Faus. (passionately).

Strike, Gottfried, strike! In the good days gone by

Thy loving hand was ever on the stretch

To aid me with a hundred offices,

The least of which should knit my heart to thine

As brother’s heart to brother. Crown thy work

Enter Gretchen; she stands horrified.

With this the kindliest of thy kindly deeds! (Tearing open his gown.)

Comrade in arms—brother in all but blood—

Here is my heart—kill the accursed thing,