Part 30

A bit of purgatory ’twas for this time, merely.

SIEBEL

What mean you? Wait!—you’ll pay for’t dearly! You’ll know us, to your detriment.

FROSCH

Don’t try that game a second time upon us!

ALTMAYER

I think we’d better send him packing quietly.

SIEBEL

What, Sir! you dare to make so free, And play your hocus-pocus on us!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Be still, old wine-tub.

SIEBEL

Broomstick, you! You face it out, impertinent and heady?

BRANDER

Just wait! a shower of blows is ready.

ALTMAYER

(draws a stopper out of the table: fire flies in his face.) I burn! I burn!

SIEBEL

’Tis magic! Strike— The knave is outlawed! Cut him as you like! (They draw their knives, and rush upon MEPHISTOPHELES.)

MEPHISTOPHELES (with solemn gestures)

False word and form of air, Change place, and sense ensnare! Be here—and there!

(They stand amazed and look at each other.)

ALTMAYER

Where am I? What a lovely land!

FROSCH

Vines? Can I trust my eyes?

SIEBEL

And purple grapes at hand!