With what
description
can I serve you?
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
the dawn is here.
_Siebel_. Ay, sing away and praise and glorify your dear!
Soon I shall have my time for laughter.
The jade has jilted me, and will you too hereafter;
May Kobold, for a lover, be her luck!
At night may he upon the cross-way meet her;
Or, coming from the Blocksberg, some old buck
May, as he gallops by, a good-night bleat her!
A fellow fine of real flesh and blood
Is for the wench a deal too good.
She'll get from me but one love-token,
That is to have her window broken!
_Brander [striking on the table_]. Attend! attend! To me give ear!
I know what's life, ye gents, confess it:
We've lovesick people sitting near,
And it is proper they should hear
A good-night strain as well as I can dress it.
Give heed! And hear a bran-new song!
Join in the chorus loud and strong!
[_He sings_. ]
A rat in the cellar had built his nest,
He daily grew sleeker and smoother,
He lined his paunch from larder and chest,
And was portly as Doctor Luther.
The cook had set him poison one day;
From that time forward he pined away
As if he had love in his body.
_Chorus [flouting_]. As if he had love in his body.
_Brander_. He raced about with a terrible touse,
From all the puddles went swilling,
He gnawed and he scratched all over the house,
His pain there was no stilling;
He made full many a jump of distress,
And soon the poor beast got enough, I guess,
As if he had love in his body.
_Chorus_. As if he had love in his body.
_Brander_. With pain he ran, in open day,
Right up into the kitchen;
He fell on the hearth and there he lay
Gasping and moaning and twitchin'.
Then laughed the poisoner: "He! he! he!
He's piping on the last hole," said she,
"As if he had love in his body. "
_Chorus_. As if he had love in his body.
_Siebel_. Just hear now how the ninnies giggle!
That's what I call a genuine art,
To make poor rats with poison wriggle!
_Brander_. You take their case so much to heart?
_Altmayer_. The bald pate and the butter-belly!
The sad tale makes him mild and tame;
He sees in the swollen rat, poor fellow!
His own true likeness set in a frame.
FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES.
_Mephistopheles_. Now, first of all, 'tis necessary
To show you people making merry,
That you may see how lightly life can run.
Each day to this small folk's a feast of fun;
Not over-witty, self-contented,
Still round and round in circle-dance they whirl,
As with their tails young kittens twirl.
If with no headache they're tormented,
Nor dunned by landlord for his pay,
They're careless, unconcerned, and gay.
_Brander_. They're fresh from travel, one might know it,
Their air and manner plainly show it;
They came here not an hour ago.
_Frosch_. Thou verily art right! My Leipsic well I know!
Paris in small it is, and cultivates its people.
_Siebel_. What do the strangers seem to thee?
_Frosch_. Just let me go! When wine our friendship mellows,
Easy as drawing a child's tooth 'twill be
To worm their secrets out of these two fellows.
They're of a noble house, I dare to swear,
They have a proud and discontented air.
_Brander_. They're mountebanks, I'll bet a dollar!
_Altmayer_. Perhaps.
_Frosch_. I'll smoke them, mark you that!
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Faust_]. These people never smell the old rat,
E'en when he has them by the collar.
_Faust_. Fair greeting to you, sirs!
_Siebel_. The same, and thanks to boot.
[_In a low tone, faking a side look at MEPHISTOPHELES_. ]
Why has the churl one halting foot?
_Mephistopheles_. With your permission, shall we make one party?
Instead of a good drink, which get here no one can,
Good company must make us hearty.
_Altmayer_. You seem a very fastidious man.
_Frosch_. I think you spent some time at Rippach[22] lately?
You supped with Mister Hans not long since, I dare say?
_Mephistopheles_. We passed him on the road today!
Fine man! it grieved us parting with him, greatly.
He'd much to say to us about his cousins,
And sent to each, through us, his compliments by dozens.
[_He bows to_ FROSCH. ]
_Altmayer_ [_softly_]. You've got it there! he takes!
_Siebel_. The chap don't want for wit!
_Frosch_. I'll have him next time, wait a bit!
_Mephistopheles_. If I mistook not, didn't we hear
Some well-trained voices chorus singing?
'Faith, music must sound finely here.
From all these echoing arches ringing!
_Frosch_. You are perhaps a connoisseur?
_Mephistopheles_. O no! my powers are small, I'm but an amateur.
_Altmayer_. Give us a song!
_Mephistopheles_. As many's you desire.
_Siebel_. But let it be a bran-new strain!
_Mephistopheles_. No fear of that! We've just come back from Spain,
The lovely land of wine and song and lyre.
[_Sings_. ]
There was a king, right stately,
Who had a great, big flea,--
_Frosch_. Hear him! A flea! D'ye take there, boys? A flea!
I call that genteel company.
_Mephistopheles_ [_resumes_]. There was a king, right stately,
Who had a great, big flea,
And loved him very greatly,
As if his own son were he.
He called the knight of stitches;
The tailor came straightway:
Ho! measure the youngster for breeches,
And make him a coat to-day!
_Brander_. But don't forget to charge the knight of stitches,
The measure carefully to take,
And, as he loves his precious neck,
To leave no wrinkles in the breeches.
_Mephistopheles_. In silk and velvet splendid
The creature now was drest,
To his coat were ribbons appended,
A cross was on his breast.
He had a great star on his collar,
Was a minister, in short;
And his relatives, greater and smaller,
Became great people at court.
The lords and ladies of honor
Fared worse than if they were hung,
The queen, she got them upon her,
And all were bitten and stung,
And did not dare to attack them,
Nor scratch, but let them stick.
We choke them and we crack them
The moment we feel one prick.
_Chorus_ [_loud_]. We choke 'em and we crack 'em
The moment we feel one prick.
_Frosch_. Bravo! Bravo! That was fine!
_Siebel_. So shall each flea his life resign!
_Brander_. Point your fingers and nip them fine!
_Altmayer_. Hurra for Liberty! Hurra for Wine!
_Mephistopheles_. I'd pledge the goddess, too, to show how high I set her,
Right gladly, if your wines were just a trifle better.
_Siebel_. Don't say that thing again, you fretter!
_Mephistopheles_. Did I not fear the landlord to affront;
I'd show these worthy guests this minute
What kind of stuff our stock has in it.
_Siebel_. Just bring it on! I'll bear the brunt.
_Frosch_. Give us a brimming glass, our praise shall then be ample,
But don't dole out too small a sample;
For if I'm to judge and criticize,
I need a good mouthful to make me wise.
_Altmayer_ [_softly_]. They're from the Rhine, as near as I can make it.
_Mephistopheles_. Bring us a gimlet here!
_Brander_. What shall be done with that?
You've not the casks before the door, I take it?
_Altmayer_. The landlord's tool-chest there is easily got at.
_Mephistopheles_ [_takes the gimlet_] (_to Frosch_).
What will you have? It costs but speaking.
_Frosch_. How do you mean? Have you so many kinds?
_Mephistopheles_. Enough to suit all sorts of minds.
_Altmayer_. Aha! old sot, your lips already licking!
_Frosch_. Well, then! if I must choose, let Rhine-wine fill my beaker,
Our fatherland supplies the noblest liquor.
MEPHISTOPHELES
[_boring a hole in the rim of the table near the place
where_ FROSCH _sits_].
Get us a little wax right off to make the stoppers!
_Altmayer_. Ah, these are jugglers' tricks, and whappers!
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Brander_]. And you?
_Brander_. Champaigne's the wine for me,
But then right sparkling it must be!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _bores; meanwhile one of them has made
the wax-stoppers and stopped the holes_. ]
_Brander_. Hankerings for foreign things will sometimes haunt you,
The good so far one often finds;
Your real German man can't bear the French, I grant you,
And yet will gladly drink their wines.
_Siebel_ [_while Mephistopheles approaches his seat_].
I don't like sour, it sets my mouth awry,
Let mine have real sweetness in it!
_Mephistopheles_ [_bores_]. Well, you shall have Tokay this minute.
_Altmayer_. No, sirs, just look me in the eye!
I see through this, 'tis what the chaps call smoking.
_Mephistopheles_. Come now! That would be serious joking,
To make so free with worthy men.
But quickly now! Speak out again!
With what description can I serve you?
_Altmayer_. Wait not to ask; with any, then.
[_After all the holes are bored and stopped_. ]
_Mephistopheles_ [_with singular gestures_].
From the vine-stock grapes we pluck;
Horns grow on the buck;
Wine is juicy, the wooden table,
Like wooden vines, to give wine is able.
An eye for nature's depths receive!
Here is a miracle, only believe!
Now draw the plugs and drink your fill!
ALL
[_drawing the stoppers, and catching each in his glass
the wine he had desired_].
Sweet spring, that yields us what we will!
_Mephistopheles_. Only be careful not a drop to spill!
[_They drink repeatedly_. ]
_All_ [_sing_]. We're happy all as cannibals,
Five hundred hogs together.
_Mephistopheles_. Look at them now, they're happy as can be!
_Faust_. To go would suit my inclination.
_Mephistopheles_. But first give heed, their bestiality
Will make a glorious demonstration.
SIEBEL
[_drinks carelessly; the wine is spilt upon the ground
and turns to flame_].
Help! fire! Ho! Help! The flames of hell!
_Mephistopheles [_conjuring the flame_].
Peace, friendly element, be still!
[_To the Toper_. ]
This time 'twas but a drop of fire from purgatory.
_Siebel_. What does this mean? Wait there, or you'll be sorry!
It seems you do not know us well.
_Frosch_. Not twice, in this way, will it do to joke us!
_Altmayer_. I vote, we give him leave himself here _scarce_ to make.
_Siebel_. What, sir! How dare you undertake
To carry on here your old hocus-pocus?
_Mephistopheles_. Be still, old wine-cask!
_Siebel_. Broomstick, you!
Insult to injury add? Confound you!
_Brander_. Stop there! Or blows shall rain down round you!
ALTMAYER
[_draws a stopper out of the table; fire flies at him_].
I burn! I burn!
_Siebel_. Foul sorcery! Shame!
Lay on! the rascal is fair game!
[_They draw their knives and rush at_ MEPHISTOPHELES. ]
_Mephistopheles_ [_with a serious mien_].
Word and shape of air!
Change place, new meaning wear!
Be here--and there!
[_They stand astounded and look at each other_. ]
_Altmayer_. Where am I? What a charming land!
_Frosch_. Vine hills! My eyes! Is't true?
_Siebel_. And grapes, too, close at hand!
_Brander_. Beneath this green see what a stem is growing!
See what a bunch of grapes is glowing!
[_He seizes_ SIEBEL _by the nose. The rest do the same to each
other and raise their knives. _]
_Mephistopheles_ [_as above_]. Loose, Error, from their eyes the band!
How Satan plays his tricks, you need not now be told of.
[_He vanishes with_ FAUST, _the companions start back from each
other_. ]
_Siebel_. What ails me?
_Altmayer_. How?
_Frosch_. Was that thy nose, friend, I had hold of?
_Brander_ [_to Siebel_]. And I have thine, too, in my hand!
_Altmayer_. O what a shock! through all my limbs 'tis crawling!
Get me a chair, be quick, I'm falling!
_Frosch_. No, say what was the real case?
_Siebel_. O show me where the churl is hiding!
Alive he shall not leave the place!
_Altmayer_. Out through the cellar-door I saw him riding--
Upon a cask--he went full chase. --
Heavy as lead my feet are growing.
[_Turning towards the table_. ]
My! If the wine should yet be flowing.
_Siebel_. 'Twas all deception and moonshine.
_Frosch_. Yet I was sure I did drink wine.
_Brander_. But how about the bunches, brother?
_Altmayer_. After such miracles, I'll doubt no other!
