Faust. As from the window of the vestry there, The light of the undying lamp doth glare, And sidewards gleameth, dimmer still and dimmer, Till darkness closes round its fitful glimmer, So murky is it in my soul. Mephistopheles. And I've a qualmish sort of feeling, Like a cat on a rainy day, Creeping round the wall, and stealing Near the fireplace, if it may. Yet am I in most virtuous trim For a small turn at stealing, or at lechery; So jumps already through my every limb Walpurgis-Night, with all its glorious witchery. The day after to-morrow brings again The Feast, with fun and frolic in its train. Faust. Is it not time that you were raising The treasure there in the distance blazing? Mephistopheles. Soon shall you sate your eyes with gazing, And lift up from the urn yourself A little mine of precious pelf. I gave it a side-glance before-- Saw lion-dollars by the score. Faust. Is there no gaud?--no jewel at all? To deck my sweet little mistress withal. Mephistopheles. O yes! I saw some trinkets for the girls,-- A sort of necklace strung with pearls. Faust. 'Tis well that we have this to give her, For empty-handed go I never. Mephistopheles. And yet a wise man ought to learn To enjoy gratis, as well as to earn. Now, that the stars are bright and clear the sky, I'll give you a touch of choicest melody; A moral song--that, while we seem to school her, With the more certainty we may befool her. [_Sings to the guitar._] Why stands before Her lover's door, Young Catherine here, At early break of day? Beware, beware! He lets thee in, A maiden in, A maiden not away! When full it blows, He breaks the rose, And leaves thee then, A wretched outcast thing! Take warning, then, And yield to none But who hath shown, And changed with thee the ring. Valentin. [_advancing_] Ho, serenaders! by the Element! You whoreson rascals! you rat-catchers, you! First, to the devil with the instrument, And, after it, the harper too! Mephistopheles. Donner and blitz! my good guitar is broken! Valentin. And your skull, too, anon: by this sure token! Mephistopheles. Quick, Doctor! here's no time to tarry! Keep close, as I shall lead the way. Out with your goosewing![*2] out, I say! Make you the thrusts, and I will parry. Valentin. Then parry that! Mephistopheles. Why not? Valentin. And that! Mephistopheles. Of course! Valentin. I deem the devil is here, or something worse. Good God! what's this?--my arm is lamed! Mephistopheles. [_to_ /Faust/] Have at him there! Valentin. [_falls_] O woe!