Faust: A Lyric Drama in Five Acts

WAGNER, SIEBEL, VALENTINE, Students, and afterwards MEPHISTOPHELES.

_Val._ (advancing from the back of the stage and holding in his hand a small silver medal). O sacred medallion, Gift of my sister dear To ward off danger and fear, As I charge with my brave battalion, Rest thou upon my heart.

_Wag._ Here comes Valentine, in search of us, doubtless.

_Val._ Let us drain the parting cup, comrades, It is time we were on the road.

_Wag._ What sayst thou? Why this sorrowful farewell?

_Val._ Like you, I soon must quit these scenes, Leaving behind me Marguerite. Alas! my mother no longer lives, To care for and protect her.

_Sie._ More than one friend hast thou Who faithfully will thy place supply.

_Val._ My thanks!

_Sie._ On me you may rely.

_Stud._ In us thou surely mayst confide.

_Val._ Even bravest heart may swell In the moment of farewell. Loving smile of sister kind, Quiet home I leave behind. Oft shall I think of you Whene'er the wine-cup passes round, When alone my watch I keep. But when danger to glory shall call me, I still will be first in the fray, As blithe as a knight in his bridal array. Careless what fate shall befall me When glory shall call me.

_Wag._ Come on, friends! No tears nor vain alarms; Quaff we good wine, to the success of our arms! Drink, boys, drink! In a joyous refrain Bid farewell, till we meet again.

_Cho._ We'll drink! Fill high! Once more in song our voices Let us raise.

_Wag._ (mounting on a table). A rat, more coward than brave, And with an exceedingly ugly head, Lodged in a sort of hole or cave, Under an ancient hogshead. A cat--

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