WITCHES' KITCHEN.
[_On a low hearth stands a great kettle over the fire. In the smoke,
which rises from it, are seen various forms. A female monkey[28] sits by
the kettle and skims it, and takes care that it does not run over. The
male monkey with the young ones sits close by, warming himself. Walls and
ceiling are adorned 'with the most singular witch-household stuff_. ]
FAUST. MEPHISTOPHELES.
_Faust_. Would that this vile witch-business were well over!
Dost promise me I shall recover
In this hodge-podge of craziness?
From an old hag do I advice require?
And will this filthy cooked-up mess
My youth by thirty years bring nigher?
Woe's me, if that's the best you know!
Already hope is from my bosom banished.
Has not a noble mind found long ago
Some balsam to restore a youth that's vanished?
_Mephistopheles_. My friend, again thou speakest a wise thought!
I know a natural way to make thee young,--none apter!
But in another book it must be sought,
And is a quite peculiar chapter.
_Faust_. I beg to know it.
_Mephistopheles_. Well! here's one that needs no pay,
No help of physic, nor enchanting.
Out to the fields without delay,
And take to hacking, digging, planting;
Run the same round from day to day,
A treadmill-life, contented, leading,
With simple fare both mind and body feeding,
Live with the beast as beast, nor count it robbery
Shouldst thou manure, thyself, the field thou reapest;
Follow this course and, trust to me,
For eighty years thy youth thou keepest!
_Faust_. I am not used to that, I ne'er could bring me to it,
To wield the spade, I could not do it.
The narrow life befits me not at all.
_Mephistopheles_. So must we on the witch, then, call.
_Faust_. But why just that old hag? Canst thou
Not brew thyself the needful liquor?
_Mephistopheles_. That were a pretty pastime now
I'd build about a thousand bridges quicker.
Science and art alone won't do,
The work will call for patience, too;
Costs a still spirit years of occupation:
Time, only, strengthens the fine fermentation.
To tell each thing that forms a part
Would sound to thee like wildest fable!
The devil indeed has taught the art;
To make it not the devil is able.
[_Espying the animals_. ]
See, what a genteel breed we here parade!
This is the house-boy! that's the maid!
[_To the animals_. ]
Where's the old lady gone a mousing?
_The animals_. Carousing;
Out she went
By the chimney-vent!
_Mephistopheles_. How long does she spend in gadding and storming?
_The animals_. While we are giving our paws a warming.
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Faust_]. How do you find the dainty creatures?
_Faust_. Disgusting as I ever chanced to see!
_Mephistopheles_. No! a discourse like this to me,
I own, is one of life's most pleasant features;
[_To the animals_. ]
Say, cursed dolls, that sweat, there, toiling!
What are you twirling with the spoon?
_Animals_. A common beggar-soup we're boiling.
_Mephistopheles_. You'll have a run of custom soon.
THE HE-MONKEY
[_Comes along and fawns on_ MEPHISTOPHELES].
O fling up the dice,
Make me rich in a trice,
Turn fortune's wheel over!
My lot is right bad,
If money I had,
My wits would recover.
_Mephistopheles_. The monkey'd be as merry as a cricket,
Would somebody give him a lottery-ticket!
[_Meanwhile the young monkeys have been playing with a great
ball, which they roll backward and forward_. ]
_The monkey_. 'The world's the ball;
See't rise and fall,
Its roll you follow;
Like glass it rings:
Both, brittle things!
Within 'tis hollow.
There it shines clear,
And brighter here,--
I live--by 'Pollo! --
Dear son, I pray,
Keep hands away!
_Thou_ shalt fall so!
'Tis made of clay,
Pots are, also.
_Mephistopheles_. What means the sieve?
_The monkey [takes it down_]. Wert thou a thief,
'Twould show the thief and shame him.
[_Runs to his mate and makes her look through_. ]
Look through the sieve!
Discern'st thou the thief,
And darest not name him?
_Mephistopheles [approaching the fire_]. And what's this pot?
