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Good Heaven! My mother can that have been?
MARTHA (peeping through the blind)
'Tis some strange gentleman.-Come in!
(MEPHISTOPHELES enters.)
MEPHISTOPHELES
That I so boldly introduce me, I beg you, ladies, to excuse me.
(Steps back reverently, on seeing MARGARET.)
For Martha Schwerdtlein I'd inquire!
MARTHA
I'm she: what does the gentleman desire?
MEPHISTOPHELES (aside to her)
It is enough that you are she: You've a visitor of high degree.
Pardon the freedom I have ta'en,- Will after noon return again.
MARTHA (aloud)
Of all things in the world! Just hear- He takes thee for a lady, dear!
MARGARET
I am a creature young and poor: The gentleman's too kind, I'm sure.
The jewels don't belong to me.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Ah, not alone the jewelry!
The look, the manner, both betray- Rejoiced am I that I may stay!
MARTHA
What is your business? I would fain-
MEPHISTOPHELES
I would I had a more cheerful strain!
Take not unkindly its repeating: Your husband's dead, and sends a greeting.
MARTHA
Is dead? Alas, that heart so true!
My husband dead! Let me die, too!
MARGARET
Ah, dearest dame, let not your courage fail!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Hear me relate the mournful tale!
MARGARET
Therefore I'd never love, believe me!
A loss like this to death would grieve me.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Joy follows woe, woe after joy comes flying.
MARTHA
Relate his life's sad close to me!
MEPHISTOPHELES
In Padua buried, he is lying Beside the good Saint Antony, Within a grave well consecrated, For cool, eternal rest created.
MARTHA
He gave you, further, no commission?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Yes, one of weight, with many sighs: Three hundred ma.s.ses buy, to save him from perdition!
My hands are empty, otherwise.
MARTHA
What! Not a pocket-piece? no jewelry?
What every journeyman within his wallet spares, And as a token with him bears, And rather starves or begs, than loses?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Madam, it is a grief to me; Yet, on my word, his cash was put to proper uses.
Besides, his penitence was very sore, And he lamented his ill fortune all the more.
MARGARET
