CHAP. I. Of his Parentage and Birth.

JOHN FAUSTUS was born in the town of Rhodes, in the prov­ince of Weimer, in Germany, his fa­ther a poor husbandman, and not able well to bring him up; yet having an uncle at Wittenburg, a rich man, and without issue, he took this Faustus from his father and made him his heir, insomuch that his father was no more troubled with him; for he remained with his uncle at Witten­burg, where he was kept at the uni­versity in the same city, to study Di­vinity; but Faustus being of a naugh­ty mind, and otherwise addicted, plied not his studies, but betook him­self [Page 6]to other exercises, which his un­cle hearing often, rebuked him for it; as Eli oftentimes rebuked his children for sinning against the Lord, even so this good old man laboured to have Faustus apply his study to Divinity, that he might come to the knowledge of God and his law. But it is manifest that many virtuous parents have wicked children, as Cain, Reuben, Absalom, and such like, have been to their parents. So Faus­tus having godly parents, who seeing him to be of a forward wit, were de­sirous to bring him up in virtuous studies, namely, of Divinity; but he gave himself secretly to Necro­mancy and Conjuration, insomuch that few or none could perceive his profession.

But to the purpose, Faustus con­tinued at study in the university, and was by the Rectors, and sixteen mas­ters afterwards, examined how he had profited in his studies; and be­ing found by them, that none of his time were able to argue with him in Di [...]nity, or for the excellency of his [Page 7]wisdom, to compare with him, with one consent they made him Doctor of Divinity. But Dr. Faustus, with­in a short time after he had obtained his degree, fell into such fantasies, and deep cogitations, that he was mocked of many, and of most part of the students was called the Specula­tor; and sometimes he would throw the scriptures from him, as though he had no care of his former profes­sion, so that he began a most ungod­ly life, as hereafter more at large may appear; for as the old proverb says, Who can hold what will away? So, who can hold Faustus from the dev­il, that seeks after him with all his endeavours; for he accompanied himself with divers that were seen in those devilish arts, and that had the Chaldean, Persian, Hebrew, Ara­bian and Greek tongues, using fig­ures, characters, conjurations, incan­tations, with many other ceremonies belonging to those infernal arts, as Necromancy, Charms, Soothsaying, Witchcraft, Enchantment, being de­lighted with their books, words and [Page 8]names so well, that he studied day and night therein, insomuch that he could not abide to be called Doctor of Divinity, but waxed a worldly man, and named himself an Astrologian, and a Mathematician, and for a shad­ow sometimes a Physician, and did great cures; namely, with herbs, roots, waters, drinks and clysters; and without doubt he was passing wise and excellent in holy scriptures: But be that knoweth his master's will, and doth it not, is worthy to be beaten with many stripes. It is written. No man can seve two masters, and thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. But Faustus threw all this in the wind, and made his soul of no estimation, regarding more the worldly pleasures than the joys to come; therefore at the day of judgment there is no hope of his redemption.

CHAP. II. How Dr. Faustus began to practise his Develish Art; and conjured the Devil, making him to appear, and meet him on the morrow morning at his own house.

