tly things blend,
Our jargon with thought
And with reason is fraught!

FAUST (_as above_)

A flame is kindled in my breast!
Let us begone! nor linger here!

MEPHISTOPHELES (_in the same position_)

It now at least must be confessed,
That poets sometimes are sincere.

[_The caldron which the_ SHE-MONKEY _has neglected begins
to boil over; a great flame arises, which streams up the
chimney. The_ WITCH _comes down the chimney with
horrible cries._]

THE WITCH

Ough! ough! ough! ough!
Accursed brute! accursed sow!
The caldron dost neglect, for shame!
Accursed brute to scorch the dame!

(_Perceiving_ FAUST _and_
MEPHISTOPHELES._)

Whom have we here?
Who's sneaking here?
Whence are ye come?
With what desire?
The plague of fire
Your bones consume!

[_She dips the skimming-ladle into the caldron and throws
flames at_ FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES, _and the_ MONKEYS.
_The_ MONKEYS _whimper._]

MEPHISTOPHELES (_twirling the whisk which he holds in his
hand, and striking among the glasses and pots_)

Dash! Smash!
There lies the glass!
There lies the slime!
'Tis but a jest;
I but keep time,
Thou hellish pest,
To thine own chime!
[_While the_ WITCH _steps back in rage and astonishment_.]
Dost know me! Skeleton! Vile scarecrow, thou!
Thy lord and master dost thou know?
What holds me, that I deal not now
Thee and thine apes a stunning blow?
No more respect to my red vest dost pay?
Does my cock's feather no allegiance claim?
Have I my visage masked today?
Must I be forced myself to name?

THE WITCH

Master, forgive this rude salute!
But I perceive no cloven foot.
And your two ravens, where are they?

MEPHISTOPHELES

This once I must admit your plea;--
For truly I must own that we
Each other have not seen for many a day.
The culture, too, that shapes the world, at last
Hath e'en the devil in its sphere embraced;
The northern phantom from the scene hath pass'd;
Tail, talons, horns, are nowhere to be traced!
As for the foot, with which I can't dispense,
'Twould injure me in company, and hence,
Like many a youthful cavalier,
False calves I now have worn for many a year.

THE WITCH (_dancing_)

I am beside myself with joy,
To see once more the gallant Satan here!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Woman, no more that name employ!

THE WITCH

But why? what mischief hath it done?

MEPHISTOPHELES

To fable-books it now doth appertain;
But people from the change have nothing won.
Rid of the evil one, the evil o