Manager monologue (Act 5) — Faust: A Tragedy

Enough of words: 'tis time that we Were come to deeds; while you are spinning Fine airy phrases, fancy-free, We might have made some good beginning. What stuff you talk of being in the vein! A lazy man is never in the vein. If once your names are on the poet's roll, The Muses should be under your control. You know our want; a good stiff liquor To make their creeping blood flow quicker; Then brew the brews without delay; What was not done to-day, to-morrow Will leave undone for greater sorrow. Don't stand, and stare, and block the way, But with a firm, set purpose lay Hold of your bright thoughts as they rise to view, And bid them stay; Once caught, they will not lightly run away, Till they have done what in them lies to do.