Brander. Quack doctors both!--Altmayer, what think you? Altmayer. 'Tis like. Frosch. Mark me! I'll make them feel the screw. Mephistopheles. [_to_ /Faust/] They have no nose to smell the devil out, Even when he has them by the snout. Faust. Be greeted, gentlemen! Siebel. With much respect return we the salute. [_Softly, eyeing_ /Mephistopheles/ _from the one side._] What! does the fellow limp upon one foot? Mephistopheles. With your permission, we will make so free, As to intrude upon your company. The host's poor wines may keep us in sobriety, But we at least enjoy your good society. Altmayer. Our wine is good; and, for to speak the truth, Your mother fed you with too nice a tooth. Frosch. When left you Rippach? you must have been pressed For time. Supped you with Squire Hans by the way?[*n7] Mephistopheles. We had no time to stay! But when I last came by, I was his guest. He spoke much of his cousins, and he sent To you and all full many a compliment. [_He makes a bow to_ /Frosch/. Altmayer. [_softly_] You have him there!--he understands the jest! Siebel. He is a knowing one! Frosch. I'll sift him through anon! Mephistopheles. As we came in, a concert struck my ear Of skilful voices in a chorus pealing! A gleesome song must sound most nobly here, Re-echoed freely from the vaulted ceiling. Frosch. Perhaps you have yourself some skill? Mephistopheles. O no! had I the power, I should not want the will. Altmayer. Give us a song! Mephistopheles. A thousand, willingly! Siebel. Only brand-new, I say!--no thread-bare strain! Mephistopheles. We are but just come from a tour in Spain, The lovely land of wine and melody. [_He sings._] There was a king in old times That had a huge big flea-- Frosch. Ha, ha! a flea!--he seems a man of taste! A flea, I wis, is a most dainty guest? Mephistopheles. [_sings again_] There was a king in old times That had a huge big flea, As if it were his own son, He loved it mightily. He sent out for the tailor, To get it a suit of clothes; He made my lord a dress-coat, He made him a pair of hose. Brander. Be sure that Monsieur le Tailleur be told To take his measure most exact and nice, And as upon his head he puts a price, To make the hose without or crease or fold! Mephistopheles. In velvet and in silk clad He strutted proudly then, And showed his star and garter With titled gentlemen. Prime minister they made him, With cross and ribbon gay, And then all his relations At court had much to say.