s to the gods
In forms whose light and shadow, stress and play
Of arch and buttress, 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 buttresses
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.

F