MEPHISTOPHELES
For learning there's in very truth a time;
For teaching, I perceive, you now are prime.
While a few suns and many moons have waned,
A rich experience you have doubtless gained!
BACCALAUREUS
Experience! Froth and scum alone,
Not with the mind of equal birth!
Confess! what men have always known,
As knowledge now is nothing worth.
MEPHISTOPHELES (after a pause)
I long have thought myself a fool;
Now shallow to myself I seem, and dull.
BACCALAUREUS
That pleases me! Like reason that doth sound;
The first old man of sense I yet have found!