BEFORE THE GATE (first half) from Faust part One by Goethe
(translated by Mark Scrivener)
Here we meet various people representing "everyday"
humanity. Faust and Wagner enter and Faust, seemingly recovered from
the previous night) speaks of the effects of Spring. Spring is of
course associated with the idea of the resurrection of life.
People of all
sorts: The
scene opens with all sorts of people out for the day on the Easter
holiday. There is an air of festivity and also some satire on the
various types.
On Andrew's
Eve:. According to popular tradition, on the eve of this
saint (November 29) young girls by incanting magical verses could see
their future husbands in their dreams.
Easter Processions I and II Paul Konewka Faust Silhouettes 1871
BEFORE
THE GATE
PEOPLE OF ALL SORTS OUT FOR A WALK
SEVERAL APPRENTICES
Why do you go that way?
OTHERS
We're off to the "Hunter's Lodge" today
THE FIRST
But we would rather wander to the mill.
AN APPRENTICE
The "River Inn's" the place, take my advice.
A SECOND
The path to it is not so nice.
THE OTHERS
What'll you do then?
A THIRD Go where the others will.
A FOURTH
Come up to "Burgdorf." You may be sure that you
Will find the finest girls, the best beer too,
And quarrels that are quite first rate.
A FIFTH
You overblown buffoon: now does your hide
Itch, for a third time, to be tried?
It just gives me the creeps. Forget that place.
SERVING GIRL
No! I'm returning to the town below.
ANOTHER
We'll find him by the poplars, I am sure.
THE FIRST
That's nothing great to me; you know
He'll stick by your side, only yours:
Dance on the green with you alone.
What do I care for joys you own?
STUDENT
Jove, how those strapping wenches go!
Come brother, we must take them into tow;
A good strong beer, a tobacco with a bite,
A nicely dressed-up serving girl- that's what I like.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Just look at those good-looking boys!
It's really a disgrace, it seems to me,
When they could have the very best of company,
They just run after girls like those.
SECOND STUDENT (TO THE FIRST)
But not so fast! Behind us are a pair
That are got up quite neat and nice.
And one's my neighbour and I swear
I've fallen for her form and face.
They walk at their demure pace
But in the end they'll go with us.
THE FIRST
No, brother! I don't like restraining ways.
Be quick, we'll lose our quarry if we stall.
The hand that leads the broom on Saturdays,
On Sundays will caress you best of all.
CITIZEN
I am not pleased by this new mayor in any way.
Now he is in, he grows just bolder by the day.
What's he do for the town, I say?
Each day it's growing worse. What's more,
You're meant now, more than ever, to obey,
And ever pay more than you did before.
BEGGAR (SINGING)
My noble sirs and ladies blessed
With cheeks of red and finest dress,
Be pleased to look upon me here,
And see and soften my distress.
Don't let my hurdy-gurdy gear
Grind on in vain. You'll only see
True joy by giving, wise ones say.
This day, for all a holiday,
Make it a harvest day for me!
ANOTHER CITIZEN
On holidays and Sundays, I know of nothing better
Than some small talk of wars and rumoured wars,
When way down yonder on Turkish shores,
The nations hammer one another.
You take a window, drink a little glass,
And see the motley ships glide down the river ways;
Then turn for home, when day is past,
And bless the peace and peaceful days.
THIRD CITIZEN
Yes, neighbour, yes! That's what I say as well.
Just let them crack each other on the skull,
And mix up everything they're known;
As long as all stays just the same at home.
OLD WOMAN (TO THE CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER)
My! how well-dressed; such fine, young things. Why at the sight,
Who wouldn't be infatuated?
Don't be so proud. It's quite all right.
And what you want, I know just how to make it.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Come Agatha, I'm do not want to be
Seen going with such witches openly...
Though on St. Andrew's night she let me see
My future sweetheart bodily-
ANOTHER
She showed me mine within a crystal sphere:
A soldier with some daring fellows there.
I look around, I seek him everywhere.
