Mark me, I'll screw it from them yet!

MEPHISTOPHELES (_to_ FAUST)

These fellows would not scent the devil out, E'en though he had them by the very throat!

FAUST

Good-morrow, gentlemen!

STEBEL

Thanks for your fair salute.

[_Aside, glancing at_ MEPHISTOPHELES.]

How! goes the fellow on a halting foot?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Is it permitted here with you to sit?

Then, though good wine is not forthcoming here, Good company at least our hearts will cheer.

ALTMAYER

A dainty gentleman, no doubt of it!

FROSCH

You're doubtless recently from Rippach? Pray, Did you with Master Hans there chance to sup?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Today we pa.s.s'd him, but we did not stop!

When last we met him he had much to say Touching his cousins, and to each he sent Full many a greeting and kind compliment.

[_With an inclination toward_ FROSCH.]

ALTMAYER (_aside to_ Frosch)

You have it there!

SIEBEL

Faith! he's a knowing one!

FROSCH

Have patience! I will show him up anon!

MEPHISTOPHELES

We heard erewhile, unless I'm wrong, Voices well trained in chorus pealing?

Certes, most choicely here must song Re-echo from this vaulted ceiling!

FROSCH

That you're an amateur one plainly sees!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh no, though strong the love, I cannot boast much skill.

ALTMAYER

Give us a song!

MEPHISTOPHELES

As many as you will.

SIEBEL

But be it a brand new one, if you please!

MEPHISTOPHELES

But recently returned from Spain are we, The pleasant land of wine and minstrelsy.

(_Sings_)

A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea--

FROSCH

Hark! did you rightly catch the words? a flea!

An odd sort of a guest he needs must be.

MEPHISTOPHELES (_sings_)

A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea, Him loved he without feigning, As his own son were he!

His tailor then he summon'd-- The tailor to him goes: Now measure me the youngster For jerkin and for hose!

BRANDER

Take proper heed, the tailor strictly charge, The nicest measurement to take, And as he loves his head, to make The hose quite smooth and not too large!

MEPHISTOPHELES