Faust: A Lyric Drama in Five Acts

VALENTINE and the before-named.

_Val._ Good sir, what want you here?

_Mep._ My worthy fellow, it was not to you That we addressed our serenade!

_Val._ My sister, perhaps, would more gladly hear it! (VALENTINE draws his sword, and breaks MEPHISTOPHELES' guitar.)

_Faust._ His sister!

_Mep._ (to VALENTINE) Why this anger? Do ye not like my singing?

_Val._ Your insults cease! From which of ye must I demand Satisfaction for this foul outrage? Which of ye must I now slay?

(FAUST draws his sword.) 'Tis he!

_Mep._ Your mind's made up, then! On, then, doctor, at him, pray!

_Val._ Oh, heaven, thine aid afford, Increase my strength and courage, That in his blood my sword May wipe out this fell outrage!

_Faust._ What fear is this unnerves my arm? Why falters now my courage? Dare I to take his life, Who but resents an outrage?

_Mep._ His wrath and his courage I laugh alike to scorn! To horse, then, for his last journey The youth right soon will take!

_Val._

(taking in his hand the medallion suspended round his neck). Thou gift of Marguerite, Which till now hath ever saved me, I'll no more of thee--I cast thee hence! Accursed gift, I throw thee from me! (Throws it angrily away.)

_Mep._ (aside). Thou'll repent it!

_Val._ (to FAUST). Come on, defend thyself!

_Mep._ (to FAUST, in a whisper). Stand near to me, and attack him only; I'll take care to parry! (They fight.)

_Val._ (falling). Ah!

_Mep._ Behold our hero, Lifeless on the ground! Come, we must hence--quick, fly! (Exit, dragging FAUST after him.)

* * * * *