Mr. Faust Part 27

"With this last word I close my testament: 'Man, work thy will, and G.o.d shall come of thee.'"

SATAN

Poor thwarted fool, who would not take my lures, Being far too wise! Yet dustward now he turns, And where Faust stood shall nothingness survive!

FAUST

Approach me not: I have grown sanctified.

Loathing the night and dreaming of the dawn, I claim some kins.h.i.+p with the Eternal Power Which in the dust, the daisy and the star Moves onward in its self-ordained sway-- Life everlasting. Through my veins it sweeps, Bearing me onward; and as I am borne, I onward urge, till my short day be done And I fall spent; and over me the wave Sweeps on its way immortal; and my soul Partakes of that lost immortality.

SATAN

Dreamer, whose dreams shall soon be choked with dust!

FAUST (_slowly rising_)

I am that dreamer to whose mounting dreams No bounds are set, no region which my will May not reach out toward. And I will create-- I, and the souls that after me shall come-- By pa.s.sion of desire a pillar of flame Above the wastes of life. If no G.o.d be, I will from my deep soul create a G.o.d Into the universe to fight for me!

(_He sinks back_)

SATAN

How strong a master! Why not slay me now?

Put forth your strength, and try how great it be!

FAUST

Though dying, I am master. But you still Are jester, even at death-beds--knowing well I have no power to slay you. You retreat But perish not; the sphere of your domain Contracts, but it endures immortally.

Have done with jesting: look me in the eyes!

Acknowledge me, and all high heritors Who shall succeed me, your eternal foe, Your eternal victor in half-victories-- But never your destroyer to the last.

SATAN

I thank all prophets for their prophecy!

But I shall still remain?...

FAUST

You shall remain....

SATAN

I shall remain!...

[_Faust and Satan sit silent, watching each other steadily. Faust closes his eyes, then suddenly raises himself in his chair._

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 pa.s.sionate 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!

SATAN

What! Then I'll do his office!

FAUST

Spare your pains The tide of strength recedes, swift as it came....

Oldham! I cannot die! I cannot die!...

And I am dying....

[_Faust sinks back with closed eyes. The door opens softly and the butler enters, followed by Midge who carries an armful of flowers. She looks around the room, bewildered; then crosses quickly to Faust's chair._

SATAN

Madam, you come too late.

[_Faust opens his eyes--and, lifting the ma.n.u.script, with feeble hand holds it out to her._

FAUST

No, not too late.... Touch me across the dusk--

[_Midge, shaken and faltering, clasps the book to her. Doubtfully she touches his shoulder. Faust, slightly smiling, closes his eyes._

CURTAIN