English poem
Mephistopheles
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
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.