Part 22

STUDENT

I cannot really go away: Allow me that my album first I reach you,— Grant me this favor, I beseech you!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Assuredly.

(He writes, and returns the book.)

STUDENT (reads)

Eritis sicut Deus, scientes bonum et malum. (Closes the book with reverence, and withdraws)

MEPHISTOPHELES

Follow the ancient text, and the snake thou wast ordered to trample! With all thy likeness to God, thou’lt yet be a sorry example!

(FAUST enters.)

FAUST

Now, whither shall we go?

MEPHISTOPHELES

As best it pleases thee. The little world, and then the great, we’ll see. With what delight, what profit winning, Shalt thou sponge through the term beginning!

FAUST

Yet with the flowing beard I wear, Both ease and grace will fail me there. The attempt, indeed, were a futile strife; I never could learn the ways of life. I feel so small before others, and thence Should always find embarrassments.

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!

AUERBACH’S CELLAR IN LEIPZIG CAROUSAL OF JOLLY COMPANIONS

FROSCH

Is 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