MEPHISTOPHELES
I now must introduce to you
Before aught else, this jovial crew,
To show how lightly life may glide away;
With the folk here each day's a holiday.
With little wit and much content,
Each on his own small round intent,
Like sportive kitten with its tail;
While no sick-headache they bewail,
And while their host will credit give,
Joyous and free from care they live.
BRANDER
They're off a journey, that is clear,—
From their strange manners; they have scarce been here
An hour.
FROSCH
You're right! Leipzig's the place for me!
'Tis quite a little Paris; people there
Acquire a certain easy, finish'd air.
SIEBEL
What take you now these travelers to be?
FROSCH
Let me alone! O'er a full glass you'll see,
As easily I'll worm their secret out
As draw an infant's tooth. I've not a doubt
That my two gentlemen are nobly born;
They look dissatisfied and full of scorn.
BRANDER
They are but mountebanks, I'll lay a bet!
ALTMAYER
Most like.
FROSCH
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!