Eternal Longing: Faustus’ Ode to Helen

Enter the world of Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus,” where the protagonist’s insatiable thirst for knowledge leads him to conjure the legendary beauty of Helen of Troy. In this iconic dialogue, Faustus becomes enraptured by Helen’s enchanting allure, expressing his longing for her with fervent passion. As he speaks of her incomparable beauty and imagines himself embarking on a timeless quest for love, Faustus’ words resonate with longing and desire, drawing readers into a realm where mortal yearning meets immortal fascination.

FAUSTUS:

Was this the face that launched a thousand ships

And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?

Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.

Her lips suck forth my soul. See where it flies!

Come, Helen, come, give me my soul again.

Here will I dwell, for Heaven is in these lips,

And all is dross that is not Helena.

I will be Paris, and for love of thee,

Instead of Troy, shall Wittenberg be sacked;

And I will combat with weak Menelaus,

And wear thy colors on my plumed crest;

Yea, I will wound Achilles in the heel

And then return to Helen for a kiss.

O, thou art fairer than the evening air

Clad in the beauty of a thousand stars;

Brighter art thou than flaming Jupiter

When he appeared to hapless Semele;

More lovely than the monarch of the sky

In wanton Arethusa’s azured arms;

And none but thou shalt be my paramour!