The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 01 · Chapter 45Auerbach's Cellar in Leipzig
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A Drinking Party
No drinking? Naught a laugh to raise? None of your gloomy looks, I pray! You, who so bright were wont to blaze, Are dull as wetted straw today.
'Tis all your fault; your part you do not bear, No beastliness, no folly.
FROSCH (pours a glass of wine over his head)
There, You have them both!
You double beast!
'Tis what you ask'd me for, at least!
Whoever quarrels, turn him out! With open throat drink, roar, and shout. Hollo! Hollo! Ho!
Zounds, fellow, cease your deaf'ning cheers! Bring cotton-wool! He splits my ears.
'Tis when the roof rings back the tone, Then first the full power of the bass is known.
Right! out with him who takes offence! A! tara lara da!
A! tara lara da!
Our throats are tuned. Come, let's commence!
(Sings)
The holy Roman empire now, How holds it still together?
An ugly song! a song political! A song offensive! Thank God, every morn, To rule the Roman empire that you were not born! I bless my stars at least that mine is not Either a kaiser's or a chancellor's lot. Yet, 'among ourselves, should one still lord it o'er the rest; That we elect a pope I now suggest. Ye know what quality insures A man's success, his rise secures.
FROSCH (sings)
Bear, lady nightingale above, Ten thousand greetings to my love.
No greetings to a sweetheart! No love-songs shall there be!
Love-greetings and love-kisses! Thou shalt not hinder me!
(Sings)
Undo the bolt! in stilly night, Undo the bolt! the lover wakes. Shut to the bolt! when morning breaks.
Ay, sing, sing on, praise her with all thy might! My turn to laugh will come some day. Me hath she jilted once, you the same trick she'll play. Some gnome her lover be! where cross-roads meet, With her to play the fool; or old he-goat, From Blocksberg coming in swift gallop, bleat A good night to her from his hairy throat! A proper lad of genuine flesh and blood, Is for the damsel far too good; The greeting she shall have from me, To smash her window-panes will be!
BRANDER (striking on the table)
Silence! Attend! to me give ear! Confess, sirs, I know how to live: Some love-sick folk are sitting here! Hence, 'tis but fit, their hearts to cheer, That I a good-night strain to them should give. Hark! of the newest fashion is my song! Strike boldly in the chorus, clear and strong!
(He sings)
Once in a cellar lived a rat, He feasted there on butter, Until his paunch became as fat As that of Doctor Luther. The cook laid poison for the guest, Then was his heart with pangs oppress'd, As if his frame love wasted.
CHORUS (shouting)
As if his frame love wasted.
He ran around, he ran abroad, Of every puddle drinking. The house with rage he scratch'd and gnaw'd, In vain,—he fast was sinking; Full many an anguish'd bound he gave, Nothing the hapless brute could save, As if his frame love wasted.
As if his frame love wasted.
By torture driven, in open day, The kitchen he invaded, Convulsed upon the hearth he lay, With anguish sorely jaded; The poisoner laugh'd; Ha! ha! quoth she, His life is ebbing fast, I see, As if his frame love wasted.
As if his frame love wasted.
How the dull boors exulting shout! Poison for the poor rats to strew A fine exploit it is no doubt.
They, as it seems, stand well with you!
Old bald-pate! with the paunch profound! The rat's mishap hath tamed his nature; For he his counterpart hath found Depicted in the swollen creature.
I now must introduce to you Before aught else, this jovial crew, To show how lightly life may glide away; With the folk here each day's a holiday. With little wit and much content, Each on his own small round intent, Like sportive kitten with its tail; While no sick-headache they bewail, And while their host will credit give, Joyous and free from care they live.
They're off a journey, that is clear,— From their strange manners; they have scarce been here An hour.
You're right! Leipzig's the place for me! 'Tis quite a little Paris; people there Acquire a certain easy, finish'd air.
What take you now these travelers to be?
Let me alone! O'er a full glass you'll see, As easily I'll worm their secret out As draw an infant's tooth. I've not a doubt That my two gentlemen are nobly born; They look dissatisfied and full of scorn.
They are but mountebanks, I'll lay a bet!
Most like.
Mark me, I'll screw it from them yet!
