SATAN

Await the event. You shall have recompense.

OLDHAM

Satan, what is your meaning? What event Do you await here? You have been to us, Through our long journey, secretive and close Of all your purposes--from day to day Giving no hint of your to-morrow's plan Nor of our destination. Now, I think, Silence is not a virtue. Have we come In fact to our last halt?

SATAN

This is the spot Toward which our course unswervingly has aimed Since the first day. This vast and ruined shrine, Built in forgotten times to unknown G.o.ds, And now in timeless solitude enfolded, Has long been known to me. Here, in retreat From the world's noises, dwells a holy man, A wonder-worker of unfathomed power, Now long forgotten by the troubled world Except me only. 'Tis his aged hand Shall open to you those celestial gates We come to enter.

FAUST

Ah, a wonder-worker!

Perhaps he will perform the mango trick, Or the rope-climbing, or the boy-in-the-basket?

The jugglers here have been below report One hears of them.

SATAN

Put by your idle sneers.

He is a prophet and a saint whose like The world can offer not. Upon his face You shall behold such utter holiness, Such sublimate devotion as shall shake Your hearts' foundations.

FAUST

Well, I can endure The meeting if he can.

OLDHAM

Satan, you choose Sometimes strange company. You often speak Of friendship with such men of holiness As much surprises me.

SATAN

If you were but A little wiser, you would understand That I have taught them much, at various times, That is of profit to them.

FAUST

Pray teach me A little something also.

SATAN

No, you think You know too much already.... Furthermore, You do not trust me; and I will not teach One who keeps restlessly, the whole day long, His eyes upon me, as though fearful I Were waiting to spring on him unawares!

FAUST

Oh, you exaggerate.

OLDHAM

Look through yonder palms!

Someone is coming.

SATAN He sees us! It is he!

[_Through the colonnade along the far side of the courtyard, there enters the Holy One, an aged man of venerable and sublime appearance, clad in a simple white robe. In his hand is a large copper bowl, which he carries with some care._

SATAN

He brings a bowl of water from the spring-- The very bowl I gave him!

OLDHAM

What a face!

What light, what soundless calm!

FAUST

He is, indeed, One of the ancient prophets....

SATAN

Holy One!

Satan salutes you!

THE HOLY ONE

Satan--come again After so long? A little longer--then No carca.s.s of illusion here shall wait To greet you.

SATAN

In the greatness of the sea All waves find home....

THE HOLY ONE

Yea, verily; and the deep Lies not far off. I am drawn nearer it Since last you came: I see its floods more clear, It laves me daily.... But what brings you back To my deserted dwelling from the press Where you are ever going to and fro Upon the earth?

SATAN

I came to seek for you, Whose feet are on the path of blessedness.

THE HOLY ONE

Ah, has illusion rent itself in twain For your sight also?

SATAN

Ask me not. I come Not on my mission, but on theirs....

THE HOLY ONE