As many as you will.

SIEBEL

But be it a brand new one, if you please!

MEPHISTOPHELES

But recently returned from Spain are we,
The pleasant land of wine and minstrelsy.

(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.

The gentlemen and ladies
At court were sore distressed;
The queen and all her maidens
Were bitten by the pest,
And yet they dared not scratch them
Or chase the fleas away. 
If we are bit, we catch them,
And crack without delay.

CHORUS (shouting)

If we are bit, etc.

FROSCH

Bravo!  That’s the song for me!

SIEBEL

Such be the fate of every flea!

BRANDER

With clever finger catch and kill!

ALTMAYER

Hurrah for wine and freedom still!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Were but your wine a trifle better, friend,
A glass to freedom I would gladly drain.

SIEBEL

You’d better not repeat those words again!

MEPHISTOPHELES

I am afraid the landlord to offend;
Else freely would I treat each worthy guest
From our own cellar to the very best.

SIEBEL

Out with it then!  Your doings I’ll defend.

FROSCH

Give a good glass, and straight we’ll praise you, one and all. 
Only let not your samples be too small;
For if my judgment you desire,
Certes, an ample mouthful I require.