Brander. But don't forget to charge the knight of stitches,
The measure carefully to take,
And, as he loves his precious neck,
To leave no wrinkles in the breeches.
Mephistopheles. In silk and velvet splendid
The creature now was drest,
To his coat were ribbons appended,
A cross was on his breast.
He had a great star on his collar,
Was a minister, in short;
And his relatives, greater and smaller,
Became great people at court.
The lords and ladies of honor
Fared worse than if they were hung,
The queen, she got them upon her,
And all were bitten and stung,
And did not dare to attack them,
Nor scratch, but let them stick.
We choke them and we crack them
The moment we feel one prick.
Chorus [loud]. We choke 'em and we crack 'em The moment we feel one prick.
Frosch. Bravo! Bravo! That was fine!
Siebel. So shall each flea his life resign!
Brander. Point your fingers and nip them fine!
Altmayer. Hurra for Liberty! Hurra for Wine!
Mephistopheles. I'd pledge the goddess, too, to show how high I set her, Right gladly, if your wines were just a trifle better.
Siebel. Don't say that thing again, you fretter!