The dragon's lair

A personal collection of verse

Faust I 4128-4143

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


FAUST.
dancing with the young witchA pleasant dream once came to me: I saw a lovely apple-tree, And two fine apples hanging there; I climbed to pick that golden pair.
THE FAIR ONE.
You men were always apple-mad; Adam in Eden was just as bad. I’ve apples in my garden too— How pleased I am to pleasure you!
MEPHISTOPHELES.
with the old witchA naughty dream once came to me: I saw a cleft and cloven tree. It was a monstrous hole, for shame! But I like big holes just the same.
THE OLD WITCH.
Greetings, Sir Cloven-Hoof, my dear! Such gallant knights are welcome here. Don’t mind the outsize hole; indeed, An outsize plug is what we need!

translated by: David Luke