MEPHISTOPHELES

My friend, thou soon shalt lose all such misgiving: 
Be thou but self-possessed, thou hast the art of living!

FAUST

How shall we leave the house, and start? 
Where hast thou servant, coach and horses?

MEPHISTOPHELES

We’ll spread this cloak with proper art,
Then through the air direct our courses. 
But only, on so bold a flight,
Be sure to have thy luggage light. 
A little burning air, which I shall soon prepare us,
Above the earth will nimbly bear us,
And, if we’re light, we’ll travel swift and clear: 
I gratulate thee on thy new career!

[Illustration]

V

AUERBACH’S CELLAR IN LEIPZIG CAROUSAL OF JOLLY COMPANIONS

FROSCH

I no one laughing? no one drinking? 
I’ll teach you how to grin, I’m thinking. 
To-day you’re like wet straw, so tame;
And usually you’re all aflame.

BRANDER

Now that’s your fault; from you we nothing see,
No beastliness and no stupidity.

FROSCH

(Pours a glass of wine over BRANDER’S head.) There’s both together!

BRANDER

Twice a swine!

FROSCH

You wanted them:  I’ve given you mine.

SIEBEL

Turn out who quarrels—­out the door! 
With open throat sing chorus, drink and roar! 
Up! holla! ho!

ALTMAYER

Woe’s me, the fearful bellow! 
Bring cotton, quick!  He’s split my ears, that fellow.

SIEBEL

When the vault echoes to the song,
One first perceives the bass is deep and strong.

FROSCH

Well said! and out with him that takes the least offence! Ah, tara, lara da!

ALTMAYER

Ah, tara, lara, da!

FROSCH

The throats are tuned, commence! (Sings.) The dear old holy Roman realm, How does it hold together?

BRANDER

A nasty song!  Fie! a political song—­
A most offensive song!  Thank God, each morning, therefore,
That you have not the Roman realm to care for! 
At least, I hold it so much gain for me,
That I nor Chancellor nor Kaiser be. 
Yet also we must have a ruling head, I hope,
And so we’ll choose ourselves a Pope. 
You know the quality that can
Decide the choice, and elevate the man.