_Siebel_. Ay, sing away and praise and glorify your dear!
Soon I shall have my time for laughter.
The jade has jilted me, and will you too hereafter;
May Kobold, for a lover, be her luck!
At night may he upon the cross-way meet her;
Or, coming from the Blocksberg, some old buck
May, as he gallops by, a good-night bleat her!
A fellow fine of real flesh and blood
Is for the wench a deal too good.
She'll get from me but one love-token,
That is to have her window broken!
_Brander [striking on the table_]. Attend! attend! To me give ear!
I know what's life, ye gents, confess it:
We've lovesick people sitting near,
And it is proper they should hear
A good-night strain as well as I can dress it.
Give heed! And hear a bran-new song!
Join in the chorus loud and strong!
[_He sings_. ]
A rat in the cellar had built his nest,
He daily grew sleeker and smoother,
He lined his paunch from larder and chest,
And was portly as Doctor Luther.
The cook had set him poison one day;
From that time forward he pined away
As if he had love in his body.
_Chorus [flouting_]. As if he had love in his body.
_Brander_. He raced about with a terrible touse,
From all the puddles went swilling,
He gnawed and he scratched all over the house,
His pain there was no stilling;
He made full many a jump of distress,
And soon the poor beast got enough, I guess,
As if he had love in his body.
_Chorus_. As if he had love in his body.
_Brander_. With pain he ran, in open day,
Right up into the kitchen;
He fell on the hearth and there he lay
Gasping and moaning and twitchin'.
Then laughed the poisoner: "He! he! he!
He's piping on the last hole," said she,
"As if he had love in his body. "
_Chorus_. As if he had love in his body.
_Siebel_. Just hear now how the ninnies giggle!
That's what I call a genuine art,
To make poor rats with poison wriggle!
_Brander_. You take their case so much to heart?
_Altmayer_. The bald pate and the butter-belly!
The sad tale makes him mild and tame;
He sees in the swollen rat, poor fellow!
His own true likeness set in a frame.
FAUST _and_ MEPHISTOPHELES.
_Mephistopheles_. Now, first of all, 'tis necessary
To show you people making merry,
That you may see how lightly life can run.
Each day to this small folk's a feast of fun;
Not over-witty, self-contented,
Still round and round in circle-dance they whirl,
As with their tails young kittens twirl.
If with no headache they're tormented,
Nor dunned by landlord for his pay,
They're careless, unconcerned, and gay.
_Brander_. They're fresh from travel, one might know it,
Their air and manner plainly show it;
They came here not an hour ago.
_Frosch_. Thou verily art right! My Leipsic well I know!
Paris in small it is, and cultivates its people.
_Siebel_. What do the strangers seem to thee?
_Frosch_. Just let me go! When wine our friendship mellows,
Easy as drawing a child's tooth 'twill be
To worm their secrets out of these two fellows.
They're of a noble house, I dare to swear,
They have a proud and discontented air.
_Brander_. They're mountebanks, I'll bet a dollar!
_Altmayer_. Perhaps.
_Frosch_. I'll smoke them, mark you that!
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Faust_]. These people never smell the old rat,
E'en when he has them by the collar.
_Faust_. Fair greeting to you, sirs!
_Siebel_. The same, and thanks to boot.
[_In a low tone, faking a side look at MEPHISTOPHELES_. ]
Why has the churl one halting foot?
_Mephistopheles_. With your permission, shall we make one party?
Instead of a good drink, which get here no one can,
Good company must make us hearty.
_Altmayer_. You seem a very fastidious man.
_Frosch_. I think you spent some time at Rippach[22] lately?
You supped with Mister Hans not long since, I dare say?
_Mephistopheles_. We passed him on the road today!
Fine man! it grieved us parting with him, greatly.
He'd much to say to us about his cousins,
And sent to each, through us, his compliments by dozens.
[_He bows to_ FROSCH. ]
_Altmayer_ [_softly_]. You've got it there! he takes!
_Siebel_. The chap don't want for wit!
