©Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia

THE GARDEN
173
This idle roaming round and round the world,
With wildfire spirits, and heart disengaged:
But soon comes age and sorrow; and to drag,
Through the last years of life, down to the grave
A solitary creature-like the wretch,
Who moves from prison on to execution­
This must be bad for body and for soul.
MEPHISTOPHELES. You make me shudder at the
dreary prospect.
MARTHA. Be wise-secure yourself in time.
. [They pass on.
MARGARET. Yes! - out of sight, soon out of
mind.
I feel thi~ courtesy is kind ;-
That you, who must have many a friend
Highly informed, should condescend
To speak with one in my poor station.
Of such neglected education,
-In every thing so unimproved-
FAUST. Believe me, dearest, best beloved,
That, which the world calls information,
Is often bu t the glitter chilling
Of vanity and want of feeling.
MARGARET. How?
FA.UST.
Ah! that-singleness of heart,
And absence of all artifice,
-Gifts, as they are, above all price,
Heaven's holiest blessing-should be thus
Of their own worth unconscious!
That-meekness, gentleness, the treasure
Which Nature, who doth still impart
To all in love, and lavish measure.
Gives to the child, whom she loves dearest,­
Should-
MARGARET.
Think of me when you are gone,
A moment now and then-of you
1 shall have time enough to think.
FAUST. Your time is passt!d, then, much alone?
MARGARET. Why, yes; and then our house affairs,
Poor though they be, bring many cares.
©Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia