Most willingly. Here I have got a phial
Of which myself at times make trial:
’Tis now a pleasant mellow potion;
You shall not meet with a denial.
[Softly.] Yet if this worthy man drinks it without precaution,
His life can’t stand an hour against its strong infection.
Mephistopheles.
Leave that to me; he’s under my protection,
Ripe for the draught; no harm will come to him.
[The Witch, with strange gestures, draws a circle and places many curious things within it; meanwhile the glasses begin to tinkle, and the kettle to sound and make music. She brings a large book, puts the Cat-Apes into the circle, and makes them serve as a desk to lay the book on, and hold the torches. She motions to Faust to come near.