MEPHISTOPHELES

My friend, you now speak sensibly.  In truth,
Nature a method giveth to renew thy youth: 
But in another book the lesson’s writ;—­
It forms a curious chapter, I admit.

FAUST

I fain would know it.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Good!  A remedy
Without physician, gold, or sorcery: 
Away forthwith, and to the fields repair;
Begin to delve, to cultivate the ground;
Thy senses and thyself confine
Within the very narrowest round;
Support thyself upon the simplest fare;
Live like a very brute the brutes among;
Neither esteem it robbery
The acre thou dost reap, thyself to dung. 
This the best method, credit me,
Again at eighty to grow hale and young.

FAUST

I am not used to it, nor can myself degrade
So far, as in my hand to take the spade. 
This narrow life would suit me not at all.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then we the witch must summon after all.

FAUST

Will none but this old beldame do? 
Canst not thyself the potion brew?

MEPHISTOPHELES

A pretty play our leisure to beguile! 
A thousand bridges I could build meanwhile. 
Not science only and consummate art—­
Patience must also bear her part. 
A quiet spirit worketh whole years long;
Time only makes the subtle ferment strong. 
And all things that belong thereto,
Are wondrous and exceeding rare! 
The devil taught her, it is true;
But yet the draught the devil can’t prepare.

[Perceiving the beasts.]

Look yonder, what a dainty pair! 
Here is the maid! the knave is there!

(To the beasts)

It seems your dame is not at home?

THE MONKEYS

Gone to carouse,
Out of the house,
Thro’ the chimney and away!

MEPHISTOPHELES

How long is it her wont to roam?

THE MONKEYS

While we can warm our paws she’ll stay.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

What think you of the charming creatures?

FAUST

I loathe alike their form and features!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Nay, such discourse, be it confessed,
Is just the thing that pleases me the best.
(To the MONKEYS)
Tell me, ye whelps, accursed crew! 
What stir ye in the broth about?