1. The Problem of Faust

> “Dost thou see yon black dog ranging through shoot and stubble?” > Wagner: “I saw him long ago; he struck me not in the least,” > Faust: “Look at him narrowly. What mak'st thou of the beast?” > Wagner: “A poodle who like any other poodle breathing > casts for the scent strayed from his master's heels.” > (The poodle goes circling round them.) > Faust: “Mark how, a mighty spiral round us wreathing, > Nearer and ever nearer yet he steals, > And see! unless mine eyes deceive me queerly, > He trails a fiery eddy in his train.”