Part 52 (1/2)

Fly-snout and mosquito-bill, Don't swarm so round the Naked!

Frog in gra.s.s and cricket-trill, Observe the time, and make it!

WEATHERc.o.c.k (towards one side)

Society to one's desire!

Brides only, and the sweetest!

And bachelors of youth and fire.

And prospects the completest!

WEATHERc.o.c.k (towards the other side)

And if the Earth don't open now To swallow up each ranter, Why, then will I myself, I vow, Jump into h.e.l.l instanter!

XENIES

Us as little insects see!

With sharpest nippers flitting, That our Papa Satan we May honor as is fitting.

HENNINGS

How, in crowds together ma.s.sed, They are jesting, shameless!

They will even say, at last, That their hearts are blameless.

MUSAGETES

Among this witches' revelry His way one gladly loses; And, truly, it would easier be Than to command the Muses.

CI-DEVANT GENIUS OF THE AGE

The proper folks one's talents laud: Come on, and none shall pa.s.s us!

The Blocksberg has a summit broad, Like Germany's Parna.s.sus.

INQUISITIVE TRAVELLER

Say, who's the stiff and pompous man?

He walks with haughty paces: He snuffles all he snuffle can: ”He scents the Jesuits' traces.”

CRANE

Both clear and muddy streams, for me Are good to fish and sport in: And thus the pious man you see With even devils consorting.

WORLDLING

Yes, for the pious, I suspect, All instruments are fitting; And on the Blocksberg they erect Full many a place of meeting.

DANCER

A newer chorus now succeeds!