This time, I’ll let thee ’scape the debt;
For since we two together met,
’Tis verily full many a day now. 
Culture, which smooth the whole world licks,
Also unto the Devil sticks. 
The days of that old Northern phantom now are over: 
Where canst thou horns and tail and claws discover? 
And, as regards the foot, which I can’t spare, in truth,
’Twould only make the people shun me;
Therefore I’ve worn, like many a spindly youth,
False calves these many years upon me.

THE WITCH (dancing)

Reason and sense forsake my brain,
Since I behold Squire Satan here again!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Woman, from such a name refrain!

THE WITCH

Why so?  What has it done to thee?

MEPHISTOPHELES

It’s long been written in the Book of Fable;
Yet, therefore, no whit better men we see: 
The Evil One has left, the evil ones are stable. 
Sir Baron call me thou, then is the matter good;
A cavalier am I, like others in my bearing. 
Thou hast no doubt about my noble blood: 
See, here’s the coat-of-arms that I am wearing!

(He makes an indecent gesture.)

THE WITCH (laughs immoderately)

Ha! ha!  That’s just your way, I know: 
A rogue you are, and you were always so.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

My friend, take proper heed, I pray! 
To manage witches, this is just the way.

THE WITCH

Wherein, Sirs, can I be of use?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Give us a goblet of the well-known juice! 
But, I must beg you, of the oldest brewage;
The years a double strength produce.

THE WITCH

With all my heart!  Now, here’s a bottle,
Wherefrom, sometimes, I wet my throttle,
Which, also, not the slightest, stinks;
And willingly a glass I’ll fill him.

(Whispering)

Yet, if this man without due preparation drinks,
As well thou know’st, within an hour ’twill kill him.

MEPHISTOPHELES

He is a friend of mine, with whom it will agree,
And he deserves thy kitchen’s best potation: 
Come, draw thy circle, speak thine adjuration,
And fill thy goblet full and free!

THE WITCH

(with fantastic gestures draws a circle and places mysterious articles therein; meanwhile the glasses begin to ring, the caldron to sound, and make a musical accompaniment.  Finally she brings a great book, and stations in the circle the Apes, who are obliged to serve as reading-desk, and to hold the torches.  She then beckons FAUST to approach.)