_Mephistopheles._ O yes, my gentleman finds all child's play!
_Faust._ And what I wish, that mind and do! Stick closely to her neighbor, too. Don't be a devil soft as pap, And fetch me some new jewels, old chap!
_Mephistopheles._ Yes, gracious Sir, I will with pleasure. [_Exit_ FAUST.] Such love-sick fools will puff away Sun, moon, and stars, and all in the azure, To please a maiden's whimsies, any day. [_Exit._]
MARTHA [_alone]._ My dear good man--whom God forgive! He has not treated me well, as I live! Right off into the world he's gone And left me on the straw alone. I never did vex him, I say it sincerely, I always loved him, God knows how dearly. [_She weeps_.] Perhaps he's dead!--O cruel fate!-- If I only had a certificate!
_Margaret_. I scarce can keep my knees from sinking! Within my press, again, not thinking, I find a box of ebony, With things--can't tell how grand they are,-- More splendid than the first by far.
_Martha_. You must not tell it to your mother, She'd serve it as she did the other.
_Margaret_. Ah, only look! Behold and see!
_Martha [puts them on her_]. Fortunate thing! I envy thee!
_Margaret._ Alas, in the street or at church I never Could be seen on any account whatever.
_Martha._ Come here as often as you've leisure, And prink yourself quite privately; Before the looking-glass walk up and down at pleasure, Fine times for both us 'twill be; Then, on occasions, say at some great feast, Can show them to the world, one at a time, at least. A chain, and then an ear-pearl comes to view; Your mother may not see, we'll make some pretext, too.
_Margaret._ Who could have brought both caskets in succession? There's something here for just suspicion! [_A knock._ ] Ah, God! If that's my mother--then!
_Martha_ [_peeping through the blind_]. 'Tis a strange gentleman--come in!
[_Enter_ MEPHISTOPHELES.] Must, ladies, on your kindness reckon To excuse the freedom I have taken; [_Steps back with profound respect at seeing_ MARGARET.] I would for Dame Martha Schwerdtlein inquire!
_Martha._ I'm she, what, sir, is your desire?
_Mephistopheles_ [_aside to her_]. I know your face, for now 'twill do; A distinguished lady is visiting you. For a call so abrupt be pardon meted, This afternoon it shall be repeated.