Mr. Faust - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Early? Yes, or late.
This is the end of last night's party, which Began at twelve, and likely'll last till noon.
I know, for I'm the janitor.
FIRST OLD MAN
Well! Well!
[_Two men enter, look around and take seats in the chairs set for the audience. One carries a small black surgical case; the other has a green bag under his arm._
DOCTOR
We seem to be a little early--or Have we made some mistake?
LAWYER
No, ten's the hour.
But I was anxious that we should be prompt, And so have rather overdone our haste.
DOCTOR
It doesn't matter; we can wait a bit.
How curiously impatient, though, you are To hear this talk! I personally have doubts Whether it's worth our trouble.
LAWYER
Well, I know The man, however slightly; you do not, And so can hardly share my expectation.
But he has been, throughout these many years, So secretive, so self-contained, so deep In matters that I could not guess, that now, When he at last promises to proclaim Some strange discovery, I half believe It will be worth our coming.
[_Two women enter together. The younger one is leading a child by the hand. The older, a gaunt, spinsterly-looking figure, peers about with a near-sighted glance._
MERCHANT'S WIFE
Take that seat.
And now be quiet.
CHILD
Mother, will he have The Devil with him?
MERCHANT'S WIFE
I don't know. The child Has been completely crazy since I told her That I would bring her with me.
OLD WOMAN
I am just A little curious myself. I learned When I was young all that they thought was known About the Devil; and if this Mr. Faust Has really made some new discovery About him, it seems well that even the young Should be informed of it.
[_A number of detached men and women enter and take seats silently. They are followed by two plumbers in overalls, carrying the tools of their trade still with them._
YOUNG PLUMBER
Whew, but the boss will skin us for this trick!
OLD PLUMBER
Go, if you like. But I intend to stay.
I have not been, through seventeen long years, Philosopher myself, now to let slip A chance of hearing such a talk as this.
YOUNG PLUMBER
Oh, I won't go.
OLD PLUMBER
You'd better not. They say That all the rumors wholly underrate The real importance of his talk to-day.
I've been informed, on good authority, That he will have the Devil on the platform And publicly enchain him to a cart For all of us to see.
[_The two plumbers have taken their seats. A man behind them leans forward now and interrupts them._
BUTCHER
What's that? A cart?
He means to drive the Devil as a horse?
OLD PLUMBER
Quite probably, quite probably.
BUTCHER
Well, that Will be outrageous, in these troubled times Of strikes and lock-outs. Without any doubt, If he goes trying to harness up the Devil, It will precipitate a teamsters' strike.
Using non-union horses always does.
YOUNG PLUMBER
Do you think that? Why, that would be a shame, When times are bad already.
CHILD
Mother, Mother!
Will there be moving pictures?
MERCHANT'S WIFE
I don't know.
Don't talk so loud.
[_Two prosperous-looking men enter. One is elderly, the other young._
