The witch [dancing]. O I shall lose my wits, I fear, Do I, again, see Squire Satan here!
Mephistopheles. Woman, the name offends my ear!
The witch. Why so? What has it done to you?
Mephistopheles. It has long since to fable-books been banished;
But men are none the better for it; true,
The wicked one, but not the wicked ones, has vanished.
Herr Baron callst thou me, then all is right and good;
I am a cavalier, like others. Doubt me?
Doubt for a moment of my noble blood?
See here the family arms I bear about me!
[_He makes an indecent gesture.]
The witch [laughs immoderately_]. Ha! ha! full well I know you, sir!
You are the same old rogue you always were!
Mephistopheles [to Faust]. I pray you, carefully attend, This is the way to deal with witches, friend.
The witch. Now, gentles, what shall I produce?
Mephistopheles. A right good glassful of the well-known juice! And pray you, let it be the oldest; Age makes it doubly strong for use.
The witch. Right gladly! Here I have a bottle,
From which, at times, I wet my throttle;
Which now, not in the slightest, stinks;
A glass to you I don't mind giving;
[Softly.]
But if this man, without preparing, drinks,
He has not, well you know, another hour for living.
Mephistopheles.
'Tis a good friend of mine, whom it shall straight cheer up;
Thy kitchen's best to give him don't delay thee.
Thy ring—thy spell, now, quick, I pray thee,
And give him then a good full cup.