SCENE X.
Faust and Marguerite.
Mar. It groweth late, farewell!
Faust. I but implore in vain. Let me thy hand take, and clasp it, And behold but thy face once again, Illum'd by that pale light, From yonder moon that shines, O'er thy beauteous features shedding Its faint but golden ray.
Mar. Oh, what stillness reigns around, Oh, ineffable mystery! Sweetest, happiest feeling, I list; a secret voice Now seems to fill my heart. Still its tone again resoundeth in my bosom. Leave me awhile, I pray. (Stoops and picks a daisy.)
Faust. What is it thou doest?
Mar. This flower I consult. (She plucks the petals of the daisy.)
Faust (aside). What utters she in tones subdued?
Mar. He loves me!—no, he loves me not! He loves me!—no!—He loves me!
Faust. Yes, believe thou this flower, The flower of loves. To thine heart let it tell The truth it would teach,— He loves thee! Know'st thou not How happy 'tis to love? To cherish in the heart a flame that never dies! To drink forever from the fount of love!
Both. We'll love for ever!
Faust. Oh, night of love! oh, radiant night! The bright stars shine above; Oh, joy, this is divine! I love, I do adore thee!
Mar. Mine idol fond art thou! Speak, speak again! Thine, thine I'll be; For thee I'll gladly die.
Faust. Oh, Marguerite!
Mar. (suddenly tearing herself from Faust's arms). Ah, leave me!
Faust. Cruel one!
Mar. Fly hence! alas! I tremble!
Faust. Cruel one!
Mar. Pray leave me!
Faust. Would'st thou have me leave thee? Ah! see'st thou not my grief? Ah, Marguerite, thou breakest my heart!
Mar. Go hence! I waver! mercy, pray! Fly hence! alas! I tremble! Break not, I pray, thy Marguerite's heart!
Faust. In pity—
Mar. If to thee I'm dear, I conjure thee, by thy love, By this fond heart, That too readily its secret hath revealed, Yield thee to my prayer,— In mercy get thee hence! (Kneels at the feet of Faust.)
Faust (after remaining a few moments silent, gently raising her). O fairest child, Angel so holy, Thou shalt control me, Shalt curb my will. I obey; but at morn—
Mar. Yes, at morn, Very early.
Faust. One word at parting. Repeat thou lovest me.
Mar. Adieu!
(Hastens towards the pavilion, then stops short on the threshold, and wafts a kiss to Faust.)
Faust. Adieu! Were it already morn!