YOU have heard before, that all Faustus's mind was to study the arts of Necromancy and Conjuration; which exercise he followed day and night, and taking to him the wings of an eagle, thought to fly over the whole world, and to know the secrets of heaven and earth; for his specu­lation was so wonderful, being ex­pert in using his Vocabula, figures, character, conjuration and other cer­emonial actions, that in all haste he put practice to bring the Devil before him, and taking his way to a thick wood near Wittenburg, called in the German tongue Spisser holt, that is in English, the Spisser's Wood, as Faus­tus would oftentimes boast of it a­mong the crew, being in jollity, he came to the wood one evening into [Page 10]the cross way, where he made with his wand a circle in the dust, and within that many more circles and characters; and thus past away the time till it was nine or ten of the clock at night; then began Dr. Faus­tus to call on Mephostophiles the spir­it, and to charge him in the name of Belzebub, to appear there presently without any longer stay; then pres­ently the Devil began so great a ru­mour in the in the wood, as if heav­en and earth would have come to­gether, and the trees with wind bow­ed their tops to the ground; then fell the Devil to roar, as if the whole wood had been full of Lions, and suddenly about the circle run the Devil, as if a thousand waggons had be running together on paved stones: After this, at the four corners of the wood it thundered horribly, with such lightning, as if the whole world to his seeming had been on fire. Faustus all this while, half amazed at the Devil's so long tarrying, and doubting whether he were best to a­bide any more such horrible conjur­ings, [Page 11]thought to leave his circle and depart; whereupon the Devil made him such musick of all sorts, as if the Nymphs themselves had been in the place: Whereat Faustus revived, and stood stoutly in his circle, expecting his purpose, and began again to con­jure the spirit Mephostophiles, in the name of the Prince of Devils, to ap­pear in his likeness; whereat sud­denly, over his head hung hovering in the air, a mighty dragon; then calls Faustus again after his devilish manner, at which there was a mon­strous cry in the wood, as if hell had been open, and all the tormented souls cursing their condition. Pres­ently not three fathom above his head, fell a flame in manner of light­ning, and changed itself into a globe; yet Faustus feared it not, but did per­suade himself that the Devil should give him his request before he would leave. Oftentimes after to his com­panions he would boast that he had the stoutest head under the cope of Heaven at command. Whereat they answered. They knew none stouter than the Pope or [Page 12]Emperor. But Faustus said, The head that is my servant, is above all upon earth; and repeated certain words out of St. Paul to the Ephesians, to make his argument good, The Prince of the World is upon Earth, and under Heav­en. Well, let us come again to his conjuration, where we left him at the fiery globe: Faustus vexed at his spirit's so long tarrying, used his charms with full purpose not to de­part before he had his intent, and crying on Mephostophiles the spirit, suddenly the globe opened, and sprung up in the height of a man, so burning a time, in the end it con­verted to the shape of a fiery man. This pleasant beast ran about the cir­cle a great while; and lastly, appear­ed in the manner of a Grey Fryar, asking Faustus what was his request? Faustus commanded that the next morning at twelve of the clock, he should appear to him at his house; but the Devil would in no wise grant it. Faustus began to conjure him a­gain, in the name of Belzebub, that he should fulfil his request; where­upon [Page 13]upon the spirit agreed, and so they departed each on his way.

CHAP. III. The conference of Dr. Faustus with his Spirit Mephostophiles, the morning following, at his own house.

DR. Faustus, having commanded the spirit to be with him, at the hour appointed, he came and ap­peared in his chamber, demanding of Faustus what his desire was: Then began Dr. Faustus anew with him, to conjure him, that he would be o­bedient unto him, and to answer him certain articles, to fulfill them in all points.

I. That the spirit should serve him, and be obedient unto him in all things that he asked of him, from that hour, until the hour of his death.

II. Further, any thing that he desir­ed of him, he should bring him.

III. Also, that in all Faustus's de­mands and interrogations, the spirit should tell him nothing but what was true.

[Page 14] Hereupon the spirit answered, and laid his case forth, That he had no such power of himself, until he had first given his prince (that was ruler over him) to understand thereof, and to know if he could obtain so much of his Lord: Therefore speak farther, that I may do thy whole desire to my Prince; for it is not in my power to do it with­out his Leave.

Dr. Faustus upon this, arose where he sat, and said, I will have my re­quest, and yet I will not be damned. The spirit answered. Then shalt thou want thy desire, and yet art thou mine notwithstanding; if any man would detain thee, it is but in vain, for thy infidelity hath confounded thee. Here­upon spake Faustus, Get thee hence from me, and take St. Valentine's Farewell, and Crisman with thee: yet I conjure thee, that thou be here at evening, and bethink thyself of what I have asked thee, ask thy Prince's council therein. Mephostophiles the spirit thus answered, vanished away, leaving Faustus in his study, where [Page 15]he sat pondering how he might ob­tain his request of the Devil, with­out the loss of his soul; yet he was fully resolved with himself, rather than to want his pleasure, to do what the spirit and his Lord should condition upon.

