Faust monologue — Mr. Faust

Ah, what a ghastly dream! Ghastly, for all its cold and lofty state. Nay, what have I to do with yearning thoughts Of immortality? I am young with life! I shall not die! Hope and the eager years Of labor rise before me as I press Clear of these shadows. I have dreamed dark dreams-- One very dark of late--but now my blood Resurges in a not less passionate fire Than when, less wise, I stretched my hands to life, And all my hopes were winged. But that is past; And dreams are past: the day of deed is come. Aye, in the cities, on the hills of the world, I shall uplift the banner of high wars-- I shall make mock of this strange dizziness-- I shall live--and Death retreats from me afraid!