It hath no place amid the God-grown flowers—

Truth, steadfast honour, simple manliness—

That blossom in that goodly garden-land.

Let thy love die, brave heart; I am unworthy!

Gott. (horror-struck). Gretchen! what sayest thou?

Unworthy? And of what? Of such as I?

(After a pause.) God help me if I read thy words aright!

Thou, Gretchen, thou? No, no—it could not be!

Thou, Gretchen? Oh, mankind is not so base!

Gret. Oh, Gottfried, pity me—my heart is broken!