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
These fellows would not scent the devil out, E'en though he had them by the very throat!
Good-morrow, gentlemen!
Thanks for your fair salute.
[Aside, glancing at MEPHISTOPHELES.]
How! goes the fellow on a halting foot?
Is it permitted here with you to sit? Then, though good wine is not forthcoming here, Good company at least our hearts will cheer.
A dainty gentleman, no doubt of it!
You're doubtless recently from Rippach? Pray, Did you with Master Hans there chance to sup?
Today we pass'd him, but we did not stop! When last we met him he had much to say Touching his cousins, and to each he sent Full many a greeting and kind compliment.
[With an inclination toward FROSCH.]
ALTMAYER (aside to Frosch)
You have it there!
Faith! he's a knowing one!
Have patience! I will show him up anon!
We heard erewhile, unless I'm wrong, Voices well trained in chorus pealing? Certes, most choicely here must song Re-echo from this vaulted ceiling!
That you're an amateur one plainly sees!
Oh no, though strong the love, I cannot boast much skill.
Give us a song!
As many as you will.
But be it a brand new one, if you please!
But recently returned from Spain are we, The pleasant land of wine and minstrelsy.
(Sings)
A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea—
Hark! did you rightly catch the words? a flea! An odd sort of a guest he needs must be.
MEPHISTOPHELES (sings)
A king there was once reigning, Who had a goodly flea, Him loved he without feigning, As his own son were he! His tailor then he summon'd— The tailor to him goes: Now measure me the youngster For jerkin and for hose!
Take proper heed, the tailor strictly charge, The nicest measurement to take, And as he loves his head, to make The hose quite smooth and not too large!
In satin and in velvet, Behold the younker dressed: Bedizen'd o'er with ribbons, A cross upon his breast. Prime minister they made him; He wore a star of state; And all his poor relations Were courtiers, rich and great.
The gentlemen and ladies At court were sore distressed; The queen and all her maidens Were bitten by the pest, And yet they dared not scratch them Or chase the fleas away. If we are bit, we catch them, And crack without delay.
CHORUS (shouting)
If we are bit, etc.
Bravo! That's the song for me!
Such be the fate of every flea!
With clever finger catch and kill!
Hurrah for wine and freedom still!
Were but your wine a trifle better, friend, A glass to freedom I would gladly drain.
You'd better not repeat those words again!
I am afraid the landlord to offend; Else freely would I treat each worthy guest From our own cellar to the very best.
Out with it then! Your doings I'll defend.
Give a good glass, and straight we'll praise you, one and all. Only let not your samples be too small; For if my judgment you desire, Certes, an ample mouthful I require.
ALTMAYER (aside)
I guess, they're from the Rhenish land.
Fetch me a gimlet here!
Say, what therewith to bore? You cannot have the wine-casks at the door?
Our landlord's tool-basket behind doth yonder stand.
MEPHISTOPHELES (takes the gimlet) (To FROSCH)
Now only say! what liquor will you take?
How mean you that? Have you of every sort?
Each may his own selection make.
ALTMAYER (to FROSCH)
Ha! Ha! You lick your lips already at the thought.
Good, if I have my choice, the Rhenish I propose; For still the fairest gifts the fatherland bestows.
MEPHISTOPHELES (boring a hole in the edge of the table opposite to where FROSCH is sitting)
Get me a little wax—and make some stoppers—quick!
Why, this is nothing but a juggler's trick!
MEPHISTOPHELES (to BRANDER)
And you?
Champagne's the wine for me; Right brisk, and sparkling let it be!
[MEPHISTOPHELES bores, one of the party has in the meantime prepared the, wax-stoppers and stopped the holes.]
What foreign is one always can't decline, What's good is often scatter'd far apart. The French your genuine German hates with all his heart, Yet has a relish for their wine.
SIEBEL (as MEPHISTOPHELES approaches him)
I like not acid wine, I must allow, Give me a glass of genuine sweet!
MEPHISTOPHELES (bores)
Tokay Shall, if you wish it, flow without delay.
Come! look me in the face! no fooling now! You are but making fun of us, I trow.
Ah! ah! that would indeed be making free With such distinguished guests. Come, no delay; What liquor can I serve you with, I pray?
