The nave is empty, except for an occasional figure moving at the far end of the long central aisle, and an occasional attendant in sacerdotal robes making ready the Altar.

Faust, entering from the right, and Satan, entering from the left, meet in the foreground. Satan is dressed in the dark robes of a priest._

FAUST

I care not for your masquerade attire; But let that pa.s.s.... Well, I have kept your hour.

And this perhaps is not unfitting place To make confession that you weary me A little. In this running to and fro Over the earth, my inclination tires Of your companionship. I am resolved, If three days' time brings forth no new event, To end this, and reclaim you to obey My will.

SATAN

I am content; three days will serve.

FAUST

Good! Meanwhile, 'tis at least some recompense That we return from airy Eastern domes Glittering in blank sunlight, unto lands Where men erect their temples to the G.o.ds In forms whose light and shadow, stress and play Of arch and b.u.t.tress, satisfies my blood Better than does barbaric loveliness.

The dome that poises its clear perfect curves Rising above the palm-trees, with the look As of a winged bubble lightly resting On needless masonry--that symbolled form Of heavenly perfection never fills My heart as do these knotted b.u.t.tresses And writhing ribs and vaults that strain in fight-- And are victorious, as they raise to heaven The climbing spires of such an edifice.

SATAN

Quite right--but if you'll let me interrupt-- There is a woman yonder who, I think, Is waiting for a chance to speak to you.

She looks at you, and hesitates, and turns-- As though a little fearful to approach So great a person.

FAUST

Where is she? I see.

I wonder if I know her.

SATAN

She is coming.

[_A young woman, hardly more than a girl, comes from between the pillars and approaches Faust.

Satan withdraws a little as she approaches._

THE WOMAN

I did not want to interrupt your talk; But, Mr. Faust, I wished so much to speak To you. You do not know me?

FAUST

Why, it seems...

THE WOMAN

Of course you do not; why should you remember?

But I have seen your face so many times When you perhaps not noticed me at all, That I feel half-acquainted. Mr. Brander Speaks of you, too, so much that I have grown To think I know you.

FAUST

Ah; yes, Brander....

THE WOMAN

Still I have not told you who I am, and you Do not yet know me. I am Mrs. Brander.

FAUST

What! Mrs. Brander! Ah, delighted ... yes....

THE WOMAN

You had not heard that we were married?

FAUST

No.

Of course, I am astounded; it's delightful-- And most surprising.

THE WOMAN

It was very sudden-- While you were gone.

FAUST

I see. Yes, I'm surprised And charmed. It's strange, at first I could not bring You to my memory.

THE WOMAN

I don't believe That you can yet!

FAUST

Why....

THE WOMAN

I don't wonder at it.

I used to whisk about and peer at you As you came in....

FAUST

Are you then ... then are you ...

Midge?

MIDGE

Yes! exactly.