Who’s tried to rise to heaven on my shoulders!

Humph! I don’t know. I am a match for you.

But, you and she allied! The odds are heavy!

Well, I’m a student still, and always glad

To glean experience when and how I can.

I’m curious to see how this will end;

If for me—good; but if against me—well,

I shall but lose you, and you’re no great stake.

And so I’ll risk it. See! The maiden comes!

[A vision of Gretchen is seen, gliding across the stage, through the tombstones; she is reading a breviary.