Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BARGAIN OF FAUST, by HAZEL NICHOLSON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BARGAIN OF FAUST, by                    
First Line: Shall a man, then, not own his own soul? Why
Last Line: She hers in heaven, but you yours in hell.
Subject(s): Faust; Future Life; Love; Sin; Retribution; Eternity; After Life


"Shall a man, then, not own his own soul? Why
If I choose wreck, may I not wreck my own,
Counting the cost?" Brave Faust! without a groan
To hold no price too cruel or too high
For a rich joy! Choose your fate may you, die!
But your soul was so paltry, that alone
Mephisto wished it not; well have you known
That, with yours, Marguerite's soul, too, must die.
Bargain for your own ruin as you will!
But sign no compact that another's soul
Must witness and consent to; brave you now?
A coward rather; for a daring guilt
Your reckless soul another's birthright stole;
For this not to be forgiven now.

Nor can you offer even this poor plea:
That you did sin for love of Marguerite:—
You had not seen the maiden on the street
When you did promise Satan his high fee
"Some woman's soul for toy, and mine for thee,
Mephisto, later!"—Passion, deadly sweet,
The flower of love that else were incomplete,
Angels may pity, if not pardon; she
Did sin for love, but you did love for sin;
Her passion was the flower of love; but yours,
Only the seed; then you did not compel
Her sacrifice? Love's victim had she been
Not yours? Oh, both must pay the heavy fine;
She hers in heaven, but you yours in hell.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net