V
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, Clarke, Harry, and Taylor, Bayard
O beautiful fountain, that flows at will!
MEPHISTOPHELES
But have a care that you nothing spill!
(They drink repeatedly.)
ALL (sing)
As ’twere five hundred hogs, we feel So cannibalic jolly!
MEPHISTOPHELES
See, now, the race is happy—it is free!
FAUST
To leave them is my inclination.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Take notice, first! their bestiality Will make a brilliant demonstration.
SIEBEL
(drinks carelessly: the wine spills upon the earth, and turns to flame)
Help! Fire! Help! Hell-fire is sent!
MEPHISTOPHELES (charming away the flame)
Be quiet, friendly element!
(To the revellers)
A bit of purgatory ’twas for this time, merely.
SIEBEL
What mean you? Wait!—you’ll pay for’t dearly! You’ll know us, to your detriment.
FROSCH
Don’t try that game a second time upon us!
ALTMAYER
I think we’d better send him packing quietly.
SIEBEL
What, Sir! you dare to make so free, And play your hocus-pocus on us!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Be still, old wine-tub.
SIEBEL
Broomstick, you! You face it out, impertinent and heady?
BRANDER
Just wait! a shower of blows is ready.
ALTMAYER
(draws a stopper out of the table: fire flies in his face.) I burn! I burn!
SIEBEL
’Tis magic! Strike— The knave is outlawed! Cut him as you like! (They draw their knives, and rush upon MEPHISTOPHELES.)
MEPHISTOPHELES (with solemn gestures)
False word and form of air, Change place, and sense ensnare! Be here—and there!
(They stand amazed and look at each other.)