For time. Supped you with Squire Hans by the way?[n7]
Mephistopheles.
We had no time to stay!
But when I last came by, I was his guest.
He spoke much of his cousins, and he sent
To you and all full many a compliment.
[He makes a bow to Frosch.
Altmayer. [softly]
You have him there!—he understands the jest!
Siebel.
He is a knowing one!
Frosch.
I’ll sift him through anon!
Mephistopheles.
As we came in, a concert struck my ear
Of skilful voices in a chorus pealing!
A gleesome song must sound most nobly here,
Re-echoed freely from the vaulted ceiling.
Frosch.
Perhaps you have yourself some skill?
Mephistopheles.
O no! had I the power, I should not want the will.
Altmayer.
Give us a song!
Mephistopheles.
A thousand, willingly!
Siebel.
Only brand-new, I say!—no thread-bare strain!
Mephistopheles.
We are but just come from a tour in Spain,
The lovely land of wine and melody.
[He sings.] There was a king in old times
That had a huge big flea—
Frosch.
Ha, ha! a flea!—he seems a man of taste!
A flea, I wis, is a most dainty guest?
Mephistopheles. [sings again]
There was a king in old times
That had a huge big flea,
As if it were his own son,
He loved it mightily.
He sent out for the tailor,
To get it a suit of clothes;
He made my lord a dress-coat,
He made him a pair of hose.
Brander.
Be sure that Monsieur le Tailleur be told
To take his measure most exact and nice,
And as upon his head he puts a price,
To make the hose without or crease or fold!