CHAP. IV. The second time of the spirit's appear­ing to Faustus at his house.

FAUSTUS continued in his dev­ilish cogitations, never moving out of the place where the spirit left him, such was his fervent love to the Devil. The night approaching this swift flying Spirit appeared to Faustus, offering himself with all submission to his service, with full authority from his Prince, to do whatsoever he would request; if Faustus would promise to be his. This answer I bring thee, an answer must thou make by me again; yet I [Page 16]will hear what is thy desire, because thou hast sworn to me to be here at this time. Dr. Faustus gave him this answer, though faintly for his foul's sake. That his request was none other, but to become a Devil, or at least, a limb of him, and that the spirit should agree to these arti­cles following:

1. That he might be a spirit in shape and quality.

2. That Mephostophiles should be his servant at his command.

3. That Mephostophiles should bring him any thing, and do for him whatsoever he desired.

4. That at all times he should be in the house invisible to all men, except only to himself, and at his command to shew himself.

5. That Mephostophiles should at all times appear at his command, and in what form or shape soever he would.

Upon these points the spirit an­swered Dr. Faustus, That all this should be granted him, and [Page 17]fulfilled, and more, if he would a­gree unto him upon certain ar­ticles, as followeth:

1. That Dr. Faustus should give himself to his Lord Lucifer, body and soul.

2. For confirmation of the sames he should make him a writing in his own blood.

3. That he would be an enemy to all christian people.

4. That he would deny the christian belief.

5. That he let not any man change his opinion, if any man should go a­bout to dissaude or withdraw him from it.

Farther, the spirit promised Faus­tus to give him certain years to live in health and pleasure, and when such years were expired, that then Faustus would be fetched away; and if he would hold these articles and conditions, that then he should have whatsoever his heart would wish or desire; and Faustus should quickly perceive himself to be a spirit in all [Page 18]manner of actions whatsoever. Hereupon Dr. Faustus's mind was so enflamed, that he forgot his soul, and promised Nephostophiles to hold all things as he mentioned them; he thought the Devil was not so black as they used to paint him; nor Hell so hot as the people say.

CHAP. V. The third parley between Dr. Fau­stus and Mephohostophiles about a Conclusien.

AFTER Dr. Faustus had made his promise to the Devil, in the morning betimes, he called his spir­it before him, and commanded him, that he should always come to him like a Friar, after the Order of St. Francis, and with a bell in his hand, like St. Anthony; and to ring it once or twice before he appeared, that he might know of his certain coming: Then Faustus demanded of his spir­it, What is his name? The spirit an­swered, my name is as thou hast said, [Page 19]Mephostophiles, and I am a prince, but a servant to Lucifer.

After a while Faustus promised Mephostophiles to write and make his obligation with all assurance of the articles in the chapter before rehears­ed: A pitiful case, Christian reader, for certainly this letter, or obligation was found in his house after his most lame a table end, with all the rest of his damnable practices used in his whole life.

Then he took a small penknife and prickt a vein in his left hand, and for certain thereupon were seen on his hand these words written in his own blood, O homo fuge? where at the spirit vanished away, but Faus­tus continued in his damnable mind.

CHAP. VI. How Dr. Faustus set his Blood in a Sawcer, on warm Ashes, and writ as followeth:

I JOHN FAUSTUS, Doctor, do openly acknowledge with my own hand, to the great force and strength­ening of this letter that since I began to study and speculate the course and nature of the elements, I have not found, through the gifts that is given me from above, any such learning and wisdom that bring to me my desire and for that I find that men are unable to in­struct me any farther in the Mat­ter; now have I, Dr. Faustus, to the hellish Prince of Orient, and his messenger Mephostophiles, given both soul and body, upon such conditions, that they shall learn me and fulfil my desires in all things as they have prom­ised and vowed to me with due obedience unto me, according to the articles men­tioned between us.

