmayer.
And Valentine?
Frosch.
He marches at their head.
Altmayer.
That serves as fit occasion for our cups.
Frosch.
The crowds draw round him shouting Victory!
But he, scarce heeding them, still presses on
To greet his sister Margaret.
[Brander and Siebel, with Others, have entered L.
Brander.
Say you so?
Why, then he hath not heard?
Mephistopheles.
[Aside.]
Nay, sirs, not yet!
The Devil takes his time.
Frosch.
What should he hear?
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The sorriest news, if what is said be true.
Siebel.
Ay! and the foulest slander if 'tis false,
As here upon my soul I vouch it so.
Mephistopheles.
[Aside.]
Be thrifty with your soul; you have but one.
Brander.
To-night 'tis whispered that her mother's death
Came not at Nature's call. Within her room
A poisoned phial was found.
Frosch.
Is that enough
To brand as murderess the gentlest maid
That dwells within our city?
Siebel.
Nay, there's more;
So slander grows on slander! Now 'tis said
She slew her mother to conceal her sin.
Student.
Oh, shame! I'll not believe it!
2nd Student.
Nay, nor I!
Mephistopheles.
[Aside.]
The world grows charitable! No fault of mine!
Siebel.
Is there one here who would dare breathe this lie
To Valentine her brother?
Voices.
Nay, not one!
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If this foul gossip needs must reach his ears,
It shall not be through us.
Enter Student
Well, sir, what now?
1st Student.
The Burgomaster with the city guard
Keep watch on Margaret's house.
2nd Student.
Ay, and 'tis said
A warrant's out against her.
Siebel.
Nay then, friends!
At such a time 'tis fit that we who love her
Should speak on her behalf.
All.
Ay, so we will!
[They go off L.
Mephistopheles.
Oh, faithful hounds! before the dawn is here
Your tongues shall learn to sound another note.
Enter Faust
What, Doctor, back so soon?
Faust.
She is not there;
The house is closed; there is no light within;
I have sought her through the city all in vain.
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Have you no tidings of her?
Faust.
Ay, the worst!
The whisper grows against her. Every tongue
Breathes slander on her name.
Mephistopheles.
I feared as much!
Some gossip hath made mischief. Gossips will.
Doctor, we'd best make off.
Faust.
No, I will stay
Till I have seen her face, and at her feet
Have prayed for pardon.
Mephistopheles.
Well, I'm still your slave.
An ancient pet of mine dwells hereabouts;
[Striking his guitar.
These strains may wake her; she is still romantic;
We'll gather news of her.
Faust.
I care not how,
So that these eyes may greet her once again.
Mephistopheles.
Doctor, to-night I'm in a frolic mood
And, like some old Tom cat upon the tiles
Who stalks his love behind each chimney-stack,
I'll thread this alley, mewing as I go!
[They go off and up, the Song dying away as shouts are heard and
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Voices.
All hail to Valentine!
Voices.
All hail! all hail!
3rd Student.
Come, bear him to the tavern; 'tis not far!
The city hath decreed good wine for all,
And at the city's charge.
4th Student.
Come then, let's on!
5th Student.
Ay, set him shoulder high! Our backs shall serve
In place of that stout steed that carried him.
[They approach Valentine, who checks them.
Valentine.
Good comrades, wait awhile. Ere that shall be
There's one I needs must greet the first of all,
My sister Margaret. There at her feet
I'll lay this sword, so hacked and carved with war,
And then we'll drink till dawn!
[Siebel, Brander, and Others have entered and stand in a silent group.
Ah, Siebel there!
Brander! and thou, old Altmayer!—ay, and Frosch!
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Since last I grasped your hands! So long, in truth,
I've grown a stranger to our city lanes.
Come, lead me on my way!
Brander.
Where, Valentine?
Valentine.
Where else but home to Margaret?
[Siebel intervenes.]
Siebel.
Go not there!
Valentine.
Why not?
Siebel.
I dare not tell thee!
Valentine.
Dare not? Speak!
Are ye all dumb? I am no more than man,
Yet being man, must school me to endure
What Heaven shall please to send. She is not dead?
Siebel.
No, Valentine, not dead!
Brander.
Would Heaven she were!
Valentine.
What is it then that strangles all your tongues?
Siebel.
Speak, Brander, for I cannot!
Frosch.
Nay, nor I!
Brander.
'Tis said thy mother died by Margaret's hand.
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My mother dead, and slain by Margaret!
Liar! I could choke thee!
Brander.
I'd forgive thee that
Could I unsay what's said, undo what's done!
Valentine.
This is some villainous slander. If God willed
In sudden wrath to change an angel child
Into a fiend, there would be cause for it.
What cause was here? She loved her mother well
And was as well beloved. Why should she take
That mother's life?
