Part 17 (2/2)

MEPHISTOPHELES (aside)

I'm tired enough of this dry tone,- Must play the Devil again, and fully.

(Aloud)

To grasp the spirit of Medicine is easy: Learn of the great and little world your fill, To let it go at last, so please ye, Just as G.o.d will!

In vain that through the realms of science you may drift; Each one learns only-just what learn he can: Yet he who grasps the Moment's gift, He is the proper man.

Well-made you are, 'tis not to be denied, The rest a bold address will win you; If you but in yourself confide, At once confide all others in you.

To lead the women, learn the special feeling!

Their everlasting aches and groans, In thousand tones, Have all one source, one mode of healing; And if your acts are half discreet, You'll always have them at your feet.

A t.i.tle first must draw and interest them, And show that yours all other arts exceeds; Then, as a greeting, you are free to touch and test them, While, thus to do, for years another pleads.

You press and count the pulse's dances, And then, with burning sidelong glances, You clasp the swelling hips, to see If tightly laced her corsets be.

STUDENT

That's better, now! The How and Where, one sees.

MEPHISTOPHELES

My worthy friend, gray are all theories, And green alone Life's golden tree.

STUDENT

I swear to you, 'tis like a dream to me.

Might I again presume, with trust unbounded, To hear your wisdom thoroughly expounded?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Most willingly, to what extent I may.

STUDENT

I cannot really go away: Allow me that my alb.u.m first I reach you,- Grant me this favor, I beseech you!

MEPHISTOPHELES

a.s.suredly.

(He writes, and returns the book.)

STUDENT (reads)

Eritis sicut Deus, scientes bonum et malum.

(Closes the book with reverence, and withdraws)

MEPHISTOPHELES

Follow the ancient text, and the snake thou wast ordered to trample!

With all thy likeness to G.o.d, thou'lt yet be a sorry example!

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