Once I was lovely too—’twas this that caused my fall.
Near was the friend, but far from me to-day;
Torn lies the wreath, the flowers are scattered all.
Oh tear me not so forcibly away!
Spare me! what have I done to injure thee?
Oh hear my prayer! for once compassion show!—
’Tis the first time I ever looked on thee.
Faust.
That I should live to see such depth of woe!
Margaret.
Thou hast me now completely in thy might.
Only first give me time to suckle my sweet child.
I hugged it the whole weary night;
They took’t from me in very spite;
And now they say I murdered the sweet child,
And never more shall I be glad again.
They sing songs on me, too!
A wicked thing to do!
’Tis the refrain
Of a grim old melody:
Who taught them that its words were meant for me?
Faust. [throwing himself down]
Here, at thy feet, behold who loves thee fall,
To strike thy shackles, and to break thy thrall!
Margaret. [falling beside him on her knees]
Yes! let us kneel and call upon the Saints!
Beneath these steps,
I hear it well!
Beneath the threshold,
Boileth Hell!
The evil One
His fury vents,
With fearful yell!
Faust. [loud]
Gretchen! Gretchen!
Margaret. [attentive]
That was the loved one’s voice!
[She springs up; the chains fall away.]
Where is he? where? I heard him call on me,
Now I am free! and none shall hinder me!
