ENTER FAUST AND
WAGNER
FAUST
The streams and
brooks break free from hard ice-crust,
Through springtime's
gracious, stimulating glance.
Within the valley,
green grows hope's happiness.
Old winter, in his
weakness, must
Retreat to rugged
mountain peaks.
From there, as he
flees, he's only throwing
Some powerless
showers of pellet-like ice
In streaks now over
fields' green-growing.
Ah, but the sun will
suffer no white:
Over all rules a
building and striving, the sun
Seeks to enliven all
with colour-shine.
In this quarter
flowers aren't yet spread,
It takes the
bright-clothed crowd instead.
Just turn around,
from this high heath,
Look back now on the
town beneath.
From the dark and
hollow gate
Multi-coloured
throngs escape.
Everyone's eager to
sun himself now.
They celebrate the
resurrection's power.
For they themselves
arise new-made
From lowly homes
with stuffy rooms,
From bonds of
handiwork and trade,
From pressing roofs
and gabled gloom,
From the streets'
squeezing narrowness,
From the churches'
venerable night,
They're all brought
out into the light.
Just see! How nimbly
crowds fragment and press
Through gardens and
through fields. Look how,
On all the breadths
and lengths of river-flow
So many merry skiffs
are stirring now,
And overloaded till
near sinking,
See that last barge
as off it goes.
The very mountain's
far paths are blinking
The flash of folk in
colourful bright clothes.
Already village
crowds I hear,
The people's own
true heaven's near;
Contented, great and
small shout joyously.
I'm human here, here
such may be.
WAGNER
Though, Doctor sir,
to stroll with you
Is benefit and
honour too;
I would not stray
out here alone, for I'm
A foe to vulgar
wastes of time.
This fiddling,
shrieking, skittle throng
Just seems a hateful
row. They romp about
As if in an evil
spirit drove them out,
And call it joy, and
call it song.
PEASANTS (UNDER THE
LINDEN TREE)
The shepherd for the
dance had dressed
In ribbons, wreath,
gay-coloured vest,
Put on a neat, smart
show.
And round the
linden, lass and lad
Already danced along
like mad.
Hurray! Hurray!
Hurrah-ah-rah!
Ho-hey!
So went the fiddle
bow.
Now hastily he
pushed on through,
And jabbed one of
the girls there too,
A sharp swift elbow
blow.
The lively wench
then turned about
And said, "Now
you're a stupid lout!"
Hurray! Hurray!
Hurrah-ah-rah!
Ho-hey!
"Don't be so
rude and low."
Still swiftly went
their circling flight,
Now dancing left,
now dancing right,
All skirts were
flying so!
They grew quite red,
they grew quite warm,
And panting rested
arm in arm,
Hurray! Hurray!
Hurrah-ah-rah
Ho-hey!
And hip on elbow so.
"Don't be
familiar with me!
How many have their
brides-to-be
Deceived and cheated
so!"
And yet he coaxed
her to one side
And from the linden
rang out wide:
Hurray! Hurray!
Hurrah-ah-rah!
Ho-hey!
The shouts and
fiddle bow.
OLD PEASANT
Good doctor, it is
fine of you
That you don't scorn
us here today
And down among this
press of humble people,
Though you're so
highly learned, go your way.
So also take the
finest mug
We filled with
fresh, good drink. And first
As I bring it, I
loudly wish
That it not only
stills your thirst,
But that each drop
that it contains
May be one day that
your life gains.
FAUST
Accepting your refreshing brew,
I wish all health and thank them
too.
THE PEOPLE GATHER AROUND IN A
CIRCLE
OLD PEASANT
In truth, it's very well it
happens
That you appear this joyous day;
For earlier in evil times,
You worked for good in will and
way.
How many who stand living here,
Your father snatched out just in
time
From burning fever as he brought
The epidemic into line.
You too that time, a young man
still,
Went in each house where plague
was found;
How many corpses one carried out,
But you came out still strong and
sound.
Withstanding much hard testing
too;
The helper on high helped helpers
through.
ALL
Health to the man who's truly
tried,
Long may his help be by our side!
FAUST
Stand bowed to Him on high who
sends
All help, and teaches help, my
friends.
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