Only be quick, it matters not to me.
[After the holes are all bored and, stopped.]
MEPHISTOPHELES (with strange gestures)
Grapes the vine-stock bears, Horns the buck-goat wears! Wine is sap, the vine is wood, The wooden board yields wine as good. With a deeper glance and true The mysteries of nature view! Have faith and here's a miracle! Your stoppers draw and drink your fill!
ALL (as they draw the stoppers and the wine chosen by each runs into his glass)
Oh beauteous spring, which flows so far!
Spill not a single drop, of this beware!
[They drink repeatedly.]
ALL (sing)
Happy as cannibals are we, Or as five hundred swine.
They're in their glory, mark their elevation!
Let's hence, nor here our stay prolong.
Attend, of brutishness ere long You'll see a glorious revelation.
SIEBEL (drinks carelessly; the wine is spilt upon the ground, and turns to fame)
Help! fire! help! Hell is burning!
MEPHISTOPHELES (addressing the flames)
Stop, Kind element, be still, I say! (To the Company) Of purgatorial fire as yet 'tis but a drop.
What means the knave! For this you'll dearly pay! Us, it appears, you do not know.
Such tricks a second time he'd better show!
Methinks 'twere well we pack'd him quietly away.
What, sir! with us your hocus-pocus play!
Silence, old wine-cask!
How! add insult, too! Vile broomstick!
Hold! or blows shall rain on you!
ALTMAYER (draws a stopper out of the table; fire springs out against him) I burn! I burn!
'Tis sorcery, I vow! Strike home! The fellow is fair game, I trow! [They draw their knives and attack MEPHISTOPHELES.]
MEPHISTOPHELES (with solemn gestures)
Visionary scenes appear! Words delusive cheat the ear! Be ye there, and be ye here! [They stand amazed and gale at one another.]
Where am I? What a beauteous land!
Vineyards! unless my sight deceives?
And clust'ring grapes too, close at hand!
And underneath the spreading leaves, What stems there be! What grapes I see!
[He seizes SIEBEL by the nose. The others reciprocally do the same, and raise, their knives.]
MEPHISTOPHELES (as above)
Delusion, from their eyes the bandage take! Note how the devil loves a jest to break!
[He disappears with FAUST; the fellows draw back from one another.]
What was it?
How?
Was that your nose?
BRANDER (to SIEBEL)
And look, my hand doth thine inclose!
I felt a shock, it went through every limb! A chair! I'm fainting! All things swim!
Say! What has happened? What's it all about?
Where is the fellow? Could I scent him out, His body from his soul I'd soon divide!
With my own eyes, upon a cask astride, Forth through the cellar-door I saw him ride— Heavy as lead my feet are growing.
[Turning to the table.]
I wonder is the wine still flowing!
'Twas all delusion, cheat and lie.
'Twas wine I drank, most certainly.
But with the grapes how was it, pray?
That none may miracles believe, who now will say?
A large caldron hangs over the fire on a low hearth; various figures appear in the vapor rising from it. A FEMALE MONKEY sits beside the caldron to skim it, and watch that it does not boil over. The MALE MONKEY _with the young ones is seated near, warming himself. The walls and ceiling are adorned with the strangest articles of witch-furniture.
This senseless, juggling witchcraft I detest! Dost promise that in this foul nest Of madness I shall be restored? Must I seek counsel from an ancient dame? And can she, by these rites abhorred, Take thirty winters from my frame? Woe's me, if thou naught better canst suggest! Hope has already fled my breast. Has neither nature nor a noble mind A balsam yet devis'd of any kind?
My friend, you now speak sensibly. In truth, Nature a method giveth to renew thy youth: But in another book the lesson's writ;— It forms a curious chapter, I admit.
I fain would know it.
Good! A remedy Without physician, gold, or sorcery: Away forthwith, and to the fields repair; Begin to delve, to cultivate the ground; Thy senses and thyself confine Within the very narrowest round; Support thyself upon the simplest fare; Live like a very brute the brutes among; Neither esteem it robbery The acre thou dost reap, thyself to dung. This the best method, credit me, Again at eighty to grow hale and young.
I am not used to it, nor can myself degrade So far, as in my hand to take the spade. This narrow life would suit me not at all.
