A Street, A Garden, A Summerhouse, and A Forest Cavern Summary

Mephistopheles tells Faust his meeting with Gretchen is all set up. The only condition is that Faust back Mephistopheles' story about Martha's husband's death. Faust at first refuses to lie. Mephistopheles reminds Faust it will not be the first lie he has ever told. He also suggests Faust's vows of love to Gretchen will be lies. Faust argues with him but in the end agrees that he has no choice in the matter but to lie to Martha.

The scene "A Garden" begins with Faust and Gretchen walking together. Gretchen is surprised that Faust should take notice of her. Meanwhile Martha and Mephistopheles walk together. Martha questions Mephistopheles about his occupation and warns him not to be a bachelor when the time comes for him...