SIEBEL

What take you now these travelers to be?

FROSCH

Let me alone!  O’er a full glass you’ll see,
As easily I’ll worm their secret out
As draw an infant’s tooth.  I’ve not a doubt
That my two gentlemen are nobly born;
They look dissatisfied and full of scorn.

BRANDER

They are but mountebanks, I’ll lay a bet!

ALTMAYER

Most like.

FROSCH

Mark me, I’ll screw it from them yet!

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

These fellows would not scent the devil out,
E’en though he had them by the very throat!

FAUST

Good-morrow, gentlemen!

STEBEL

 Thanks for your fair salute.

[Aside, glancing at MEPHISTOPHELES.]

How! goes the fellow on a halting foot?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Is it permitted here with you to sit? 
Then, though good wine is not forthcoming here,
Good company at least our hearts will cheer.

ALTMAYER

A dainty gentleman, no doubt of it!

FROSCH

You’re doubtless recently from Rippach?  Pray,
Did you with Master Hans there chance to sup?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Today we pass’d him, but we did not stop! 
When last we met him he had much to say
Touching his cousins, and to each he sent
Full many a greeting and kind compliment.

[With an inclination toward FROSCH.]

ALTMAYER (aside to Frosch)

You have it there!

SIEBEL

 Faith! he’s a knowing one!

FROSCH

Have patience!  I will show him up anon!

MEPHISTOPHELES

We heard erewhile, unless I’m wrong,
Voices well trained in chorus pealing? 
Certes, most choicely here must song
Re-echo from this vaulted ceiling!

FROSCH

That you’re an amateur one plainly sees!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Oh no, though strong the love, I cannot boast much skill.

ALTMAYER

Give us a song!

MEPHISTOPHELES