The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 53

STUDENT

This, Sir, a second time you need not say!

Your counsel I appreciate quite; What we possess in black and white We can in peace and comfort bear away.

MEPHISTOPHELES

A faculty I pray you name.

STUDENT

For jurisprudence some distaste I own.

MEPHISTOPHELES

To me this branch of science is well known, And hence I cannot your repugnance blame.

Customs and laws in every place, Like a disease, and heir-loom dread, Still trail their curse from race to race, And furtively abroad they spread.

To nonsense, reason's self they turn; Beneficence becomes a pest; Woe unto thee, that thou'rt a grandson born!

As for the law born with us, unexpressed;-- That law, alas, none careth to discern.

STUDENT

You deepen my dislike. The youth Whom you instruct, is blest in sooth!

To try theology I feel inclined.

MEPHISTOPHELES

I would not lead you willingly astray, But as regards this science, you will find So hard it is to shun the erring way, And so much hidden poison lies therein Which scarce can you discern from medicine.

Here too it is the best, to listen but to one, And by the master's words to swear alone.

To sum up all--To words hold fast!

Then the safe gate securely pa.s.s'd, You'll reach the fane of certainty at last.

STUDENT

But then some meaning must the words convey.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Right! But o'er-anxious thought you'll find of no avail; For there precisely where ideas fail, A word comes opportunely into play; Most admirable weapons words are found, On words a system we securely ground, In words we can conveniently believe, Nor of a single jot can we a word bereave.

STUDENT

Your pardon for my importunity; Yet once more must I trouble you: On medicine, I'll thank you to supply A pregnant utterance or two!

Three years! how brief the appointed tide!

The field, heaven knows, is all too wide!

If but a friendly hint be thrown, 'Tis easier than to feel one's way.

MEPHISTOPHELES (_aside_)

I'm weary of the dry pedantic tone, And must again the genuine devil play.

(_Aloud_)

Of medicine the spirit's caught with ease, The great and little world you study through, That things may then their course pursue, As heaven may please.

In vain abroad you range through science's ample s.p.a.ce, Each man learns only that which learn he can; Who knows the moment to embrace, He is your proper man.

In person you are tolerably made, Nor in a.s.surance will you be deficient: Self-confidence acquire, be not afraid, Others will then esteem you a proficient.

Learn chiefly with the s.e.x to deal!

Their thousand ahs and ohs, These the sage doctor knows, He only from one point can heal.

a.s.sume a decent tone of courteous ease, You have them then to humor as you please.

First a diploma must belief infuse, That you in your profession take the lead: You then at once those easy freedoms use For which another many a year must plead; Learn how to feel with nice address The dainty wrist;--and how to press, With ardent, furtive glance, the slender waist, To feel how tightly it is laced.

STUDENT

There is some sense in that! one sees the how and why.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Gray is, young friend, all theory: And green of life the golden tree.

STUDENT

I swear it seemeth like a dream to me.

May I some future time repeat my visit, To hear on what your wisdom grounds your views?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Command my humble service when you choose.

STUDENT

Ere I retire, one boon I must solicit: Here is my alb.u.m; do not, Sir, deny This token of your favor!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Willingly!

[_He writes and returns the book._]

STUDENT (_reads_)

ERITIS SICUT DEUS, SCIENTES BONUM ET MALUM

[_He reverently closes the book and retires._]

MEPHISTOPHELES

Let but this ancient proverb be your rule, My cousin follow still, the wily snake, And with your likeness to the G.o.ds, poor fool, Ere long be sure your poor sick heart will quake!

FAUST (_enters_)