ernal victor in half-victories--
But never your destroyer to the last.

SATAN

I thank all prophets for their prophecy!
But I shall still remain?...

FAUST

You shall remain....

SATAN

I shall remain!...

[_Faust and Satan sit silent, watching each other
steadily. Faust closes his eyes, then suddenly
raises himself in his chair._

FAUST

Ah, what a ghastly dream!
Ghastly, for all its cold and lofty state.
Nay, what have I to do with yearning thoughts
Of immortality? I am young with life!
I shall not die! Hope and the eager years
Of labor rise before me as I press
Clear of these shadows. I have dreamed dark dreams--
One very dark of late--but now my blood
Resurges in a not less passionate fire
Than when, less wise, I stretched my hands to life,
And all my hopes were winged. But that is past;
And dreams are past: the day of deed is come.
Aye, in the cities, on the hills of the world,
I shall uplift the banner of high wars--
I shall make mock of this strange dizziness--
I shall live--and Death retreats from me afraid!

SATAN

What! Then I'll do his office!

FAUST

Spare your pains
The tide of strength recedes, swift as it came....
Oldham! I cannot die! I cannot die!...
And I am dying....

[_Faust sinks back with closed eyes. The door opens
softly and the butler enters, followed by Midge who
carries an armful of flowers. She looks around the
room, bewildered; then crosses quickly to Faust's
chair._

SATAN

Madam, you come too late.

[_Faust opens his eyes--and, lifting the
manuscript, with feeble hand holds it out to her._

FAUST

No, not too late.... Touch me across the dusk--

[_Midge, shaken and faltering, clasps the book to
her. Doubtfully she touches his shoulder. Faust,
slightly smiling, closes his eyes._

CURTAIN

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mr. Faust, by Arthur Davison Ficke

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