Mephistopheles. [_aside_] I'm weary of this dry pedantic strain, 'Tis time to play the genuine devil again. [_Aloud._] The spirit of Medicine 'tis not hard to seize: The world, both great and small, you seek to know, That in the end you may let all things go As God shall please. In vain you range around with scientific eyes, Each one at length learns only what he can; But he who knows the passing hour to prize, That is the proper man. A goodly shape and mien you vaunt, And confidence, I guess, is not your want, Trust but yourself, and, without more ado, All other men will straightway trust you too. But chiefly be intent to get a hold O' the women's minds: their endless Oh! and Ah! So thousandfold, In all its change, obeys a single law, And, if with half a modest air you come, You have them all beneath your thumb. A title first must purchase their reliance, That you have skill surpassing vulgar science; Thus have you hold at once of all the seven ends, Round which another year of labor spends. Study to press the pulse right tenderly, And, with a sly and fiery eye, To hold her freely round the slender waist, That you may see how tightly she is laced. Student. This seems to promise better; here we see Where to apply and how to use the knife. Mephistopheles. Gray, my good friend, is every theory, But green the golden tree of life. Student. I vow I feel as in a dream; my brain Contains much more than it can comprehend; Some other day may I come back again, To hear your wisdom to the end? Mephistopheles. What I can teach all men are free to know. Student. One little favor grant me ere I go; It were my boast to take home on this page [_Presenting a leaf from his album._] Some sapient maxim from a man so sage. Mephistopheles. Right willingly. [_He writes, and gives back the book._ Student. [_reads_] _Eritis sicut Deus scientes bonum et malum._ [_He closes the book reverently, and takes his leave._ Mephistopheles. Follow the ancient saw, and my cousin, the famous old Serpent, Right soon shalt thou have cause, at thy godlike knowledge to tremble! _Enter_ /Faust/. Faust. Now, whither bound? Mephistopheles. Where'er it pleases you; The world, both great and small, we view. O! how it will delight, entrance you, The merry reel of life to dance through! Faust. My beard, I am afraid, is rather long; And without easy manners, gentle breeding, I fear there is small chance of my succeeding; I feel so awkward 'mid the busy throng, So powerless and so insignificant, And what all others have I seem to want. Mephistopheles. Bah! never fear; the simple art of living Is just to live right on without misgiving! Faust. But how shall we commence our course? I see nor coach, nor groom, nor horse.