FAUST

So, to the actively eternal
Creative force, in cold disdain
You now oppose the fist infernal,
Whose wicked clench is all in vain! 
Some other labor seek thou rather,
Queer Son of Chaos, to begin!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Well, we’ll consider:  thou canst gather
My views, when next I venture in. 
Might I, perhaps, depart at present?

FAUST

Why thou shouldst ask, I don’t perceive. 
Though our acquaintance is so recent,
For further visits thou hast leave. 
The window’s here, the door is yonder;
A chimney, also, you behold.

MEPHISTOPHELES

I must confess that forth I may not wander,
My steps by one slight obstacle controlled,—­
The wizard’s-foot, that on your threshold made is.

FAUST

The pentagram prohibits thee? 
Why, tell me now, thou Son of Hades,
If that prevents, how cam’st thou in to me? 
Could such a spirit be so cheated?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Inspect the thing:  the drawing’s not completed. 
The outer angle, you may see,
Is open left—­the lines don’t fit it.

FAUST

Well,—­Chance, this time, has fairly hit it! 
And thus, thou’rt prisoner to me? 
It seems the business has succeeded.

MEPHISTOPHELES

The poodle naught remarked, as after thee he speeded;
But other aspects now obtain: 
The Devil can’t get out again.

FAUST

Try, then, the open window-pane!

MEPHISTOPHELES

For Devils and for spectres this is law: 
Where they have entered in, there also they withdraw. 
The first is free to us; we’re governed by the second.

FAUST

In Hell itself, then, laws are reckoned? 
That’s well!  So might a compact be
Made with you gentlemen—­and binding,—­surely?

MEPHISTOPHELES

All that is promised shall delight thee purely;
No skinflint bargain shalt thou see. 
But this is not of swift conclusion;
We’ll talk about the matter soon. 
And now, I do entreat this boon—­
Leave to withdraw from my intrusion.

FAUST

One moment more I ask thee to remain,
Some pleasant news, at least, to tell me.

MEPHISTOPHELES