Brander.
Nay, that is worst of all!
She took that mother's life to hide her shame.
Valentine.
Liar! I'll go to her!
Enter Burgomaster
Burgomaster.
Stay, Valentine!
We all had hoped to give thee public greeting
And a triumphant welcome from the town,
But this must stand aside till happier hours:
Our duty now gives no excuse for joy.
Valentine.
Art thou, too, in this treachery, this plot
Against my sister's honour?
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If 'twere so,
The wrong were quickly righted. 'Tis not so.
Upon approvéd witness of her crime
Thy sister Margaret stands accused of murder,
And here I hold the warrant of the law
To arrest her as my prisoner.
Valentine.
Is that all?
Does not your parchment publish some excuse
To inform the world why she, a maid so pure,
Should on a sudden turn a murderess?
Burgomaster.
'Tis known and proved that night thy mother died
An unknown gallant, stranger to our town,
Was seen to enter Margaret's chamber door,
Nor left it till the dawn.
Altmayer.
Sure that was he
Whose comrade tricked us as we sat at wine!
Frosch.
'Twas he, I'll warrant it!
Valentine.
Enough! Enough!
We'll think of him hereafter. For the time
This must seem all—that all I loved is lost.
Now, comrades, turn those torches to the ground;
Oh, that I had found death in glorious war!
Or any stroke but this! But yesterday
Round the camp fire we sat and talked of home,
And as each comrade with a brimming cup
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I let them all run on, till at the last
With lifted glass I did but breathe her name,
And all were dumb. “'Tis true, 'tis true!” they cried,
“In all our town there's but one Margaret,
The fairest, best of all!”—And now—and now—
Let every braggart spurn me as he will,
I have no answer, for her shame is mine.
[Mephistopheles and Faust are seen coming down the alley, Mephistopheles singing to the guitar, with Faust beside him.
Siebel.
Why, here he comes! That knave who ruined her!
Frosch.
Ay, and that juggling villain by his side!
Valentine.
Then stand aside. This issue must be mine,
And mine alone.
[He draws his sword and approaches Mephistopheles, who still sings.
Thou whining rat-catcher,
Whom now wilt thou allure? That blow's for thee!
[He dashes the guitar to the ground.
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The lute is broken, so the song must cease.
Valentine.
And thou who lurk'st behind, I've more for thee.
Mephistopheles.
He knows thee, who thou art, yet stand thy ground.
Valentine.
Draw, or I'll spit thee!
Faust.
Thou shalt have thy will!
[Faust draws.
Mephistopheles.
Lunge on now, have no fear; I'll parry all.
[They fight.
Valentine.
Then parry that!
Mephistopheles.
Why not?
Valentine.
And that!
Mephistopheles.
That too!
Valentine.
I think the Devil's here, my arm grows weak.
Mephistopheles.
Now is your time—thrust home!
[Faust lunges at Valentine, who falls.
Valentine.
O God, 'tis done!
[The Crowd gathers round Valentine.
Mephistopheles.
He's skewered at last! Now quick, no word—away!
[He throws his cloak round Faust and they vanish.
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There's murder here! Go, seize them both.
Siebel.
They've gone!
Burgomaster.
Whither?
Brander.
I know not. As we followed them
It seemed to me that they became as air.
Burgomaster.
Look then to him who fell!
[Martha's head appears at the window above. And other heads from other windows.
Martha.
What brawl is this?
[Margaret, with a crowd of Citizens, enters from the Church.
Margaret.
Who is it wounded there?
Brander.
Thy mother's son.
Margaret.
Almighty God! Not dying?
Valentine.
Ay, I'm dying,
Yet that may count for little. Cease your tears
And listen while ye may; my time is brief.
Margaret.
O Valentine!
Valentine.
Why dost thou loiter here?
Thou shouldst be at thy trade. The night is young;
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Margaret.
Dear God, have mercy!
Valentine.
Thou wert best advised
To leave God's name alone. As yet 'tis plain
Thou art but a prentice hand—I'll grant thee that;
But custom starves all scruples, in a month
Thy beauty will be free of all the town,
And then when that same beauty's worn and spent
Thou'lt stalk the street a flaunting, painted thing,
Till at the last the flaring lights shall fright thee
And thou shalt lurk beneath some darkened arch,
A wanton to the end.
Martha.
O slanderous tongue,
Commend thy soul to God!
Valentine.
Foul hag of Hell,
If I could slay thee ere my life were spent,
I'd think that all my sins were all forgiven!
Margaret.
Oh, speak to me!
Valentine.
It is too late! Too late!
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Now like a soldier go I to my God.
[He falls back dead. Margaret swoons in the arms of Lisa, and the Guard, at a sign from the Burgomaster, gather round her.
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