_Meph._ A thousand pardons for my clumsy error. Misled by a description--“tall and fair, Eighteen, and very beautiful.” The words Apply, with equal truth, to both the ladies. _Mar._ You’re vastly civil, sir! (_Aside._) Upon my word, It rains well-spoken, proper gentlemen! _Meph._ Sisters, of course? _Mar._ Nay, she’s my sister’s child (_Hastily._) My sister was, by many years, my senior! _Meph._ That’s evident. I bring you doleful news-- Yet news not altogether dolorous; There is a certain spice of comfort in’t-- Yet not so much of comfort, I’m afraid, As to disguise its not unpleasant bitter. _Mar._ Your words alarm me! Pray forgive me, sir, Are you a lawyer? _Meph._ I’m the prince of lawyers. _Mar._ I am your servant, sir! (_Curtsying._) _Meph._ I’m glad to hear it! But pardon me, the news I have to tell Is for your ears alone. _Mar._ (_to GRETCHEN, who is conversing with FAUSTUS_). Go, Gretchen dear, And show the gentleman the Lover’s Glen. _Meph._ Take heed--the path is dangerously steep-- Be sure you do not trip, my pretty maid. _Gret._ I thank you, sir. I know its pitfalls well, And how to pass them safely. (_To FAUSTUS._) Wilt thou come? _Faus._ To the world’s end, fair maiden, an thou wilt. _Gret._ (_laughing_). Nay, I’ll not pledge thee to so long a journey, The road is short. _Mar._ But very perilous. _Meph._ It is, indeed! _Faus._ Wilt trust thy hand in mine? _Mar._ Ay, take his hand--you will be safer so. _Meph._ (_aside_). I doubt it much. [_FAUSTUS and GRETCHEN go down incline._ _Mar._ Now we are quite alone. _Meph._ The news I bring you is about your husband. _Mar._ My husband! he’s not coming back! _Meph._ No, no-- It’s not as bad as that. _Mar._ (_relieved_). You frightened me! _Meph._ (_with emotion_). He never will come back. _Mar._ What mean you, sir? _Meph._ I mean that, fighting bravely ’gainst the Turks, An arrow struck him--and---- (_Faltering._) _Mar._ (_affected_). I guess your meaning! This is sad news, indeed! Alack-a-day, I never wished his death! With all his faults, He was no worse than other husbands are! _Meph._ A most affecting tribute to his worth. Pray pardon my emotion; I’ve a heart That melts at weeping women. _Mar._ Pray go on; I’ll try to stem my tears. Left he a will? _Meph._ He did--a very good and Christian will. _Mar._ He _was_ a Christian! _Meph._ (_sighing_). Ah! His will directs That you shall spend on masses for his soul, Five hundred marks.