_Frosch_. I'll have him next time, wait a bit!
_Mephistopheles_. If I mistook not, didn't we hear
Some well-trained voices chorus singing?
'Faith, music must sound finely here.
From all these echoing arches ringing!
_Frosch_. You are perhaps a connoisseur?
_Mephistopheles_. O no! my powers are small, I'm but an amateur.
_Altmayer_. Give us a song!
_Mephistopheles_. As many's you desire.
_Siebel_. But let it be a bran-new strain!
_Mephistopheles_. No fear of that! We've just come back from Spain,
The lovely land of wine and song and lyre.
[_Sings_. ]
There was a king, right stately,
Who had a great, big flea,--
_Frosch_. Hear him! A flea! D'ye take there, boys? A flea!
I call that genteel company.
_Mephistopheles_ [_resumes_]. There was a king, right stately,
Who had a great, big flea,
And loved him very greatly,
As if his own son were he.
He called the knight of stitches;
The tailor came straightway:
Ho! measure the youngster for breeches,
And make him a coat to-day!
_Brander_. But don't forget to charge the knight of stitches,
The measure carefully to take,
And, as he loves his precious neck,
To leave no wrinkles in the breeches.
_Mephistopheles_. In silk and velvet splendid
The creature now was drest,
To his coat were ribbons appended,
A cross was on his breast.
He had a great star on his collar,
Was a minister, in short;
And his relatives, greater and smaller,
Became great people at court.
The lords and ladies of honor
Fared worse than if they were hung,
The queen, she got them upon her,
And all were bitten and stung,
And did not dare to attack them,
Nor scratch, but let them stick.
We choke them and we crack them
The moment we feel one prick.
_Chorus_ [_loud_]. We choke 'em and we crack 'em
The moment we feel one prick.
_Frosch_. Bravo! Bravo! That was fine!
_Siebel_. So shall each flea his life resign!
_Brander_. Point your fingers and nip them fine!
_Altmayer_. Hurra for Liberty! Hurra for Wine!
_Mephistopheles_. I'd pledge the goddess, too, to show how high I set her,
Right gladly, if your wines were just a trifle better.
_Siebel_. Don't say that thing again, you fretter!
_Mephistopheles_. Did I not fear the landlord to affront;
I'd show these worthy guests this minute
What kind of stuff our stock has in it.
_Siebel_. Just bring it on! I'll bear the brunt.
_Frosch_. Give us a brimming glass, our praise shall then be ample,
But don't dole out too small a sample;
For if I'm to judge and criticize,
I need a good mouthful to make me wise.
_Altmayer_ [_softly_]. They're from the Rhine, as near as I can make it.
_Mephistopheles_. Bring us a gimlet here!
_Brander_. What shall be done with that?
You've not the casks before the door, I take it?
_Altmayer_. The landlord's tool-chest there is easily got at.
_Mephistopheles_ [_takes the gimlet_] (_to Frosch_).
What will you have? It costs but speaking.
_Frosch_. How do you mean? Have you so many kinds?
_Mephistopheles_. Enough to suit all sorts of minds.
_Altmayer_. Aha! old sot, your lips already licking!
_Frosch_. Well, then! if I must choose, let Rhine-wine fill my beaker,
Our fatherland supplies the noblest liquor.
MEPHISTOPHELES
[_boring a hole in the rim of the table near the place
where_ FROSCH _sits_].
Get us a little wax right off to make the stoppers!
_Altmayer_. Ah, these are jugglers' tricks, and whappers!
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Brander_]. And you?
_Brander_. Champaigne's the wine for me,
But then right sparkling it must be!
[MEPHISTOPHELES _bores; meanwhile one of them has made
the wax-stoppers and stopped the holes_. ]
_Brander_. Hankerings for foreign things will sometimes haunt you,
The good so far one often finds;
Your real German man can't bear the French, I grant you,
And yet will gladly drink their wines.
_Siebel_ [_while Mephistopheles approaches his seat_].
I don't like sour, it sets my mouth awry,
Let mine have real sweetness in it!
