Faust Part 18

(FAUST enters.)

FAUST

Now, whither shall we go?

MEPHISTOPHELES

As best it pleases thee.

The little world, and then the great, we'll see.

With what delight, what profit winning, Shalt thou sponge through the term beginning!

FAUST

Yet with the flowing beard I wear, Both ease and grace will fail me there.

The attempt, indeed, were a futile strife; I never could learn the ways of life.

I feel so small before others, and thence Should always find embarra.s.sments.

MEPHISTOPHELES

My friend, thou soon shalt lose all such misgiving: Be thou but self-possessed, thou hast the art of living!

FAUST

How shall we leave the house, and start?

Where hast thou servant, coach and horses?

MEPHISTOPHELES

We'll spread this cloak with proper art, Then through the air direct our courses.

But only, on so bold a flight, Be sure to have thy luggage light.

A little burning air, which I shall soon prepare us, Above the earth will nimbly bear us, And, if we're light, we'll travel swift and clear: I gratulate thee on thy new career!

V

AUERBACH'S CELLAR IN LEIPZIG

CAROUSAL OF JOLLY COMPANIONS

FROSCH

I no one laughing? no one drinking?

I'll teach you how to grin, I'm thinking.

To-day you're like wet straw, so tame; And usually you're all aflame.

BRANDER

Now that's your fault; from you we nothing see, No beastliness and no stupidity.

FROSCH

(Pours a gla.s.s of wine over BRANDER'S head.) There's both together!

BRANDER

Twice a swine!

FROSCH

You wanted them: I've given you mine.

SIEBEL

Turn out who quarrels-out the door!

With open throat sing chorus, drink and roar!

Up! holla! ho!

ALTMAYER

Woe's me, the fearful bellow!

Bring cotton, quick! He's split my ears, that fellow.

SIEBEL

When the vault echoes to the song, One first perceives the ba.s.s is deep and strong.

FROSCH

Well said! and out with him that takes the least offence!

Ah, tara, lara da!

ALTMAYER

Ah, tara, lara, da!

FROSCH

The throats are tuned, commence!

(Sings.)

The dear old holy Roman realm, How does it hold together?