But  as  a  soldier  I  the  mail  put  on ;
Now  for  a  higher  aim  the  sword  be  drawn !
At  all  my  shows,  however  grand  to  see,
Did  nothing  lack :  but  Danger  lacked,  to  me.
Though  you  but  tilting  at  the  ring  suggested^
My  heart  beat  high  to  be  in  tourney  tested ;
And  had  you  not  from  war  my  mind  dissuaded.
For  glorious  deeds  my  name  were  now  paraded.
But  independence  then  did  I  acquire,
When  I  stood  mirrored  in  the  realm  of  fire :
In  the  dread  element  I  dared  to  stand ;  —
'T  was  but  a  show,  and  yet  the  show  was  grand.
Of  fame  and  victory  I  have  dreamed  alone ;
But  for  the  base  neglect  I  now  atone  !

(The  Heralds  are  despatched  to  challenge  the  Rival  EmperUr
to  single  combat.)

Faust  enters,  in  armor,  with  half-closed  visor.     The  Three
Mighty  Men,  armed  and  clothed,  as  already  described.
We  come,  and  hope  our  coming  is  not  chidden  ;

Prudence  may  help,  though  by  the  need  unbidden.
The  mountain  race,  thou  know'st,  think  and  explore,  -

Of  Nature  and  the  rocks  they  read  the  lore.
The  Spirits,  forced  from  the  level  land  to  sever.
Are  of  the  rocky  hills  more  fain  than  ever.
Silent,  they  work  through  labyrinthine  passes.
In  rich,  metallic  fumes  of  noble  gases,

On  solving,  testing,  blending,  most  intent :

Their  only  passion,  something  to  invent.
With  gentle  touch  of  spiritual  power

They  build  transparent  fabrics,  hour  by  hour ;

For  they,  in  crystals  and  their  silence,  furled,'*"

Behold  events  that  rule  the  Upper  World.
ACT  IV.
EMPEROR.
I  understand  it,  and  can  well  agree ;

But  say,  thou  gallant  man,  what 's  that  to  me  ?

FAUST.
