_Meph._ You see, We devils have our consciences. In vice We can do nearly all that man can do, But not quite all. There are some forms of sin From which we shrink--and this is one of them. I have no stomach for such worldly work. Best get a man to help you. _Faus._ Mocking fiend, Misjudge me not. As there’s a heaven and hell, I mean the maid no wrong. I’ll take thy help, If thou wilt give it me. But be forewarned; I’ll make no compact with thee. Set me free, And I will fight thee with the holy aid Of her pure innocence. Be thou forewarned. _Meph._ I like your frankness! Well, you’re not the first Who’s tried to rise to heaven on my shoulders! Humph! I don’t know. I am a match for _you_. But, you and she allied! The odds are heavy! Well, I’m a student still, and always glad To glean experience when and how I can. I’m curious to see how this will end; If _for_ me--good; but if against me--well, I shall but lose _you_, and you’re no great stake. And so I’ll risk it. See! The maiden comes! [_A vision of GRETCHEN is seen, gliding across the stage, through the tombstones; she is reading a breviary._ _Faus._ (_entranced_). Great grace of Heaven! Is this indeed a form of mortal mould? Speak, tempter, speak! _Meph._ Ay, flesh and blood, like yours, Taken, haphazard, from a world of women! How say you? Is she not exceeding fair? Is there not innocence in every line Of that pure, face? Is aught more virginal Than the sweet sadness of those downcast eyes Bent on her breviary? And yet withal, There is a wondrous world of latent love Within that maiden heart. The girl will love As few can love, when the full time arrives; So take good heed, deal gently with the maid, Or harm may come of it--and that were pity! _Faus._ If there be truth in heaven, there’s truth in her! If there be heaven on earth, there’s heaven here! _Meph._ Ay, verily! Why, when I look on her, I’m almost tempted to turn saint myself; What would the world do then! Well, what say you? The choice is well before you. On one hand, Quibbling chop-logic--lip and letter worship-- Flesh idly mortified--unreasoning dogma-- The shallow sophistries of means and end-- Straws split, and split, and split, and split again-- Each section in itself infallible, And all dissentients damned! And on the other, Peace, charity, and mercy, simple faith, Gentle good-will and loving kindliness. Come, priest, what say you? Quick--my time is short. [_The apparition raises her eyes from her book and turns to FAUSTUS, holding out her hand to him._