Farther, I do covenant and agree with them, by these presents, that at [Page 21]the end of 24 years next ensuing the date of this present letter, they being expired, and I in the mean time, du­ring the said years, being served of them at my will, they accomplished my desire to the full in all points as we were agreed: That then I gave them all power to do with me at their pleasure; to rule, to send, fetch or carry me or mine, be it either body, soul, flesh, blood, or goods into their habitation, he it wheresoever: And hereupon I defy God and his Christ, all the host of Heaven, and all living creatures that bear the shape of God, yea all that live: And again, I say it shall be so. And to the more strengthening of this writing, I have written it with my own hand and blood, being in perfect memory: And hereupon I subscribe to it my name, calling all the infernal, middle, and su­preme powers to witness of this my let­ter and subscription.

CHAP. VII. How Mephostophiles came for his writing, and in what manner he appeared, and the sights he shewed him; and how he caused him to keep a copy of his own writing.

DR. Faustus sitting pensive hav­ing but only one boy with him, suddenly there appeared his spirit Mephostophiles, in likeness of a very man, from whom issued most dreadful fiery flames, insomuch that the boy was afraid; but being har­dened by his master, he bid him stand still, and he should have no haerm: The spirit began to bleat, as in a singing manner. This pretty sport pleased Dr. Faustus well, but he would not call his spirit into the counting house, until he had seen more: Anon was heard a rushing of armed men, and trampling of horses: This ceasing, came a kennel of hounds, and they chased a great hart in the hall, and there the hart was slain. Faustus took heart, came [Page 23]forth and looked upon the hart; but presently before him there was a lion and a dragon together, fighting so fiercely, that Faustus thought they would have thrown down the house; but the dragon overcame the lion, and so they vanished. After this came a peacock and a peahen, the cock brustling of his tail, and turning to the female, beat her, and so vanished. Afterwards followed a furious bull, that with a full fierce­ness ran upon Faustus, but coming near him vanished away. After­ward followed a great old ape, this ape offered Faustus the hand, but he refused; so the ape ran out of the hall again. Hereupon fell a mist in the hall, that Faustus saw no light, but it lasted not; and so soon as it was gone, there lay before Faustus two great sacks, one full of gold, another of silver.

Lastly, was heard by Faustus all manner of instruments of musick, as organs, clarions, lutes, viols, cit­terns, waits, hornpipes, flutes, anomes, harps, and all manner of [Page 24]other instruments, which so ravished his mind, that he thought he had been in another world. Hereat came Mephostophiles into the hall to Faus­tus, apparelled like a Fryar, to whom Faustus spake, thou hast done me a wonderful pleasure in shewing me this pastime; if thou continuest as thou hast began thou shalt win my heart and soul, yea, and have it. Mephostophiles answered, This is nothing, I will please the better; give me thy hand writing. At which words the wretch put forth his hand, saying, hold thee there hast thou my promise. Mephostophiles took the writing, and willed Faustus to take a copy of it; with that the perverse Faustus being resolute in his Dam­nation, wrote a copy thereof, and gave the devil the one, and kept in store the other. Thus the spirit and Faustus were agreed, and dwelt to­gether, no doubt there was a virtuous house keeping.

CHAP. VIII. The manner how Faustus proceeded in his damnable life.