Then we the witch must summon after all.
Will none but this old beldame do? Canst not thyself the potion brew?
A pretty play our leisure to beguile! A thousand bridges I could build meanwhile. Not science only and consummate art— Patience must also bear her part. A quiet spirit worketh whole years long; Time only makes the subtle ferment strong. And all things that belong thereto, Are wondrous and exceeding rare! The devil taught her, it is true; But yet the draught the devil can't prepare.
[Perceiving the beasts.]
Look yonder, what a dainty pair! Here is the maid! the knave is there!
(To the beasts)
It seems your dame is not at home?
Gone to carouse, Out of the house, Thro' the chimney and away!
How long is it her wont to roam?
While we can warm our paws she'll stay.
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
What think you of the charming creatures?
I loathe alike their form and features!
Nay, such discourse, be it confessed, Is just the thing that pleases me the best. (To the MONKEYS) Tell me, ye whelps, accursed crew! What stir ye in the broth about?
Coarse beggar's gruel here we stew.
Of customers you'll have a rout.
THE HE-MONKEY (approaching and fawning on MEPHISTOPHELES)
Quick! quick! throw the dice, Make me rich in a trice, Oh give me the prize! Alas, for myself, Had I plenty of pelf, I then should be wise.
How blest the ape would think himself, if he Could only put into the lottery!
[In the meantime the young MONKEYS have been playing with a large globe, which they roll forward.]
The world behold; Unceasingly roll'd, It riseth and falleth ever; It ringeth like glass! How brittle, alas! 'Tis hollow, and resteth never. How bright the sphere, Still brighter here! Now living am I! Dear son, beware! Nor venture there! Thou too must die! It is of clay; 'Twill crumble away; There fragments lie.
Of what use is the sieve
THE HE-MONKEY (taking it down)
The sieve would show, If thou wert a thief or no? [He runs to the SHE-MONKEY, and makes her look through it.]
Look through the sieve! Dost know him the thief, And dar'st thou not call him so?
MEPHISTOPHELES (approaching the fire)
And then this pot?
The half-witted sot! He knows not the pot! He knows not the kettle!
Unmannerly beast! Be civil at least!
Take the whisk and sit down in the settle!
[He makes MEPHISTOPHELES sit down.]
FAUST (who all this time has been standing before a looking-glass, now approaching, and now retiring front it)
What do I see? What form, whose charms transcend The loveliness of earth, is mirror'd here! O Love, to waft me to her sphere, To me the swiftest of thy pinions lend! Alas! If I remain not rooted to this place, If to approach more near I'm fondly lur'd, Her image fades, in veiling mist obscur'd!— Model of beauty both in form and face! Is't possible? Hath woman charms so rare? In this recumbent form, supremely fair, The essence must I see of heavenly grace? Can aught so exquisite on earth be found?
The six days' labor of a god, my friend, Who doth himself cry bravo, at the end, By something clever doubtless should be crown'd. For this time gaze your fill, and when you please just such a prize for you I can provide; How blest is he to whom kind fate decrees, To take her to his home, a lovely bride!
[FAUST continues to gaze into the mirror.]
MEPHISTOPHELES [stretching himself on the settle and playing with the whisk, continues to speak.]
Here sit I, like a king upon his throne; My sceptre this;—the crown I want alone.
THE MONKEYS (who have hitherto been making all sorts of strange gestures, bring MEPHISTOPHELES _a crown, with loud cries)
Oh, be so good, With sweat and with blood The crown to lime!
[They handle the crown awkwardly and break it in two pieces, with which they skip about.]
'Twas fate's decree! We speak and see! We hear and rhyme.
FAUST (before the mirror)
Woe's me! well-nigh distraught I feel!
MEPHISTOPHELES (pointing to the beasts)
And even my own head almost begins to reel.
If good luck attend, If fitly things blend, Our jargon with thought And with reason is fraught!
FAUST (as above)
A flame is kindled in my breast! Let us begone! nor linger here!
MEPHISTOPHELES (in the same position)
It now at least must be confessed, That poets sometimes are sincere.
[The caldron which the SHE-MONKEY has neglected begins to boil over; a great flame arises, which streams up the chimney. The WITCH comes down the chimney with horrible cries.]
