Versos English Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The Witch

English poem

The Witch

by (1749–1832)

Listen in the reader

Here is a song, which, if you sometimes sing, You’ll find it of peculiar operation.

MEPHISTOPHELES (to FAUST)

Come, walk at once! A rapid occupation Must start the needful perspiration, And through thy frame the liquor’s potence fling. The noble indolence I’ll teach thee then to treasure, And soon thou’lt be aware, with keenest thrills of pleasure, How Cupid stirs and leaps, on light and restless wing.