To-night thou diest! so arm and take thy guard!

Faus. (after a pause throws down sword).

Gottfried, I’ll fight thee not. Thy cause is just.

I am a blot upon the fruitful world.

Away with me! I have no claim to live!

Gott. Defend thy life! Base as thy soul has shown,

I would not be thine executioner;

Yet, by the rood, defence or no defence,

I will fulfil my mission. Take thy sword!

I know no mercy when I war with hell!