Quotes from Faust, First Part
19 notable lines from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · 1808
Two souls, alas, dwell in my breast, each one desiring to separate from the other.
Quotations follow the David Luke translation (Oxford University Press, 2008) — our recommended edition.
Two souls, alas! reside within my breast, And each withdraws from, and repels, its brother.
Faust, Before the City-Gate · trans. Bayard Taylor In the beginning was the deed.
Faust, Faust Part 1 ’Tis written: “In the Beginning was the Word.” ... “In the Beginning was the Act,” I write.
Faust, translating the Gospel of John · trans. Bayard Taylor Part of that Power, not understood, Which always wills the Bad, and always works the Good.
Mephistopheles, in the Study · trans. Bayard Taylor I am the spirit that negates! And rightly so, for all that comes to be deserves to perish wretchedly.
Mephistopheles, Faust Part 1 I am the Spirit that Denies!
Mephistopheles, in the Study · trans. Bayard Taylor When thus I hail the Moment flying: “Ah, still delay—thou art so fair!” Then bind me in thy bonds undying, My final ruin then declare!
Faust, sealing his wager with Mephistopheles · trans. Bayard Taylor I've studied now Philosophy And Jurisprudence, Medicine,— And even, alas! Theology,— From end to end, with labor keen; And here, poor fool! with all my lore I stand, no wiser than before.
Faust, opening soliloquy (Night) · trans. Bayard Taylor My worthy friend, gray are all theories, And green alone Life's golden tree.
Mephistopheles, to the student · trans. Bayard Taylor While Man's desires and aspirations stir, He cannot choose but err.
The Lord, Prologue in Heaven · trans. Bayard Taylor My peace is gone, My heart is sore: I never shall find it, Ah, nevermore!
Margaret (Gretchen) at the spinning-wheel · trans. Bayard Taylor Blood is a juice of rarest quality.
Mephistopheles, on signing the pact in blood · trans. Bayard Taylor Feeling is all in all: The Name is sound and smoke, Obscuring Heaven's clear glow.
Faust, to Margaret on belief in God · trans. Bayard Taylor Reason and Knowledge only thou despise, The highest strength in man that lies!
Mephistopheles, in the Study · trans. Bayard Taylor A good man, through obscurest aspiration, Has still an instinct of the one true way.
The Lord, Prologue in Heaven · trans. Bayard Taylor Thou'rt like the Spirit which thou comprehendest, Not me!
The Earth-Spirit, dismissing Faust · trans. Bayard Taylor Again ye come, ye hovering Forms! I find ye, As early to my clouded sight ye shone!
Dedication (opening lines) · trans. Bayard Taylor Mephistopheles: She is judged! Voice (from above): She is saved!
Closing exchange of Part One · trans. Bayard Taylor