Of ebon-wood, just where the first one lay,
Brimful of jewels passing rare,
Much finer than the others.
Martha.
Have a care
You keep this well masked from your mother—
’Twould fare no better than the other.
Margaret.
Only come near, and see! look here!
Martha. [decking her with the jewels]
Thou art a lucky little dear!
Margaret.
And yet I dare not thus be seen
In church, or on the public green.
Martha.
Just come across when you’ve an hour to spare,
And put the gauds on here with none to see!
Then promenade awhile before the mirror there;
’Twill be a joy alike to thee and me.
Then on a Sunday, or a holiday,
Our riches by degrees we can display.
A necklace first, the drops then in your ear;
Your mother sees it not; and should she hear,
’Tis easy to invent some fair pretence or other.
Margaret.
But whence the pretty caskets came? I fear
There’s something in it not right altogether. [Knocking.]
Good God!—I hear a step—is it my mother?
Martha. [looking through the casement]
’Tis a strange gentleman. Come in!
Enter Mephistopheles.
Mephistopheles.
I hope the ladies will not think me rude,
That uninvited thus I here intrude.
[Observing Margaret, he draws back respectfully.]
I have commands for Mistress Martha Schwerdtlein.
Martha.
For me? what has the gentleman to say?
Mephistopheles. [softly to her]
Excuse my freedom. I perceive that you
