Mephistopheles.
With your permission, we will make so free,
As to intrude upon your company.
The host’s poor wines may keep us in sobriety,
But we at least enjoy your good society.
Altmayer.
Our wine is good; and, for to speak the truth,
Your mother fed you with too nice a tooth.
Frosch.
When left you Rippach? you must have been pressed
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,
