_ Who could have brought both caskets in
succession?
Faust, a Tragedy by Goethe
Within my press, again, not thinking,
I find a box of ebony,
With things--can't tell how grand they are,--
More splendid than the first by far.
_Martha_. You must not tell it to your mother,
She'd serve it as she did the other.
_Margaret_. Ah, only look! Behold and see!
_Martha [puts them on her_]. Fortunate thing! I envy thee!
_Margaret. _ Alas, in the street or at church I never
Could be seen on any account whatever.
_Martha. _ Come here as often as you've leisure,
And prink yourself quite privately;
Before the looking-glass walk up and down at pleasure,
Fine times for both us 'twill be;
Then, on occasions, say at some great feast,
Can show them to the world, one at a time, at least.
A chain, and then an ear-pearl comes to view;
Your mother may not see, we'll make some pretext, too.
_Margaret.
_ Who could have brought both caskets in succession?
There's something here for just suspicion!
[_A knock. _ ]
Ah, God! If that's my mother--then!
_Martha_ [_peeping through the blind_].
'Tis a strange gentleman--come in!
[_Enter_ MEPHISTOPHELES. ]
Must, ladies, on your kindness reckon
To excuse the freedom I have taken;
[_Steps back with profound respect at seeing_ MARGARET. ]
I would for Dame Martha Schwerdtlein inquire!
_Martha. _ I'm she, what, sir, is your desire?
_Mephistopheles_ [_aside to her_]. I know your face, for now 'twill do;
A distinguished lady is visiting you.
For a call so abrupt be pardon meted,
This afternoon it shall be repeated.
_Martha [aloud].