_Mephistopheles_ [_bores_]. Well, you shall have Tokay this minute.
_Altmayer_. No, sirs, just look me in the eye!
I see through this, 'tis what the chaps call smoking.
_Mephistopheles_. Come now! That would be serious joking,
To make so free with worthy men.
But quickly now! Speak out again!
With what description can I serve you?
_Altmayer_. Wait not to ask; with any, then.
[_After all the holes are bored and stopped_. ]
_Mephistopheles_ [_with singular gestures_].
From the vine-stock grapes we pluck;
Horns grow on the buck;
Wine is juicy, the wooden table,
Like wooden vines, to give wine is able.
An eye for nature's depths receive!
Here is a miracle, only believe!
Now draw the plugs and drink your fill!
ALL
[_drawing the stoppers, and catching each in his glass
the wine he had desired_].
Sweet spring, that yields us what we will!
_Mephistopheles_. Only be careful not a drop to spill!
[_They drink repeatedly_. ]
_All_ [_sing_]. We're happy all as cannibals,
Five hundred hogs together.
_Mephistopheles_. Look at them now, they're happy as can be!
_Faust_. To go would suit my inclination.
_Mephistopheles_. But first give heed, their bestiality
Will make a glorious demonstration.
SIEBEL
[_drinks carelessly; the wine is spilt upon the ground
and turns to flame_].
Help! fire! Ho! Help! The flames of hell!
_Mephistopheles [_conjuring the flame_].
Peace, friendly element, be still!
[_To the Toper_. ]
This time 'twas but a drop of fire from purgatory.
_Siebel_. What does this mean? Wait there, or you'll be sorry!
It seems you do not know us well.
_Frosch_. Not twice, in this way, will it do to joke us!
_Altmayer_. I vote, we give him leave himself here _scarce_ to make.
_Siebel_. What, sir! How dare you undertake
To carry on here your old hocus-pocus?
_Mephistopheles_. Be still, old wine-cask!
_Siebel_. Broomstick, you!
Insult to injury add? Confound you!
_Brander_. Stop there! Or blows shall rain down round you!
ALTMAYER
[_draws a stopper out of the table; fire flies at him_].
I burn! I burn!
_Siebel_. Foul sorcery! Shame!
Lay on! the rascal is fair game!
[_They draw their knives and rush at_ MEPHISTOPHELES. ]
_Mephistopheles_ [_with a serious mien_].
Word and shape of air!
Change place, new meaning wear!
Be here--and there!
[_They stand astounded and look at each other_. ]
_Altmayer_. Where am I? What a charming land!
_Frosch_. Vine hills! My eyes! Is't true?
_Siebel_. And grapes, too, close at hand!
_Brander_. Beneath this green see what a stem is growing!
See what a bunch of grapes is glowing!
[_He seizes_ SIEBEL _by the nose. The rest do the same to each
other and raise their knives. _]
_Mephistopheles_ [_as above_]. Loose, Error, from their eyes the band!
How Satan plays his tricks, you need not now be told of.
[_He vanishes with_ FAUST, _the companions start back from each
other_. ]
_Siebel_. What ails me?
_Altmayer_. How?
_Frosch_. Was that thy nose, friend, I had hold of?
_Brander_ [_to Siebel_]. And I have thine, too, in my hand!
_Altmayer_. O what a shock! through all my limbs 'tis crawling!
Get me a chair, be quick, I'm falling!
_Frosch_. No, say what was the real case?
_Siebel_. O show me where the churl is hiding!
Alive he shall not leave the place!
_Altmayer_. Out through the cellar-door I saw him riding--
Upon a cask--he went full chase. --
Heavy as lead my feet are growing.
[_Turning towards the table_. ]
My! If the wine should yet be flowing.
_Siebel_. 'Twas all deception and moonshine.
_Frosch_. Yet I was sure I did drink wine.
_Brander_. But how about the bunches, brother?
_Altmayer_. After such miracles, I'll doubt no other!
