The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Mark me, I'll screw it from them yet!
MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)
These fellows would not scent the devil out, E'en though he had them by the very throat!
FAUST
Good-morrow, gentlemen!
STEBEL
Thanks for your fair salute.
[_Aside, glancing at_ MEPHISTOPHELES.]
How! goes the fellow on a halting foot?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Is it permitted here with you to sit?
Then, though good wine is not forthcoming here, Good company at least our hearts will cheer.
ALTMAYER
A dainty gentleman, no doubt of it!
FROSCH
You're doubtless recently from Rippach? Pray, Did you with Master Hans there chance to sup?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Today we pa.s.s'd him, but we did not stop!
When last we met him he had much to say Touching his cousins, and to each he sent Full many a greeting and kind compliment.
[_With an inclination toward_ FROSCH.]
ALTMAYER (_aside to_ Frosch)
You have it there!
SIEBEL
Faith! he's a knowing one!
FROSCH
Have patience! I will show him up anon!
MEPHISTOPHELES
We heard erewhile, unless I'm wrong, Voices well trained in chorus pealing?
Certes, most choicely here must song Re-echo from this vaulted ceiling!
FROSCH
That you're an amateur one plainly sees!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Oh no, though strong the love, I cannot boast much skill.
ALTMAYER
Give us a song!
MEPHISTOPHELES
As many as you will.
SIEBEL
But be it a brand new one, if you please!
MEPHISTOPHELES
But recently returned from Spain are we, The pleasant land of wine and minstrelsy.
(_Sings_)
A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea--
FROSCH
Hark! did you rightly catch the words? a flea!
An odd sort of a guest he needs must be.
MEPHISTOPHELES (_sings_)
A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea, Him loved he without feigning, As his own son were he!
His tailor then he summon'd-- The tailor to him goes: Now measure me the youngster For jerkin and for hose!
BRANDER
Take proper heed, the tailor strictly charge, The nicest measurement to take, And as he loves his head, to make The hose quite smooth and not too large!
MEPHISTOPHELES
