SCENE V.
(Students, with Maidens on their arms, preceded by Musicians, take possession of the stage. Burghers in the rear, as at the commencement of the act.)
Students, Maidens, Burghers, etc., afterwards Siebel and Marguerite.
Cho. (marking waltz time with their feet). As the wind that sportively plays, At first will light dust only raise, Yet, at last, becomes a gale, So our dancing and our singing, Soft at first, then loudly ringing, Will resound o'er hill and dale.
(The Musicians mount upon the table, and dancing begins.)
Mep. (to Faust). See those lovely young maidens. Will you not ask of them To accept you?
Faust. No! desist from thy idle sport, And leave my heart free to reflection.
Sie. (entering). Marguerite this way alone can arrive.
Some of the Maidens (approaching Siebel). Pray seek you a partner to join in the dance?
Sie. No: it has no charm for me.
Cho. As the wind that sportively plays, At first will light dust only raise, Yet, at last, becomes a gale, So our dancing and our singing, Soft at first, then loudly ringing, Will resound o'er hill and dale.
(Marguerite enters.)
Faust. It is she! behold her!
Mep. 'Tis well! now, then, approach!
Sie. (perceiving Marguerite and approaching her). Marguerite!
Mep. (turning round and finding himself face to face with Siebel). What say you?
Sie. (aside). Malediction! here again!
Mep. (coaxingly). What, here again, dear boy? (laughing). Ha, ha! a right good jest!
(Siebel retreats before Mephistopheles, who then compels him to make a circuit of the stage, passing behind the dancers.)
Faust (approaching Marguerite, who crosses the stage). Will you not permit me, my fairest demoiselle, To offer you my arm, and clear for you the way?
Mar. No, sir. I am no demoiselle, neither am I fair; And I have no need to accept your offered arm.
(Passes Faust and retires.)
Faust (gazing after her). What beauty! What grace! What modesty! O lovely child, I love thee! I love thee!
Sie. (coming forward, without having seen what has occurred). She has gone!
(He is about to hurry after Marguerite, when he suddenly finds himself face to face with Mephistopheles—he hastily turns away and leaves the stage.)
Mep. Well, Doctor!
Faust. Well. She has repulsed me.
Mep. (laughing). Ay, truly, I see, in love, You know not how to make the first move.
(He retires with Faust, in the direction taken by Marguerite.)
Some of the Maidens (who have noticed the meeting between Faust and Marguerite). What is it?
Others. Marguerite. She has refused the escort Of yonder elegant gentleman.
Studs. (approaching). Waltz again!
Maidens. Waltz always!