DR. Faustus having given his soul to the Devil, renouncing all the powers of Heaven, confirming all his lamentable actions with his own blood, and having already dilivered his writing now into the Devil's hand, the which so puffed up his heart, that he forgot the mind of a man, and thought himself to be a spirit. Thus Faustus dwelt at his uncle's house at Wittenburg, who died and bequeathed it in his testa­ment to his chosen Faustus. Faustus kept a boy with him that was his scholar, an unlucky wag, called Christopher Wagner, to whom this sport and Life that he saw his Master followed, seemed pleasant. Faustus loved the boy well, hoping to make him as good or better seen in his hellish exercises than himself, and he was fellow with Mephosto­philes; [Page 26]otherwise Faustus had no company in his house but himself, and boy, and spirit, that ever was diligent at Faustus's command, going about the house like a fryar, with a little bell in his hand, seen of none but Faustus. For victuals and other necessaries, Mephostophiles brought him at his pleasure from the Duke of Saxony, the Duke of Bravaria, and the Bishop of Saltzburg: And they had many times their best wine stole out of their cellers by Mephosto­philes; likewise their provisions for their own table: Such meat as Faus­tus wished for, his spirit brought him in. Besides that Faustus him­self was become so cunning, that when he opened his window, what Fowl soever he wished for, it came presently flying into the house, were it never so dainty. Moreover, Faus­tus and his boy went in sumptuous apparel, the which Mephostophiles stole from the mercers at Norenburg Aspurg, Frankfort and Lipzig, for it was hard for them to find a lock to keep out such a thief; all their [Page 27]maintenance was but stolen and hor­rowed ware: And thus they lived an odious Life in the sight of God.

CHAP. IX. How Dr. Faustus would have married.

DR. Faustus bethinks himself of a wife, and called Mephostophiles to council. Quoth Mephostophiles, to this I answer the [...] Thou canst not marry; for wedlock is a chief institu­tion ordained of God and that thou hast promised to defy, as we do all.

Dr. Faustus fell into despair with himself fearing, if he should motion matrimony any more then the Devil would tear him to pieces. For this time (quoth he to Mephostophiles) I am not minded to marry: Then dost thou well, answered his Spirit. But within two hours after, Faustus call­ed again to his Spirit, who came again in his old manner, like a fryar. Then Faustus said unto him, I am not able to resist or bridle my fancy, I must and will have a wife, I pray [Page 28]thee give thy consent to it. Suddenly upon these words came such a whirl­wind about the place, that Faustus though the whole house would have come down; and all the doors of the house flew off the hooks: After all this, his house was full of smoke, and the floor covered with ashes; which Dr. Faustus perceiving, he would have gone up stairs, and fly­ing up, he was taken and thrown down into the [...]ll, that he was not able to stir hand nor foot; then round about him ran a vast circle of fire, never standing still, that Faustus cryed as he lay, and thought there to have been burned. Then cryed he out to his spirit Mephostophiles for help, promising that he would live for all this, as he had vowed by his hand writing, hereupon appeared unto him an ugly Devil, so dreadful and monstrus to behold, that Faustus durst not look on him. The Devil said, what wouldest thou have Faustus? How likest thou thy wedding? What mind art thou in now? Faustus an­swered, he had forgot his promise, [Page 29]but he would talk no more of such things. Says the Devil, thou art best so to do; and so vanished from him. After appeared unto him, his Fryar Mephostophiles, with a bell in his hand and spake to Faustus. It is no jeasting with us, hold that which thou hast vowed, and we will perform that which we have promised, and more than that, thou shalt have thy hearts' desire of what Woman soever thou wilt, be she alive or dead, and so long as thou wilt, the shalt keep her by thee. These words pleased Faustus wonderfully well and he repented himself that he was so foolish to wish himself married, that might have any woman in the whole city brought him at his command.

CHAP. X. Question put forth by Dr. Faustus unto his spirit Mephostophiles.

