Part 24 (2/2)

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then to thine aid the witch must call.

FAUST

Wherefore the hag, and her alone?

Canst thou thyself not brew the potion?

MEPHISTOPHELES

That were a charming sport, I own: I'd build a thousand bridges meanwhile, I've a notion.

Not Art and Science serve, alone; Patience must in the work be shown.

Long is the calm brain active in creation; Time, only, strengthens the fine fermentation.

And all, belonging thereunto, Is rare and strange, howe'er you take it: The Devil taught the thing, 'tis true, And yet the Devil cannot make it.

(Perceiving the Animals) See, what a delicate race they be!

That is the maid! the man is he!

(To the Animals) It seems the mistress has gone away?

THE ANIMALS

Carousing, to-day!

Off and about, By the chimney out!

MEPHISTOPHELES

What time takes she for dissipating?

THE ANIMALS

While we to warm our paws are waiting.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

How findest thou the tender creatures?

FAUST

Absurder than I ever yet did see.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Why, just such talk as this, for me, Is that which has the most attractive features!

(To the Animals)

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