Page "Faust" Paragraph 34

In this version of the story, Faust is an elderly scholar and alchemist who is frustrated at his inability to help the plague-stricken population.

He summons Mephisto, who overcomes Faust's reluctance to sign a pact by telling him he can try it for one day with no obligation.

At the end of that day, having been restored to youth and helped by Mephisto to steal a beautiful woman from her wedding feast, Faust is sufficiently tempted that he agrees to extend the pact for eternity.

Eventually he becomes bored with the pursuit of pleasure and returns home, where he falls in love with the beautiful and innocent Gretchen.

His corruption ( in the form of Mephisto ) ultimately ruins both their lives, though there is still a chance for redemption in the end .< ref >< i > Id .</ ref >