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. [_She continues pulling the petals, and murmuring to herself._ Faust. What are you murmuring now, so sweetly low? Margaret. [_half loud_] He loves me, yes!--he loves me, no! Faust. Thou sweet angelic face! Margaret. [_murmuring as before_] He loves me, yes!--he loves me, no! [_Pulling out the last petal with manifest delight._] He loves me, yes! Faust. Yes, child! the fair flower-star hath answered /Yes/! In this the judgment of the gods approves thee; He loves thee! know'st thou what it means?--He loves thee! [_He seizes her by both hands._ Margaret. I scarce can speak for joy! Faust. Fear thee not, love! But let this look proclaim, This pressure of my hand declare What words can never name: To yield us to an ecstacy of joy, And feel this tranceful bliss must be Eternal! yes! its end would be despair! It hath no end! no end for thee and me! [/Margaret/ _presses his hands, makes herself free, and runs away. He stands still for a moment thoughtfully, then follows her._ Martha. [_coming up_] 'Tis getting late. Mephistopheles. Yes, and we must away. Martha. I fain would have you stay; But 'tis an evil neighborhood, Where idle gossips find their only good, Their pleasure and their business too, In spying out all that their neighbors do. And thus, the whole town in a moment knows The veriest trifle. But where is our young pair? Mephistopheles. Like wanton birds of summer, through the air I saw them dart away. Martha. He seems well pleased with her. Mephistopheles. And she with him. 'Tis thus the world goes. Scene II. _A Summer-house in the Garden._