Ough! ough! ough! ough! Accursed brute! accursed sow! The caldron dost neglect, for shame! Accursed brute to scorch the dame!
(Perceiving FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES._)
Whom have we here? Who's sneaking here? Whence are ye come? With what desire? The plague of fire Your bones consume!
[She dips the skimming-ladle into the caldron and throws flames at FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES, and the MONKEYS. The MONKEYS whimper.]
MEPHISTOPHELES (twirling the whisk which he holds in his hand, and striking among the glasses and pots)
Dash! Smash! There lies the glass! There lies the slime! 'Tis but a jest; I but keep time, Thou hellish pest, To thine own chime! [While the WITCH steps back in rage and astonishment.] Dost know me! Skeleton! Vile scarecrow, thou! Thy lord and master dost thou know? What holds me, that I deal not now Thee and thine apes a stunning blow? No more respect to my red vest dost pay? Does my cock's feather no allegiance claim? Have I my visage masked today? Must I be forced myself to name?
Master, forgive this rude salute! But I perceive no cloven foot. And your two ravens, where are they?
This once I must admit your plea;— For truly I must own that we Each other have not seen for many a day. The culture, too, that shapes the world, at last Hath e'en the devil in its sphere embraced; The northern phantom from the scene hath pass'd; Tail, talons, horns, are nowhere to be traced! As for the foot, with which I can't dispense, 'Twould injure me in company, and hence, Like many a youthful cavalier, False calves I now have worn for many a year.
THE WITCH (dancing)
I am beside myself with joy, To see once more the gallant Satan here!
Woman, no more that name employ!
But why? what mischief hath it done?
To fable-books it now doth appertain; But people from the change have nothing won. Rid of the evil one, the evil ones remain. Lord Baron call thou me, so is the matter good; Of other cavaliers the mien I wear. Dost make no question of my gentle blood; See here, this is the scutcheon that I bear!
[He makes an unseemly gesture.]
THE WITCH (laughing immoderately)
Ha! Ha! Just like yourself! You are, I ween, The same mad wag that you have ever been!
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
My friend, learn this to understand, I pray! To deal with witches this is still the way.
Now tell me, gentlemen, what you desire?
Of your known juice a goblet we require. But for the very oldest let me ask; Double its strength with years doth grow.
Most willingly! And here I have a flask, From which I've sipp'd myself ere now; What's more, it doth no longer stink; To you a glass I joyfully will give.
(Aside.)
If unprepar'd, however, this man drink, He hath not, as you know, an hour to live.
He's my good friend, with whom 'twill prosper well; I grudge him not the choicest of thy store. Now draw thy circle, speak thy spell, And straight a bumper for him pour!
[The WITCH, with extraordinary gestures, describes a circle, and places strange things within it. The glasses meanwhile begin to ring, and the caldron to sound and make music. Lastly, she brings a great book; places the MONKEYS in the circle to serve her as a desk, and to hold the torches. She beckons FAUST to approach.]
FAUST (to MEPHISTOPHELES)
Tell me, to what doth all this tend? Where will these frantic gestures end? This loathsome cheat, this senseless stuff I've known and hated long enough.
Mere mummery, a laugh to raise! Pray don't be so fastidious! She But as a leech, her hocus-pocus plays, That well with you her potion may agree. [He compels FAUST to enter the circle.]
[The, WITCH, with great emphasis, begins to declaim from the book.]
This must thou ken: Of one make ten, Pass two, and then Make square the three, So rich thou'lt be. Drop out the four! From five and six, Thus says the witch, Make seven and eight. So all is straight! And nine is one, And ten is none, This is the witch's one-time-one!
The hag doth as in fever rave.
To these will follow many a stave. I know it well, so rings the book throughout; Much time I've lost in puzzling o'er its pages, For downright paradox, no doubt, A mystery remains alike to fools and sages. Ancient the art and modern too, my friend. 'Tis still the fashion as it used to be, Error instead of truth abroad to send By means of three and one, and one and three. 'Tis ever taught and babbled in the schools. Who'd take the trouble to dispute with fools? When words men hear, in sooth, they usually believe, That there must needs therein be something to conceive.
