FAUST

I am not used to that; I cannot stoop to try it—­
To take the spade in hand, and ply it. 
The narrow being suits me not at all.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then to thine aid the witch must call.

FAUST

Wherefore the hag, and her alone? 
Canst thou thyself not brew the potion?

MEPHISTOPHELES

That were a charming sport, I own: 
I’d build a thousand bridges meanwhile, I’ve a notion. 
Not Art and Science serve, alone;
Patience must in the work be shown. 
Long is the calm brain active in creation;
Time, only, strengthens the fine fermentation. 
And all, belonging thereunto,
Is rare and strange, howe’er you take it: 
The Devil taught the thing, ’tis true,
And yet the Devil cannot make it.
(Perceiving the Animals)
See, what a delicate race they be! 
That is the maid! the man is he!
(To the Animals)
It seems the mistress has gone away?

THE ANIMALS

Carousing, to-day! 
Off and about,
By the chimney out!

MEPHISTOPHELES

What time takes she for dissipating?

THE ANIMALS

While we to warm our paws are waiting.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

How findest thou the tender creatures?

FAUST

Absurder than I ever yet did see.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Why, just such talk as this, for me,
Is that which has the most attractive features!

(To the Animals)

But tell me now, ye cursed puppets,
Why do ye stir the porridge so?

THE ANIMALS

We’re cooking watery soup for beggars.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then a great public you can show.

THE HE-APE

(comes up and fawns on MEPHISTOPHELES)

     O cast thou the dice! 
     Make me rich in a trice,
     Let me win in good season! 
     Things are badly controlled,
     And had I but gold,
     So had I my reason.

MEPHISTOPHELES

How would the ape be sure his luck enhances. 
Could he but try the lottery’s chances!

(In the meantime the young apes have been playing with a large ball, which they now roll forward.)

THE HE-APE