Johann Wolfgang von Goethe1749–1832A good man, through obscurest aspiration,
Has still an instinct of the one true way.Faust (1808), Prologue in Heaven, spoken by The LordIn contextPart of that Power, not understood,
Which always wills the Bad, and always works the Good.Faust (1808), Scene III, spoken by MephistophelesIn context- Faust (1808), Scene III, spoken by MephistophelesIn context
- Faust (1808), Scene IV, spoken by FaustIn context
- Faust (1808), Scene IV, spoken by MephistophelesIn context
My worthy friend, gray are all theories,
And green alone Life’s golden tree.Faust (1808), Scene IV, spoken by MephistophelesIn contextFor just where fails the comprehension,
A word steps promptly in as deputy.Faust (1808), Scene IV, spoken by MephistophelesIn context- Faust (1808), Scene IV, spoken by MephistophelesIn context
Man usually believes, if only words he hears,
That also with them goes material for thinking!Faust (1808), Scene VI, spoken by MephistophelesIn contextMy peace is gone,
My heart is sore:
I never shall find it,
Ah, nevermore!Faust (1808), Scene XVIn contextFeeling is all in all:
The Name is sound and smoke,
Obscuring Heaven’s clear glow.Faust (1808), Scene XVI, spoken by FaustIn contextWhat dazzles, for the Moment spends its spirit:
What’s genuine, shall Posterity inherit.Faust (1808), Prelude at the Theatre, spoken by PoetIn contextAge childish makes, they say, but ’tis not true;
We’re only genuine children still, in Age’s season!Faust (1808), Prelude at the Theatre, spoken by Merry-AndrewIn contextThe words you’ve bandied are sufficient;
’Tis deeds that I prefer to see:Faust (1808), Prelude at the Theatre, spoken by ManagerIn contextI would myself unto the Devil deliver,
If I were not a Devil myself!Faust (1808), Scene IX, spoken by MephistophelesIn context
