Part 31

BRANDER

Here, over this green arbor bending, See what a vine! what grapes depending!

(He takes SIEBEL by the nose: the others do the same reciprocally, and raise their knives.)

MEPHISTOPHELES (as above)

Loose, Error, from their eyes the band, And how the Devil jests, be now enlightened!

(He disappears with FAUST: the revellers start and separate.)

SIEBEL

What happened?

ALTMAYER

How?

FROSCH

Was that your nose I tightened?

BRANDER (to SIEBEL)

And yours that still I have in hand?

ALTMAYER

It was a blow that went through every limb! Give me a chair! I sink! my senses swim.

FROSCH

But what has happened, tell me now?

SIEBEL

Where is he? If I catch the scoundrel hiding, He shall not leave alive, I vow.

ALTMAYER

I saw him with these eyes upon a wine-cask riding Out of the cellar-door, just now. Still in my feet the fright like lead is weighing. (He turns towards the table.) Why! If the fount of wine should still be playing?

SIEBEL

’Twas all deceit, and lying, false design!

FROSCH

And yet it seemed as I were drinking wine.

BRANDER

But with the grapes how was it, pray?