Proctophantasmist. What, and you still are here! Unheard off obstinates!
Begone! We've cleared it up! You shallow pates!
The devilish pack from rules deliverance boasts.
We've grown so wise, and Tegel[39] still sees ghosts.
How long I've toiled to sweep these cobwebs from the brain,
And yet—unheard of folly! all in vain.
The Fair one. And yet on us the stupid bore still tries it!
Proctophantasmist. I tell you spirits, to the face,
I give to spirit-tyranny no place,
My spirit cannot exercise it.
[They dance on.]
I can't succeed to-day, I know it;
Still, there's the journey, which I like to make,
And hope, before the final step I take,
To rid the world of devil and of poet.
Mephistopheles. You'll see him shortly sit into a puddle, In that way his heart is reassured; When on his rump the leeches well shall fuddle, Of spirits and of spirit he'll be cured. [To FAUST, who has left the dance.] Why let the lovely girl slip through thy fingers, Who to thy dance so sweetly sang?
Faust. Ah, right amidst her singing, sprang A wee red mouse from her mouth and made me cower.
Mephistopheles. That's nothing wrong! You're in a dainty way; Enough, the mouse at least wan't gray. Who minds such thing in happy amorous hour?
Faust. Then saw I—
Mephistopheles. What?
Faust. Mephisto, seest thou not
Yon pale, fair child afar, who stands so sad and lonely,
And moves so slowly from the spot,
Her feet seem locked, and she drags them only.
I must confess, she seems to me
To look like my own good Margery.
Mephistopheles. Leave that alone! The sight no health can bring. it is a magic shape, an idol, no live thing. To meet it never can be good! Its haggard look congeals a mortal's blood, And almost turns him into stone; The story of Medusa thou hast known.