DR. Faustus living in all manner of pleasure, that his heart could desire, continuing of his amorous [Page 30]drifts, his delicate fare and costly apparel, calling on a time his Mephos­tophiles to him, who being come, brought him a book in his hand of all manner of Devilish and inchant­ing arts, the which he gave Faustus, saying, "hold, my Faustus, work now thine heart's desire; the copy of this inchanting book was after­wards found by his servant, Christo­pher Wagger: "Well, (quoth Faus­tus to his spirit) I have called thee to know what thou canst do, if I have need of thy help. "Then answered Mephostophiles, and said. "My lord Faustus, I am a flying spirit, yea, so swift as thought can do whatever, and will do all things for the at thy pleasure." I thank thee Mephosto­philes, quoth Faustus: Upon this left their communication.

CHAP. X. How Dr. Faustus dreamt that he had seen Hell.

THE night following after Faustus's communication with Mephostophiles, Dr. Faustus dreamt that he had seen a part of Hell; but in what manner it was, or in what place, he knew not, whereby he was much troubled in mind, and called unto him Mephostophiles his spirit saying unto him, "I pray the re­solve me this doubt: What is Hell? What substance is it of? In what place stands it? And when was it made?" Mephostophiles answered, Faustus, "thou shalt know, that be­fore the fall of my lord Lucifer, there was no Hell, but even then was Hell ordained; it is no substance, but a confused thing. In this confused Hell is nought to find but a sulpher­ish fire, or stinking mist or fog; moreover, the Devils know not how [Page 32]God hath laid the foundation of our Hell, or where it is; but to be short, Faustus, we know that Hell hath neither bottom nor end.

CHAP. XI. How Dr. Faustus desired of his spirit, to know the secrets and pains of hell.

DR. Faustus was pondering with­in himself how he might get loose from so damnable an end as he had given himself unto, both soul and body; for his heart was so pos­sessed with the Devil, that he could think of nothing else but Hell, and the pains thereof. Wherefore in all haste, he called unto him his spirit Mephostophiles, desiring him some more of the secrets of Hell; what pain the damned are in; and how they were tormented? to whom Mephostophiles answered, Faustus, thou will have me tell the of the se­crets of Hell, and of the pains there­of: Know, Faustus, that Hell hath [Page 33]many figures, semblances, and names, but it cannot be named or signified in such sort to the living that are damned, as it is to those that are dead, and do both see and feel the torment thereof. For Hell is said to be deadly, out of which there never came any to life again but one, but he is nothing for thee to reckon upon; Hell is blood-thirsty, and is never satisfied: Hell is a vally into which the damned souls fall; for when the soul is cut of man's body, it would gladly go to the place from whence it came, and climbeth up above the highest hills, even to the Heavens, where being by the Angels of the first model denied entertain­ment (in consideration of their evil life spent on earth) they fall into the deepest pit or valley, that hath no bottom, into a perpetual fire which shall never be quenched. Therefore is Hell called everlasting pain, in which is never hopes for mercy; so it is called utter darkness, in which we see neither the light, the sun, moon, nor stars; and were our [Page 34]darkness like the darkness of night, yet were there hopes of mercy: But ours is perpetual darkness, elean ex­empt from the face of God. Hell hath also a place in it called Chasina, out of which issueth all manner of thunder and lightnings, with such shriekings and wailing, that often times the very Devils themselves stand in fear thereof. For one while it send­eth forth wind, with exceeding snow hail and rain, congealing the water into ice; with the which the damned are frozen, gnash their teeth, howl and cry, and yet cannot die.