WITCHES' KITCHEN.
[_On a low hearth stands a great kettle over the fire. In the smoke,
which rises from it, are seen various forms. A female monkey[28] sits by
the kettle and skims it, and takes care that it does not run over. The
male monkey with the young ones sits close by, warming himself. Walls and
ceiling are adorned 'with the most singular witch-household stuff_. ]
FAUST. MEPHISTOPHELES.
_Faust_. Would that this vile witch-business were well over!
Dost promise me I shall recover
In this hodge-podge of craziness?
From an old hag do I advice require?
And will this filthy cooked-up mess
My youth by thirty years bring nigher?
Woe's me, if that's the best you know!
Already hope is from my bosom banished.
Has not a noble mind found long ago
Some balsam to restore a youth that's vanished?
_Mephistopheles_. My friend, again thou speakest a wise thought!
I know a natural way to make thee young,--none apter!
But in another book it must be sought,
And is a quite peculiar chapter.
_Faust_. I beg to know it.
_Mephistopheles_. Well! here's one that needs no pay,
No help of physic, nor enchanting.
Out to the fields without delay,
And take to hacking, digging, planting;
Run the same round from day to day,
A treadmill-life, contented, leading,
With simple fare both mind and body feeding,
Live with the beast as beast, nor count it robbery
Shouldst thou manure, thyself, the field thou reapest;
Follow this course and, trust to me,
For eighty years thy youth thou keepest!
_Faust_. I am not used to that, I ne'er could bring me to it,
To wield the spade, I could not do it.
The narrow life befits me not at all.
_Mephistopheles_. So must we on the witch, then, call.
_Faust_. But why just that old hag? Canst thou
Not brew thyself the needful liquor?
_Mephistopheles_. That were a pretty pastime now
I'd build about a thousand bridges quicker.
Science and art alone won't do,
The work will call for patience, too;
Costs a still spirit years of occupation:
Time, only, strengthens the fine fermentation.
To tell each thing that forms a part
Would sound to thee like wildest fable!
The devil indeed has taught the art;
To make it not the devil is able.
[_Espying the animals_. ]
See, what a genteel breed we here parade!
This is the house-boy! that's the maid!
[_To the animals_. ]
Where's the old lady gone a mousing?
_The animals_. Carousing;
Out she went
By the chimney-vent!
_Mephistopheles_. How long does she spend in gadding and storming?
_The animals_. While we are giving our paws a warming.
_Mephistopheles_ [_to Faust_]. How do you find the dainty creatures?
_Faust_. Disgusting as I ever chanced to see!
_Mephistopheles_. No! a discourse like this to me,
I own, is one of life's most pleasant features;
[_To the animals_. ]
Say, cursed dolls, that sweat, there, toiling!
What are you twirling with the spoon?
_Animals_. A common beggar-soup we're boiling.
_Mephistopheles_. You'll have a run of custom soon.
THE HE-MONKEY
[_Comes along and fawns on_ MEPHISTOPHELES].
O fling up the dice,
Make me rich in a trice,
Turn fortune's wheel over!
My lot is right bad,
If money I had,
My wits would recover.
_Mephistopheles_. The monkey'd be as merry as a cricket,
Would somebody give him a lottery-ticket!
[_Meanwhile the young monkeys have been playing with a great
ball, which they roll backward and forward_. ]
_The monkey_. 'The world's the ball;
See't rise and fall,
Its roll you follow;
Like glass it rings:
Both, brittle things!
Within 'tis hollow.
There it shines clear,
And brighter here,--
I live--by 'Pollo! --
Dear son, I pray,
Keep hands away!
_Thou_ shalt fall so!
'Tis made of clay,
Pots are, also.
_Mephistopheles_. What means the sieve?
_The monkey [takes it down_]. Wert thou a thief,
'Twould show the thief and shame him.
[_Runs to his mate and makes her look through_. ]
Look through the sieve!
Discern'st thou the thief,
And darest not name him?
_Mephistopheles [approaching the fire_]. And what's this pot?
