Arash Nabizadeh’s Reviews > Faust: A Tragedy > Status Update

Pater Seraphicus: Children, come and enter into
My old earth- accustomed eyes;
Through them you can look about you,
View the world that round you lies.

Faust: The man’s a fool who, gazing up, imagines
Above the clouds his like dwell in the heavens.
With feet well planted let him look about the earth,
This world speaks volumes to a man of worth.

Faust: I’ve still not won my freedom yet.
If only I could give up sorcery,
Unlearn my spells, put magic by entirely,
And face you, Nature, simply as a man,
It would be worth it being human then—

Faust: This, this, is the worst torment,
To have so much, yet still to want!

Faust: You’ve never heard of the mirages
Seen on Sicilian shores and marshes?
Visible in the bright day,
They hover halfway up the sky,
Reflections in the atmosphere.
Very strange these visions are—
Cities floating in the air,
Gardens, too— it’s all true, Sir!
Image image following,
Appearing and then disappearing.

Emperor: To play it safe, they reckon, is being shrewd;
Who cares for honor, duty, gratitude?
They see their neighbor’s house catch fire, burn,
And never think it might soon be their turn.

Mephisto: And right you are!
The priesthood’s bellies were their biggest care;

Faust:
I’d like to see the people prosper,
In their own fashion have some pleasure,
Learn to read, be educated
(So know how to foment rebellions).

Euphorion’s voice: [From below]
Mother, in drear darkness,
Don’t leave me alone!

Phorkyas: Those old tales have lost all meaning,
We aim at a higher goal:
From the soul must come the feeling
That can move another’s soul.