Other whiles, it sendeth forth most horrible hot mists, or fogs with flashing of flames of fire and brim­stone; wherein the sorrowful souls of the damned lie broiling in their reiterated torments; yea, Faustus Hell is called a prison, wherein the damned lie continually bound; it is called Pernicious, and Exitium, death destruction, hurtfulness mischief, a mischance, a pitiful and evil thing, world without end, and mark. Hell is the nurse of death, the heat of [Page 35]of fire, the shadow of Heaven and Earth, the obligation of all goodness; the pains unspeakable, the griefs unremovable, the dwelling of the Devils, dragons, serpents, adders, toads, crocadiles, and all manner of venomous things and noisome crea­tures; the pubble of sin, the stinking far ascending from the Stygian lake brimstone, pitch, and all manner of unclean metals; the perpetual and unquenchable fire, the end of whose miseries was never purposed by God. Yea, yea, Faustus, thou sayest I shall, I must: nay, I tell thee the secrets of our kingdom, for thou buyest it dear­ly, and thou must and shalt be par­taker of our torments; there shalt thou abide horable torments, how­ling, crying, burning, freezing, melting, swiming in a labarynth of miseries, scolding, smoaking in thine eyes, stinking in thy nose, hoarseness in thy speech, deafness in thy ears, trembling in thy hands, biting thine own tongue with pain, thy heart crushed as with a press, thy bones broken, the Devils tossing [Page 36]firebrands unto thee; yea, thy whole carcase tossed on muck-forks from one Devil to another; yea, Faustus, then wilt thou wish for death, and he will fly from thee; thine unspeakable torments shall be every day augmented more and more, for the greater the sin the greater is the punishment; how lik­est thou this, my Faustus?

Lastly thou wilt have me tell thee that which only belongeth to God, which is, if it be possible for the damn­ed to come again into the favour of God, or not: Why Faustus thou kowest that this is against thy prom­ise; for why shouldest thou desire to know that, having already given thy soul, to the devil, to have the pleasure of the world, and to know the fecrets of Hell, therefore thou art damned, and how canst thou then come again to the favour of God? Wherefore I discreetly answer, no; for whomsoever God hath forsaken, and thrown into Hell, must there abide his wrath and indignation, in that unquenchable fire, where is no [Page 37]hope of mercy to be looked for, but abiding perpetual pains, world without end: Therefore my Faustus, as thou comest to Hell with these qualities, thou mayest say with Cain, my sins are greater than can be forgiven, go hang thy self like Ju­das: And lastly, be contented to suf­fer torments with Divas. There­fore know, Faustus, that the damned have neither end nor time appointed, in the which they may hope to be released.

CHAP. XIII. How Dr. Faustus turned Astrono­mer.

DR. Faustus turned almanack ma­ker by the help of his spirit: And also, in a short time to be a good astronomer. He had learnt so perfectly of his spirit, the course of the sun moon and stars, that he had the most famous name of all the mathematicians that lived in his [Page 38]time; as may well appear by his works dedicated to sundry dukes and lords; for he did nothing with­out the advice of his spirit, which learned him to presage of matters to come, which have come to pass since his death. The like praise he won with his kalenders and almag­nacks making; for when he presa­ed of any thing, operations, and alterations of the weather or ele­ments; as wind, rain, thunder or lightnings, it fell so duly out, as if an angel had forwarned it; he set in all his works the day and hour when, where, and how it should happen. If any thing wonderful were at hand, as mortality, famine, plague, wars, &c. He would set the time and place in true and just order when it should come to pass.

CHAP. XIV. How Faustus asked his Spirit a Ques­tion in Astronomy.

NOW Faustus falling to practise and making his prognostica­tions, he was doubtful in many points; wherefore he called unto him his spirit, saying, I find the ground of the science very difficult to attain unto; for when I confer astronomia and astrologia, as the ma­thematicians and ancient writers have left in memory. I find them very much to disagree; wherefore I require thee to teach me the truth of the matter. Mephostophiles an­swered, I will teach thee the course and recourse of the planets, the cause of winter, and summer, the exaltation and declimation of the sun, and eclipse of the moon, the distance and height of the poles, and every fixed star, the nature and opposition of the elements, fire, air, water and [Page 40]earth, and all that is contained in them; yea, there is nothing hidden from me; therefore learn now of me to make thunders, lightning, hail, snow and rain; the clouds to rend the earth, and craggy rocks to shake and split in sunder; the seas to swell and roar, and over-run their marks; knowest thou not that the deeper the sun shines, the hotter it pierces; as thy art is famous whilst thou art here, shall the greater thy name be when thou art gone. Come on my Faustus, I will make thee as perfect in these ways as myself; I will learn thee to go invisible, to find out the mines of gold and silver, the fodines of precious stones; take thy heart's de­sire, thy time, Faustus, weareth away; then why wilt thou not take thy pleasure in the world? Come up, we will go unto kings at their own courts, and at their sump­tuous banquets be their guests; if willingly they invite us not, then by force we will serve our turn with their best and daintiest wine. A­greed, quoth Faustus.

