For news of her. Well, this one shook her head,

And that one sighed; a third looked dubious,

Uncertain whether she should shake or sigh,

Then finally did both. I breathe again.

Meph. The maid is well—a little pale, perhaps.

But then, poor child—her lover at the wars!

’Twas hardly fair to leave her as you did,

With a mere cold “good-bye.”

Gott.Why, as for that,

I have no claim, alas! to rank as lover.