And yet- he just will not appear.
SOLDIERS
Cities that harbour
High battlements,
Girls of a proud,
Scorn-giving pretence,
These would I win!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
We let the trumpets
Do all the courting,
Whether to joy or
Ruinous strife.
That is a storming!
That is a life!
Women and cities
Have to give in!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
And all the soldiers
Go marching forward.
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
With 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
PEOPLE OF ALL SORTS OUT FOR A WALK
SEVERAL APPRENTICES
Why do you go that way?
OTHERS
We're off to the "Hunter's Lodge" today
THE FIRST
But we would rather wander to the mill.
AN APPRENTICE
The "River Inn's" the place, take my advice.
A SECOND
The path to it is not so nice.
THE OTHERS
What'll you do then?
A THIRD Go where the others will.
A FOURTH
Come up to "Burgdorf." You may be sure that you
Will find the finest girls, the best beer too,
And quarrels that are quite first rate.
A FIFTH
You overblown buffoon: now does your hide
Itch, for a third time, to be tried?
It just gives me the creeps. Forget that place.
SERVING GIRL
No! I'm returning to the town below.
ANOTHER
We'll find him by the poplars, I am sure.
THE FIRST
That's nothing great to me; you know
He'll stick by your side, only yours:
Dance on the green with you alone.
What do I care for joys you own?
STUDENT
Jove, how those strapping wenches go!
Come brother, we must take them into tow;
A good strong beer, a tobacco with a bite,
A nicely dressed-up serving girl- that's what I like.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Just look at those good-looking boys!
It's really a disgrace, it seems to me,
When they could have the very best of company,
They just run after girls like those.
SECOND STUDENT (TO THE FIRST)
But not so fast! Behind us are a pair
That are got up quite neat and nice.
And one's my neighbour and I swear
I've fallen for her form and face.
They walk at their demure pace
But in the end they'll go with us.
THE FIRST
No, brother! I don't like restraining ways.
Be quick, we'll lose our quarry if we stall.
The hand that leads the broom on Saturdays,
On Sundays will caress you best of all.
CITIZEN
I am not pleased by this new mayor in any way.
Now he is in, he grows just bolder by the day.
What's he do for the town, I say?
Each day it's growing worse. What's more,
You're meant now, more than ever, to obey,
And ever pay more than you did before.
BEGGAR (SINGING)
My noble sirs and ladies blessed
With cheeks of red and finest dress,
Be pleased to look upon me here,
And see and soften my distress.
Don't let my hurdy-gurdy gear
Grind on in vain. You'll only see
True joy by giving, wise ones say.
This day, for all a holiday,
Make it a harvest day for me!
ANOTHER CITIZEN
On holidays and Sundays, I know of nothing better
Than some small talk of wars and rumoured wars,
When way down yonder on Turkish shores,
The nations hammer one another.
You take a window, drink a little glass,
And see the motley ships glide down the river ways;
Then turn for home, when day is past,
And bless the peace and peaceful days.
THIRD CITIZEN
Yes, neighbour, yes! That's what I say as well.
Just let them crack each other on the skull,
And mix up everything they're known;
As long as all stays just the same at home.
OLD WOMAN (TO THE CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER)
My! how well-dressed; such fine, young things. Why at the sight,
Who wouldn't be infatuated?
Don't be so proud. It's quite all right.
And what you want, I know just how to make it.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Come Agatha, I'm do not want to be
Seen going with such witches openly...
Though on St. Andrew's night she let me see
My future sweetheart bodily-
ANOTHER
She showed me mine within a crystal sphere:
A soldier with some daring fellows there.
I look around, I seek him everywhere.
And yet- he just will not appear.
SOLDIERS
Cities that harbour
High battlements,
Girls of a proud,
Scorn-giving pretence,
These would I win!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
We let the trumpets
Do all the courting,
Whether to joy or
Ruinous strife.
That is a storming!
That is a life!
Women and cities
Have to give in!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
And all the soldiers
Go marching forward.
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
With 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
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