No More Learning

_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]. _ For all the world, think, child!