Margaret. I dare not go; for me there's no more hoping. What use to fly? They lie in wait for me. So wretched the lot to go round begging, With an evil conscience thy spirit plaguing! So wretched the lot, an exile roaming—And then on my heels they are ever coming!
Faust. I shall be with thee.
Margaret. Make haste! make haste!
No time to waste!
Save thy poor child!
Quick! follow the edge
Of the rushing rill,
Over the bridge
And by the mill,
Then into the woods beyond
On the left where lies the plank
Over the pond.
Seize hold of it quick!
To rise 'tis trying,
It struggles still!
Rescue! rescue!
Faust. Bethink thyself, pray! A single step and thou art free!
Margaret. Would we were by the mountain. See!
There sits my mother on a stone,
The sight on my brain is preying!
There sits my mother on a stone,
And her head is constantly swaying;
She beckons not, nods not, her head falls o'er,
So long she's been sleeping, she'll wake no more.
She slept that we might take pleasure.
O that was bliss without measure!
Faust. Since neither reason nor prayer thou hearest; I must venture by force to take thee, dearest.
Margaret. Let go! No violence will I bear! Take not such a murderous hold of me! I once did all I could to gratify thee.
Faust. The day is breaking! Dearest! dearest!
Margaret. Day! Ay, it is day! the last great day breaks in!
My wedding-day it should have been!
Tell no one thou hast been with Margery!
Alas for my garland! The hour's advancing!
Retreat is in vain!
We meet again,
But not at the dancing.
The multitude presses, no word is spoke.
Square, streets, all places—
sea of faces—
The bell is tolling, the staff is broke.
How they seize me and bind me!
They hurry me off to the bloody block.[48]
The blade that quivers behind me,
Quivers at every neck with convulsive shock;
Dumb lies the world as the grave!
Faust. O had I ne'er been born!