Thy works repeat their radiant story,

As bright as on Creation’s day.

Mephistopheles.

Sith thou, O Lord, approachest near,

And how we fare would’st fain have information,

And thou of old wert glad to see me here,

I stand to-day amid the courtly nation.

Pardon; no words of fine address I know,

Nor could, though all should hoot me down with sneers;

My pathos would move laughter, and not tears,