Giunto sul passo estremo

English Libretto or Translation:

FAUST
All mortal mysteries I have proved –
The Real, the Ideal;
The love of simple maidenhood,
And of the highest goddess –
Yet the Real was sorrow, and the Ideal but a dream.

Nearing the utmost limit
Of life’s extremest goal,
In a vision delightful,
Did wander forth my soul.
King of some placid region,
Unknown to care and striving,
I found a faithful people –
And fain would aid their living.

Under a wise law,
I saw new towns arising.
A happy, prosperous nation,
With homes and flocks surprising!

Ah! Would then, that this fair vision
Could but be my last dream;
The ultimate need
Of my existence ...


Translation 1880/1908 by Theodore T. Barker; revised 2019 by Joseph A. Marcus