Martha.
My meaning still you strangely miss!
Mephistopheles.
Alas, that I should be so blind!
One thing I plainly see, that you are very kind!
[They pass on.
Faust.
You knew me, then, you little angel! straight,
When you beheld me at the garden-gate?
Margaret.
Marked you it not?—You saw my downward look.
Faust.
And you forgive the liberty I took,
When from the minster you came out that day,
And I, with forward boldness more than meet,
Then ventured to address you on the street?
Margaret.
I was surprised, I knew not what to say;
No one could speak an evil word of me.
Did he, perchance, in my comportment see
Aught careless or improper on that day,
That he should take me for a worthless girl,
Whom round his little finger he might twirl?
Not yet the favorable thoughts I knew,
That even then were rising here for you;
One thing I know, myself I sharply chid,
That I could treat you then no harshlier than I did.
Faust.
Sweet love!
Margaret.
Let go!
[She plucks a star-flower, and pulls the petals off one after another.
Faust.
What’s that? a nosegay? let me see!
Margaret.
’Tis but a game.
Faust.
How so?
Margaret.
Go! you would laugh at me.
