FAUST. PART II.
[Source: The Works of J. W. von Goethe (ed. N. H. Dole), via English Wikisource]
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Faust, Part I. Act V, Scene III: A Dungeon
The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 7 (Faust, Part 2)
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Act I, Scene I: A Beautiful Landscape
Act I, Scene II: Imperial Palace. Throne-room
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4803987The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 7 (Faust, Part 2) — Act I, Scene I: A Beautiful LandscapeJohann Wolfgang von Goethe
Faust: A Tragedy
Faust relining in a flowery meadow, wearied, restless,
trying to sleep.
(A troop of elves flitting round him, graceful little
forms.)
ARIEL.
(Song, accompanied by Eolian harps.)
When the spring-time, scattering flowers,
Robes in verdure hill and glen,
When green meadows, bright with showers,
Gladden all the sons of men,
Little elves, where spirits languish,
Haste their troubled fears to still;
They are grieved by mortal's anguish,
Be the mourner good or ill.
Ye, who in airy circles round him float,
Here show that ye are elves of noble note.
Soothe into calm his heart's distressful fray,
Pluck out the burning arrows of remorse,
Wash from his spirit all its past dismay;
Night hath four periods in her solemn course,
Now fill them kindly up without delay!
Pillow his head on yon cool bank, and then
Bathe him in dew from Lethe's stream; anon
Will his cramp-stiffened limbs relax again,
When all refreshed he wakens with the dawn.
Do the elves' fairest 'hest aright,
Restore him to the blessèd light!
CHORUS.
When across the emerald meadows
Warm and fragrant breezes play,
Closing round in misty shadows,
Softly falls the twilight gray;
Whispers gently peace to mortals,
Rocks the heart to childlike rest;
Closes up the daylight's portals
To those wearied eyes unblest.
Now the night is deeply darkling,
Gleams out hallowed star on star,
Lights of power, or faintly sparkling,
Twinkle near, and gleam afar.
In the lake they sparkle tender,
Gleam in yon clear vault profound;
Reigns the moon in full-orbed splendour,
Perfecting the peace around.
See, the hours of night have vanished,
Joy and grief have passed away.
Wake! rejoice! thy pain is banished,
Trust the new-advancing day.
Vales grow green, hills steep and steeper,
Shadows deepen thick with leaves,
And the harvest to the reaper
In long silvery billows heaves.
Fix thy gaze in yonder glory,
Wouldst thou win thy wish and keep,
Frail the spell that resteth o'er thee,
Fling away the husk of sleep!
Though the crowd grow pale and waver,
Onward thou, with dauntless soul!
Gallant heart is baffled never,
Striving to a noble goal!
[A tremendous clangour indicates the approach of
the Sun.
ARIEL.
Hark, the ringing hours of morn!
Pealing unto spirit ears,
Lo, another day is born,
Lo, another dawn appears!
Adamantine gates are crashing,
Phœbus' car-wheels rattling, clashing,—
What clang harbingers the sun!
Trump and clarion pealing clear,
Dazzling eye and stunning ear!
Hence! Our elfin reign is done.
Slip into your flowery cells,
Couch in lone, untrodden dells,
To the clefts and thickets come!
Day will all your powers benumb.