Faust Part 23
ALTMAYER
I think wed better send him packing quietly.
SIEBEL
What, Sir! you dare to make so free, And play your hocus-pocus on us!
MEPHISTOPHELES
Be still, old wine-tub.
SIEBEL
Broomstick, you!
You face it out, impertinent and heady?
BRANDER
Just wait! a shower of blows is ready.
ALTMAYER
(draws a stopper out of the table: fire flies in his face.) I burn! I burn!
SIEBEL
Tis magic! Strike- The knave is outlawed! Cut him as you like!
(They draw their knives, and rush upon MEPHISTOPHELES.)
MEPHISTOPHELES (with solemn gestures)
False word and form of air, Change place, and sense ensnare!
Be here-and there!
(They stand amazed and look at each other.)
ALTMAYER
Where am I? What a lovely land!
FROSCH
Vines? Can I trust my eyes?
SIEBEL
And purple grapes at hand!
BRANDER
Here, over this green arbor bending, See what a vine! what grapes depending!
(He takes SIEBEL by the nose: the others do the same reciprocally, and raise their knives.)
MEPHISTOPHELES (as above)
Loose, Error, from their eyes the band, And how the Devil jests, be now enlightened!
(He disappears with FAUST: the revellers start and separate.)
SIEBEL
What happened?
ALTMAYER
How?
FROSCH
Was that your nose I tightened?
BRANDER (to SIEBEL)
And yours that still I have in hand?
ALTMAYER
It was a blow that went through every limb!
Give me a chair! I sink! my senses swim.
FROSCH
But what has happened, tell me now?
SIEBEL
Where is he? If I catch the scoundrel hiding, He shall not leave alive, I vow.
ALTMAYER
I saw him with these eyes upon a wine-cask riding Out of the cellar-door, just now.
Still in my feet the fright like lead is weighing.
(He turns towards the table.)
Why! If the fount of wine should still be playing?
SIEBEL
Twas all deceit, and lying, false design!