(Night. Faust discovered, alone. He is seated at a table covered with books and parchments; an open book lies before him. His lamp is flickering in the socket.)
Faust. No! In vain hath my soul aspired, with ardent longing, All to know,—all in earth and heaven. No light illumines the visions, ever thronging My brain; no peace is given, And I linger, thus sad and weary, Without power to sunder the chain Binding my soul to life always dreary. Nought do I see! Nought do I know!
(He closes the book and rises. Day begins to dawn.)
Again 'tis light! On its westward course flying, The somber night vanishes.
(Despairingly.)
Again the light of a new day! O death! when will thy dusky wings Above me hover and give me—rest?
(Seizing a flask on the table.)
Well, then! Since death thus evades me, Why should I not go in search of him? Hail, my final day, all hail! No fears my heart assail; On earth my days I number; For this draught immortal slumber Will secure me, and care dispel!
(Pours liquid from the flask into a crystal goblet. Just as he is about to raise it to his lips, the following chorus is heard, without.)
Cho. of Maidens. Why thy eyes so lustrous Hidest thou from sight? Bright Sol now is scatt'ring Beams of golden light; The nightingale is warbling Its carol of love; Rosy tints of morning Now gleam from above; Flow'rs unfold their beauty To the scented gale; Nature all awakens— Of love tells its tale.