(Sings)
A king there was once reigning,
Who had a goodly flea—
FROSCH
Hark! did you rightly catch the words? a flea!
An odd sort of a guest he needs must be.
MEPHISTOPHELES (sings)
A king there was once reigning,
Who had a goodly flea,
Him loved he without feigning,
As his own son were he!
His tailor then he summon'd—
The tailor to him goes:
Now measure me the youngster
For jerkin and for hose!
BRANDER
Take proper heed, the tailor strictly charge,
The nicest measurement to take,
And as he loves his head, to make
The hose quite smooth and not too large!
MEPHISTOPHELES
In satin and in velvet,
Behold the younker dressed:
Bedizen'd o'er with ribbons,
A cross upon his breast.
Prime minister they made him;
He wore a star of state;
And all his poor relations
Were courtiers, rich and great.