Faust Part 44

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)