PREFACE. THE SECOND PART is the natural sequel to the First Part of 'Faust.' Both Parts were planned by Goethe at the same time, and most of Part II. sketched, and various portions-for example, the last scenes of Act V.—even written before the publication of Part I. The Second Part has been translated into English some ten or a dozen times. An analysis and observations on Part II. accompanied with specimens of this translation appeared as an article in the Westminster Review' for April 1886 The whole translation now follows in due course. J. A. B. February 25, 1889. FAUST. PART II.1 INTRODUCTION. A LONG interval must be supposed to have elapsed between the First and Second Parts of the 'Faust'-an interval which was occupied by the hero's repentance, or at least his suffering and remorse, as is hinted in the introductory lines sung by Ariel: Compose the tempest of his heart-away His spirit purge from horror and dismay. He is then reintroduced to us still aspiring after 'the highest being,' or his own highest spiritual development under the restorative influences of nature in the dawn of an Alpine sunrise. Thou earth on this night too hast steadfast been, According to Mephisto to show Faust 'the lit les' promise in Part I. (p. 170) first, then the great world,' we |