MEPHISTOPHELES

The cither’s smashed!  For nothing more ’tis fitting.

VALENTINE

There’s yet a skull I must be splitting!

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

Sir Doctor, don’t retreat, I pray! 
Stand by:  I’ll lead, if you’ll but tarry: 
Out with your spit, without delay! 
You’ve but to lunge, and I will parry.

VALENTINE

Then parry that!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Why not? ’tis light. 
VALENTINE

That, too!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Of course.

VALENTINE

I think the Devil must fight! 
How is it, then? my hand’s already lame: 

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

Thrust home!

VALENTINE (jails)

O God!

MEPHISTOPHELES

Now is the lubber tame! 
But come, away!  ’Tis time for us to fly;
For there arises now a murderous cry. 
With the police ’twere easy to compound it,
But here the penal court will sift and sound it.

[Exit with FAUST.

MARTHA (at the window)

Come out!  Come out!

MARGARET (at the window)

Quick, bring a light!

MARTHA (as above)

They swear and storm, they yell and fight!

PEOPLE

Here lies one dead already—­see!

MARTHA (coming from the house)

The murderers, whither have they run?

MARGARET (coming out)

Who lies here?

PEOPLE

’Tis thy mother’s son!

MARGARET

Almighty God! what misery!

VALENTINE

I’m dying!  That is quickly said,
And quicker yet ’tis done. 
Why howl, you women there?  Instead,
Come here and listen, every one!

(All gather around him)

My Margaret, see! still young thou art,
But not the least bit shrewd or smart,
Thy business thus to slight: 
So this advice I bid thee heed—­
Now that thou art a whore indeed,
Why, be one then, outright!

MARGARET

My brother!  God! such words to me?

VALENTINE