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MEPHISTOPHELES
Shalt soon experience the pleasure, To lift the kettle with its treasure.
I lately gave therein a squint- Saw splendid lion-dollars in 't.
FAUST
Not even a jewel, not a ring, To deck therewith my darling girl?
MEPHISTOPHELES
I saw, among the rest, a thing That seemed to be a chain of pearl.
FAUST
That's well, indeed! For painful is it To bring no gift when her I visit.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Thou shouldst not find it so annoying, Without return to be enjoying.
Now, while the sky leads forth its starry throng, Thou'lt hear a masterpiece, no work completer: I'll sing her, first, a moral song, The surer, afterwards, to cheat her.
(Sings to the cither.)
What dost thou here In daybreak clear, Kathrina dear, Before thy lover's door?
Beware! the blade Lets in a maid.
That out a maid Departeth nevermore!
The coaxing shun Of such an one!
When once 'tis done Good-night to thee, poor thing!
Love's time is brief: Unto no thief Be warm and lief, But with the wedding-ring!
VALENTINE (comes forward)
Whom wilt thou lure? G.o.d's-element!
Rat-catching piper, thou!-perdition!
To the Devil, first, the instrument!
To the Devil, then, the curst musician!
MEPHISTOPHELES
The cither's smashed! For nothing more 'tis fitting.
VALENTINE
There's yet a skull I must be splitting!
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
Sir Doctor, don't retreat, I pray!
Stand by: I'll lead, if you'll but tarry: Out with your spit, without delay!
You've but to lunge, and I will parry.
VALENTINE
Then parry that!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Why not? 'tis light.
VALENTINE
That, too!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Of course.
VALENTINE
I think the Devil must fight!
How is it, then? my hand's already lame:
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
Thrust home!
VALENTINE (jails)
O G.o.d!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now is the lubber tame!
But come, away! 'Tis time for us to fly; For there arises now a murderous cry.
With the police 'twere easy to compound it, But here the penal court will sift and sound it.
[Exit with FAUST.
MARTHA (at the window)
Come out! Come out!
MARGARET (at the window)
Quick, bring a light!
MARTHA (as above)
