University of Virginia Library

SCENE XVII.

At the Well.
Gretchen and Lieschen with pitchers.
Lieschen.
Hast thou heard naught of Barbara?

Gretchen.
No word, I come not much in people's way.

Lieschen.
'Tis sure. Sibylla told me to-day!
She's played the fool at last, ha! ha!
All through her haughty ways!

Gretchen.
How so?

Lieschen.
It stinks!
She feeds two when she eats and drinks.

Gretchen.
Ah!

Lieschen.
Serves her right too, such gaits a-ganging.
How long about the fellow she's been hanging!
Trapesing the lanes about,
To dances he took her out!
Everywhere first she must flaunt, so fine,
He treated her always to pastry and wine;
She fancied her beauty was something divine,
She was so mean she had no shame
To take his presents when they came,
Kissing and cuddling there alone,
And then her maiden flowers were gone!

Gretchen.
Ah! the poor thing!

Lieschen.
What! Thou still pitiest her?
When from our spinning we could not stir,
At night our Mothers kept us from the street,
She stayed there with her wooer sweet;
On the door-bench, and in alleys dim,
The hours seemed short for her and him.
Now she must hang her head and rue
That in sinner's shift she must penance do.

Gretchen.
He'll surely take her for his wife.

Lieschen.
He'd be a fool! A smart young chap
Has fun enough elsewhere, mayhap;
Besides, he's off.

Gretchen.
That is not fair!

Lieschen.
Even if she hooks him, we'll plague her sore.
The lads her wedding-wreath will tear,
And strew chopt straw before the door.

[Exit]
Gretchen
(going home.)
What shrewish things I could boldly say,
Once, when a poor maid went astray,
How, o'er the sins of others, I
Ne'er found words enough from my tongue to fly!
How black it seemed, could it blacker be,
Yet black enough never it was for me.
I crossed myself, and proud I grew,
And now in sin I stand naked too!
Yet—all that drove me on to this,
God, was so good! ah! such sweet bliss!