Margaret. It makes my blood to freeze when he comes near. To other men I have no lack Of kindly thoughts; but as I long To see thy face, I shudder back From him. That he's a knave I make no doubt; May God forgive me, if I do him wrong! Faust. Such grim old owls must be; without Their help the world could not get on, I fear. Margaret. With men like him I would have nought to do! As often as he shows him here, He looks in at the door with such a scornful leer, Half angry too; Whate'er is done, he takes no kindly part; And one can see it written on his face, He never loved a son of Adam's race. Henry, within thy loving arm I feel so free, so trustful-warm; But when his foot comes near, I start, And feel a freezing grip tie up my heart. Faust. O thou prophetic angel, thou! Margaret. This overpowers me so That, when his icy foot may cross the door, I feel as if I could not love thee more. When he is here, too, I could never pray; This eats my very heart. Now say, Henry, is't not the same with thee? Faust. Nay now, this is mere blind antipathy! Margaret. I must be gone. Faust. Oh! may it never be That I shall spend one quiet hour with thee, One single little hour, and breast on breast, And soul on soul, with panting love, be pressed? Margaret. Alas! did I but sleep alone, this night The door unbarred thy coming should invite; But my good mother has but broken sleep; And, if her ears an inkling got, Then were I dead upon the spot! Faust. Sweet angel! that's an easy fence to leap. Here is a juice, whose grateful power can steep Her senses in a slumber soft and deep; Three drops mixed with her evening draught will do. Margaret. I would adventure this and more for you. Of course, there's nothing hurtful in the phial? Faust. If so, would I advise the trial? Margaret. Thou best of men, if I but look on thee, All will deserts me to thy wish untrue; So much already have I done for thee That now scarce aught remains for me to do. [_Exit._ _Enter_ /Mephistopheles/. Mephistopheles. Well, is the monkey gone? Faust. And you--must I Submit again to see you play the spy? Mephistopheles. I have been duly advertised How Doctor Faust was catechised: I hope it will agree with you. The girls are wont--they have their reasons too-- To see that one, in every point, believes The faith, that from his fathers he receives. They think, if little mettle here he shows, We too may lead him by the nose. Faust. Thou monster! dost not know how this fond soul, Who yields her being's whole To God, and feels and knows That from such faith alone her own salvation flows, With many an anxious holy fear is tossed, Lest he, whom best she loves, should be forever lost?