The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 60

FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES

FAUST

This senseless, juggling witchcraft I detest!

Dost promise that in this foul nest Of madness I shall be restored?

Must I seek counsel from an ancient dame?

And can she, by these rites abhorred, Take thirty winters from my frame?

Woe's me, if thou naught better canst suggest!

Hope has already fled my breast.

Has neither nature nor a n.o.ble mind A balsam yet devis'd of any kind?

MEPHISTOPHELES

My friend, you now speak sensibly. In truth, Nature a method giveth to renew thy youth: But in another book the lesson's writ;-- It forms a curious chapter, I admit.

FAUST

I fain would know it.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Good! A remedy Without physician, gold, or sorcery: Away forthwith, and to the fields repair; Begin to delve, to cultivate the ground; Thy senses and thyself confine Within the very narrowest round; Support thyself upon the simplest fare; Live like a very brute the brutes among; Neither esteem it robbery The acre thou dost reap, thyself to dung.

This the best method, credit me, Again at eighty to grow hale and young.

FAUST

I am not used to it, nor can myself degrade So far, as in my hand to take the spade.

This narrow life would suit me not at all.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then we the witch must summon after all.

FAUST

Will none but this old beldame do?

Canst not thyself the potion brew?

MEPHISTOPHELES

A pretty play our leisure to beguile!

A thousand bridges I could build meanwhile.

Not science only and consummate art-- Patience must also bear her part.

A quiet spirit worketh whole years long; Time only makes the subtle ferment strong.

And all things that belong thereto, Are wondrous and exceeding rare!

The devil taught her, it is true; But yet the draught the devil can't prepare.

[_Perceiving the beasts_.]

Look yonder, what a dainty pair!

Here is the maid! the knave is there!

(_To the beasts_)

It seems your dame is not at home?

THE MONKEYS

Gone to carouse, Out of the house, Thro' the chimney and away!

MEPHISTOPHELES

How long is it her wont to roam?

THE MONKEYS

While we can warm our paws she'll stay.

MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)

What think you of the charming creatures?

FAUST

I loathe alike their form and features!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Nay, such discourse, be it confessed, Is just the thing that pleases me the best.

(_To the_ MONKEYS) Tell me, ye whelps, accursed crew!

What stir ye in the broth about?

MONKEYS

Coa.r.s.e beggar's gruel here we stew.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Of customers you'll have a rout.

THE HE-MONKEY (_approaching and fawning on_ MEPHISTOPHELES)

Quick! quick! throw the dice, Make me rich in a trice, Oh give me the prize!

Alas, for myself, Had I plenty of pelf, I then should be wise.

MEPHISTOPHELES

How blest the ape would think himself, if he Could only put into the lottery!