MEPHISTOPHELES (who has suddenly assumed the appearance of extreme old age). I feel the world is waning into age; All things are ripening fast for the last day. An old man, think the world is on the lees. HUCKSTER-WITCH. Who'll buy? who'll buy? great bargains going! Rare things here to tempt the knowing! Stop and see them ! my collection Well deserves minute inspection. Such variety, in vain Would you hope to meet again, Of the curious articles, Which your own old woman sells : That hath drained a brother's life? Which was death to him that quaffed? This was from a royal feast, And a queen had drugged the bowl: This a chalice, and the priest Looked for comfort-poured in it Venom of the aconite: Here are trinkets - chain and gem Poor things! poor things! - the best and kindest And feels, and loves, and does not reason MEPHISTOPHEles. Old lady, you mistake the times we live in The past is dead and gone the present passion Is novelty this trash is out of fashion. FAUSTUS. Scarce know I who I am or where- They crowd and crush as at a fair. MEPHISTOPHELES. Forward the whirling crowd is striving, And each enjoying the reflection That he to-night is his own sovereign, That his own thoughts his movements govern, Unconscious that the same broad river Bears down its wave each self-deceiver. Who's that? FAUSTUS. MEPHISTOPHeles. Her features closely scan 'Tis the first wife of the first man. FAUSTUS. Who say you? MEPHISTOPHeles. ADAM's first wife, LILITH. Beware - beware of her bright hair, And the strange dress that glitters there: FAUSTUS (looking at another group). The old grey witch how she squats down poor devil! Panting for breath-half-dead- fainting and floun dering And the young vixen with her finds the revel Rather too much for her she, too, is foundering. Nonsense MEPHISTOPHeles. the fun will ne'er be over. Advance, my friend, and play the lover. [FAUSTUS and MEPHISTOPHELES take partners. FAUSTUS (dancing with the young witch). 'Twas my fortune once to see In the trance of that sweet dream, Lovely is the tree I wis, And the apple pleasant is. HIS PARTNER. Dear little apples - ay! their price Was more than gold in paradise And pleasant to the sight and touch MEPHISTOPHELES (with the old witch). I had a troubled dream, and it HIS PARTNER. With lowest courtesy I salute PROCTOPHANTASMIST. Cursed devils how they murder All attempts at keeping order: All in vain it is to prove To Spirits by what laws they move: Mocking at all regulation, Ridiculing demonstration, See them onward still advancing, Ghosts! like men and women dancing. FAUSTUS'S PARTNER. Who's this presumes to interfere? What means the forward fellow here? |