Part 25 (1/2)

But tell me now, ye cursed puppets, Why do ye stir the porridge so?

THE ANIMALS

We're cooking watery soup for beggars.

MEPHISTOPHELES

Then a great public you can show.

THE HE-APE

(comes up and fawns on MEPHISTOPHELES)

O cast thou the dice!

Make me rich in a trice, Let me win in good season!

Things are badly controlled, And had I but gold, So had I my reason.

MEPHISTOPHELES

How would the ape be sure his luck enhances.

Could he but try the lottery's chances!

(In the meantime the young apes have been playing with a large ball, which they now roll forward.)

THE HE-APE

The world's the ball: Doth rise and fall, And roll incessant: Like gla.s.s doth ring, A hollow thing,- How soon will't spring, And drop, quiescent?

Here bright it gleams, Here brighter seems: I live at present!

Dear son, I say, Keep thou away!

Thy doom is spoken!

'Tis made of clay, And will be broken.

MEPHISTOPHELES

What means the sieve?

THE HE-APE (taking it down)

Wert thou the thief, I'd know him and shame him.

(He runs to the SHE-APE, and lets her look through it.)

Look through the sieve!

Know'st thou the thief, And darest not name him?

MEPHISTOPHELES (approaching the fire)

And what's this pot?

HE-APE AND SHE-APE

The fool knows it not!