Mephistopheles
To fable-books it now doth appertain; But people from the change have nothing won. Rid of the evil one, the evil ones remain. Lord Baron call thou me, so is the matter good; Of other cavaliers the mien I wear. Dost make no question of my gentle blood; See here, this is the scutcheon that I bear! (He makes an unseemly gesture.)
The Witch (laughing immoderately)
Ha! Ha! Just like yourself! You are, I ween, The same mad wag that you have ever been!
Mephistopheles (to FAUST)
My friend, learn this to understand, I pray! To deal with witches this is still the way.
The Witch
Now tell me, gentlemen, what you desire?
Mephistopheles
Of your known juice a goblet we require. But for the very oldest let me ask; Double its strength with years doth grow.
The Witch
Most willingly! And here I have a flask, From which I've sipp'd myself ere now; What’s more, it doth no longer stink; To you a glass I joyfully will give. (Aside.) If unprepar'd, however, this man drink, He hath not, as you know, an hour to live.
