The Maiden. Why dost thou linger?
The Man. The rain drops from thy heart, and freezes as it falls;—skeleton bones look forth from thy bosom!
The Maiden. Thou hast promised, hast sworn!
The Man. The lightning has burned out the apples of thine eyes!
Chorus of Evil Spirits. Old Satan, welcome back to hell! Thou hast seduced and ruined a mighty spirit, admired by men, a marvel to itself.
Sublime soul, haughty heart—follow thy beloved!
The Man. Wilt thou then damn me, O my God! because I have believed that Thy Beauty far surpassed the loveliness of earth; because I have left all to follow it; and have suffered for it until I have grown the very jest of devils?
Evil Spirit. Hear, brothers, hear!
The Man. The last hour strikes! the storm whirls in black and ever-widening circles—the sea is breaking and dashing higher and higher against the rocks, and as it mounts them, draws me on—an invisible power urges me forward—nearer—ever nearer—bands of men advance from behind upon me—mount my neck—and plunge me into the abyss!
Evil Spirit. Rejoice, brothers, rejoice! He comes!