Page:The Harvard Classics Vol. 19.djvu/162

150 Faust

Must we?

Margaret

Ah, could I but thy soul inspire! Thou honourest not the sacraments, alas!

Faust I honour them.

Margaret

But yet without desire; 'Tis long since thou hast been either to shrift or mass. Dost thou believe in God?

Faust

My darling, who dares say, Yes, I in God believe? Question or priest or sage, and they Seem, in the answer you receive, To mock the questioner.

Margaret Then thou dost not believe?

Faust

Sweet one! my meaning do not misconceive! Him who dare name? And who proclaim, Him I believe? Who that can feel, His heart can steel, To say: I believe him not? The All-embracer, All-sustainer, Holds and sustains he not