SCENE II.
Wagner, Siebel, Valentine, Students, and afterwards Mephistopheles.
Val. (advancing from the back of the stage and holding in his hand a small silver medal). O sacred medallion, Gift of my sister dear To ward off danger and fear, As I charge with my brave battalion, Rest thou upon my heart.
Wag. Here comes Valentine, in search of us, doubtless.
Val. Let us drain the parting cup, comrades, It is time we were on the road.
Wag. What sayst thou? Why this sorrowful farewell?
Val. Like you, I soon must quit these scenes, Leaving behind me Marguerite. Alas! my mother no longer lives, To care for and protect her.
Sie. More than one friend hast thou Who faithfully will thy place supply.
Val. My thanks!
Sie. On me you may rely.
Stud. In us thou surely mayst confide.
Val. Even bravest heart may swell In the moment of farewell. Loving smile of sister kind, Quiet home I leave behind. Oft shall I think of you Whene'er the wine-cup passes round, When alone my watch I keep. But when danger to glory shall call me, I still will be first in the fray, As blithe as a knight in his bridal array. Careless what fate shall befall me When glory shall call me.
Wag. Come on, friends! No tears nor vain alarms; Quaff we good wine, to the success of our arms! Drink, boys, drink! In a joyous refrain Bid farewell, till we meet again.
Cho. We'll drink! Fill high! Once more in song our voices Let us raise.
Wag. (mounting on a table). A rat, more coward than brave, And with an exceedingly ugly head, Lodged in a sort of hole or cave, Under an ancient hogshead. A cat—