FAUST
I take the cup you kindly reach, Thanks and prosperity to each! [The crowd gather round in a circle.]
OLD PEASANT
Ay, truly! 'tis well done, that you
Our festive meeting thus attend;
You, who in evil days of yore,
So often show'd yourself our friend!
Full many a one stands living here,
Who from the fever's deadly blast
Your father rescu'd, when his skill
The fatal sickness stay'd at last.
A young man then, each house you sought,
Where reign'd the mortal pestilence.
Corpse after corpse was carried forth,
But still unscath'd you issued thence.
Sore then your trials and severe;
The Helper yonder aids the helper here.
ALL
Heaven bless the trusty friend, and long
To help the poor his life prolong!