Infects what I so long have been retrieving; This stagnant pool likewise to drain Were now my latest and my best achieving. To many millions let me furnish soil, Though not secure, yet free to active toil; Green, fertile fields, where men and herds go forth At once, with comfort, on the newest earth, And swiftly settled on the hill's firm base, Created by the bold, industrious race. A land like Paradise here, round about; Up to the brink the tide may roar without, And though it gnaw, to burst with force the limit, By common impulse all unite to hem it. Yes! to this thought I hold with firm persistence; The last result of wisdom stamps it true: He only earns his freedom and existence Who daily conquers them anew. Thus here, by dangers girt, shall glide away Of childhood, manhood, age, the vigorous day: And such a throng I fain would see,— Stand on free soil among a people free! Then dared I hail the Moment fleeing: "Ah, still delay—thou art so fair!" The traces cannot, of mine earthly being, In æons perish,—they are there! In proud fore-feeling of such lofty bliss, I now enjoy the highest Moment,—this! [Faust sinks back: the Lemures take him and lay him upon the ground.] MEPHISTOPHELES No joy could sate him, and suffice no bliss! To catch but shifting shapes was his endeavor: The latest, poorest, emptiest Moment—this,— He wished to hold it fast forever. Me he resisted in such vigorous wise, But Time is lord, on earth the old man lies. The clock stands still— [Pg 6416] CHORUS Stands still! silent as midnight, now! The index falls. MEPHISTOPHELES It falls; and it is finished, here! CHORUS 'Tis past! MEPHISTOPHELES Past! a stupid word. If past, then why? Past and pure Naught, complete monotony! What good for us, this endlessly creating?— What is created then annihilating? "And now it's past!" Why read a page so twisted? 'Tis just the same as if it ne'er existed, Yet goes in circles round as if it had, however: I'd rather choose, instead, the Void forever. The Salvation of Faust ANGELS [Soaring in the higher atmosphere, bearing the immortal part of Faust] The noble spirit now is free, And saved from evil scheming: Whoe'er aspires unweariedly Is not beyond redeeming. And if he feels the grace of love That from on high is given, The blessed hosts, that wait above, Shall welcome him to heaven! THE YOUNGER ANGELS They, the roses, freely spended By the penitent, the glorious, Helped to make the fight victorious, And the lofty work is ended. We this precious soul have won us; Evil ones we forced to shun us; [Pg 6417]Devils fled us when we hit them: 'Stead of pangs of hell, that bit them, Love pangs felt they, sharper, vaster: Even he, old Satan Master, Pierced with keenest pain retreated. Now rejoice! The work's completed! THE MORE PERFECT ANGELS Earth's residue to bear Hath sorely pressed us; It were not pure and fair,