THE WITCH (continues)
The lofty power Of wisdom's dower, From all the world conceal'd! Who thinketh not, To him I wot, Unsought it is reveal'd.
What nonsense doth the hag propound? My brain it doth well-nigh confound. A hundred thousand fools or more, Methinks I hear in chorus roar.
Incomparable Sibyl cease, I pray! Hand us thy liquor without more delay. And to the very brim the goblet crown! My friend he is, and need not be afraid; Besides, he is a man of many a grade, Who hath drunk deep already.
[The WITCH, with many ceremonies, pours the liquor into a cup; as FAUST lifts it to his mouth, a light flame arises.]
Gulp it down! No hesitation! It will prove A cordial, and your heart inspire! What! with the devil hand and glove, And yet shrink back afraid of fire? [The WITCH dissolves the circle. FAUST steps out.]
Now forth at once! thou dar'st not rest.
And much, sir, may the liquor profit you!
MEPHISTOPHELES (to the WITCH)
And if to pleasure thee I aught can do, Pray on Walpurgis mention thy request.
Here is a song, sung o'er, sometimes you'll see, That 'twill a singular effect produce.
MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)
Come, quick, and let thyself be led by me; Thou must perspire, in order that the juice Thy frame may penetrate through every part. Then noble idleness I thee will teach to prize, And soon with ecstasy thou'lt recognize How Cupid stirs and gambols in thy heart.
Let me but gaze one moment in the glass! Too lovely was that female form!
Nay! nay! A model which all women shall surpass, In flesh and blood ere long thou shalt survey. (Aside.) As works the draught, thou presently shalt greet A Helen in each woman thou dost meet.
FAUST (MARGARET passing by).
Fair lady, may I thus make free To offer you my arm and company?
I am no lady, am not fair, Can without escort home repair. [She disengages herself and exit.]
By heaven! This girl is fair indeed! No form like hers can I recall. Virtue she hath, and modest heed, Is piquant too, and sharp withal. Her cheek's soft light, her rosy lips, No length of time will e'er eclipse! Her downward glance in passing by, Deep in my heart is stamp'd for aye; How curt and sharp her answer too, To ecstasy the feeling grew!
[MEPHISTOPHELES enters.]
This girl must win for me! Dost hear?
Which?
She who but now passed.
What! She? She from confession cometh here, From every sin absolved and free; I crept near the confessor's chair. All innocence her virgin soul, For next to nothing went she there; O'er such as she I've no control!
[Illustration: MARGARET From the Painting by Wilhelm von Kaulbach]
She's past fourteen.
MEPHISTOPHELES You really talk Like any gay Lothario, Who every floweret from its stalk Would pluck, and deems nor grace, nor truth, Secure against his arts, forsooth! This ne'er the less won't always do.
Sir Moralizer, prithee, pause; Nor plague me with your tiresome laws! To cut the matter short, my friend, She must this very night be mine,— And if to help me you decline, Midnight shall see our compact end.
What may occur just bear in mind! A fortnight's space, at least, I need, A fit occasion but to find.
With but seven hours I could succeed; Nor should I want the devil's wile, So young a creature to beguile.
Like any Frenchman now you speak, But do not fret, I pray; why seek To hurry to enjoyment straight? The pleasure is not half so great, As when at first, around, above, With all the fooleries of love, The puppet you can knead and mold As in Italian story oft is told.
No such incentives, do I need.
But now, without offence or jest! You cannot quickly, I protest, In winning this sweet child succeed. By storm we cannot take the fort, To stratagem we must resort.
Conduct me to her place of rest! Some token of the angel bring! A kerchief from her snowy breast, A garter bring me—any thing!
That I my anxious zeal may prove, Your pangs to soothe and aid your love, A single moment will we not delay, Will lead you to her room this very day.
And shall I see her?—Have her?
MEPHISTOPHELES No! She to a neighbor's house will go; But in her atmosphere alone The tedious hours meanwhile you may employ In blissful dreams of future joy.
Can we go now?
'Tis yet too soon.
Some present for my love procure! [Exit.]
Presents so soon! 'tis well! success is sure! Full many a goodly place I know, And treasures buried long ago; I must a bit o'erlook them now. [Exit.]