_Mephistopheles [_conjuring the flame_]. Peace, friendly element, be still! [_To the Toper_.] This time 'twas but a drop of fire from purgatory.
_Siebel_. What does this mean? Wait there, or you'll be sorry! It seems you do not know us well.
_Frosch_. Not twice, in this way, will it do to joke us!
_Altmayer_. I vote, we give him leave himself here _scarce_ to make.
_Siebel_. What, sir! How dare you undertake To carry on here your old hocus-pocus?
_Mephistopheles_. Be still, old wine-cask!
_Siebel_. Broomstick, you! Insult to injury add? Confound you!
_Brander_. Stop there! Or blows shall rain down round you!
ALTMAYER [_draws a stopper out of the table; fire flies at him_]. I burn! I burn!
_Siebel_. Foul sorcery! Shame! Lay on! the rascal is fair game!
[_They draw their knives and rush at_ MEPHISTOPHELES.]
_Mephistopheles_ [_with a serious mien_]. Word and shape of air! Change place, new meaning wear! Be here--and there!
[_They stand astounded and look at each other_.]
_Altmayer_. Where am I? What a charming land!
_Frosch_. Vine hills! My eyes! Is't true?
_Siebel_. And grapes, too, close at hand!
_Brander_. Beneath this green see what a stem is growing! See what a bunch of grapes is glowing! [_He seizes_ SIEBEL _by the nose. The rest do the same to each other and raise their knives._]
_Mephistopheles_ [_as above_]. Loose, Error, from their eyes the band! How Satan plays his tricks, you need not now be told of. [_He vanishes with_ FAUST, _the companions start back from each other_.]
_Frosch_. Was that thy nose, friend, I had hold of?
_Brander_ [_to Siebel_]. And I have thine, too, in my hand!
_Altmayer_. O what a shock! through all my limbs 'tis crawling! Get me a chair, be quick, I'm falling!
_Frosch_. No, say what was the real case?
_Siebel_. O show me where the churl is hiding! Alive he shall not leave the place!
_Altmayer_. Out through the cellar-door I saw him riding-- Upon a cask--he went full chase.-- Heavy as lead my feet are growing.
_Siebel_. 'Twas all deception and moonshine.
_Frosch_. Yet I was sure I did drink wine.
_Brander_. But how about the bunches, brother?
_Altmayer_. After such miracles, I'll doubt no other!
[_On a low hearth stands a great kettle over the fire. In the smoke, which rises from it, are seen various forms. A female monkey[28] sits by the kettle and skims it, and takes care that it does not run over. The male monkey with the young ones sits close by, warming himself. Walls and ceiling are adorned 'with the most singular witch-household stuff_.]