Part 29

MEPHISTOPHELES (as above)

Delusion, from their eyes the bandage take! Note how the devil loves a jest to break! (He disappears with FAUST; the fellows draw back from one another.)

SIEBEL

What was it?

ALTMAYER

How?

FROSCH

Was that your nose?

BRANDER (to SIEBEL)

And look, my hand doth thine enclose!

ALTMAYER

I felt a shock, it went through every limb! A chair! I'm fainting! All things swim!

FROSCH

Say what has happened, what's it all about?

SIEBEL

Where is the fellow? Could I scent him out, His body from his soul I'd soon divide!

ALTMAYER

With my own eyes, upon a cask astride, Forth through the cellar-door I saw him ride-- Heavy as lead my feet are growing. (Turning to the table.) I wonder is the wine still flowing!

SIEBEL

'Twas all delusion, cheat and lie.

FROSCH

'Twas wine I drank, most certainly.

BRANDER

But with the grapes how was it, pray?

ALTMAYER

That none may miracles believe, who now will say?

WITCHES' KITCHEN

A large caldron hangs over the fire on a low hearth; various figures appear in the vapour rising from it. A FEMALE MONKEY sits beside the caldron to skim it, and watch that it does not boil over. The MALE MONKEY with the young ones is seated near, warming himself. The walls and ceiling are adorned with the strangest articles of witch-furniture.