CHAP. XV. How Faustus fell into Despair; for having put a Question unto his spir­it, they fell at Variance, whereupon the Rout of Devils appeared, threat­ning him sharply.

DR. Faustus revolving with him­self the speaches of the spirit: Mephostophiles, said he, tell me how, and after what sort, God made the world, and all the creatures in it? and why man was made after the image of God? the spirit hearing this answered, Faustus, thou know­est that all this is in vain for thee to ask; I know thou art sorry or what thou hast done, but it availeth thee not, for I will tear thee in a thousand pieces if thou change not thy opin­ions; and hereat he vanished away a Whereat Faustus fell to weeping and howling bitterly, because the Devil, departed from him so suddenly in [Page 42]such a rage. And being in this per­plexity, he was suddenly taken with such extreme cold, as if he would have frozen in the place where he sat; in which the greatest Devil in Hell appeared unto him, with cer­tain of his hedious and infernal com­pany, in the most ugly shapes, that it was possible to think upon; and traversing the chamber round about where Faustus sat, Faustus thought to himself, now they are come for me, though my time be not come, and that; because I have asked such questions of my servant Mephosto­philes: At which cogitations the chiefest Devil, which was the lord unto whom he gave his soul, that was Lucifer, spake in this sort: Faustus, I have seen thy thoughts, which are not as thou hast vowed them unto me, by the virtues of this letter, and showing him the obligation, which he had written with his own blood; wherefore I am come to visit thee, and to show thee some of our hel­lish pastimes, in hopes that will con­firm thy mind a little more steadfast unto [Page 43]us. Content (quoth Faustus) go to, let me see what pastime thou canst make, At which words, the great Devil in his likeness sat him down by Faus­tus, commanding the rest of his De­vils to appear in the form as they were in Hell. First entered Belial in form of a bear, with curled black hair to the ground, his ears standing upright; within, his ears were as red as blood, out of which issued flames of fire; his teeth were at least a foot long, and as white as snow, with a tail three ells long at the least, having two wings, one behind eacharm; and thus one after another, they appeared to Faustus in form as they were in Hell. Lucifer himself sat in the manner of a man all hairy, but brown coloured like a squir­rel curled, and his tail turning up­wards on his back as the squirrels use; I think he could crack nuts too like a squirrel. After him came Bel­zebub in curled hair of a horseflesh colour; his head like the head of a bull, with a mighty pair of horns, and two long ears down to the [Page 44]ground, and two wings on his back, with two pricking things like horns; out of his wings issued flames of fire, his tail was like a cow's. Then came Astoroth in form of a worm, going upright on his tail, and had no feet, but a tail like a glow-worm; under his chops grew two short hands, and his back was coal-black, his belly thick in the middle, yellow like gold, having many bristles on his back like a hedge-hog. After him came Can­nagos [...], being white and grey mix­ed, exceeding curled and hairy; he had a head like the head of an ass, and a tail like a cat, and claws like an ox, lacking nothing of an ell broad. Then came Anobis; this Devil had a head like a dog, white and black hair, in shape like a hog, saving that he had but two feet, one under his throat, the other at his tail: he was four ells long with hanging ears like a blood-hound. After him came Dithican; he was a short thief, in form of a large bird, with shining feathers, and four feet; [Page 45]his neck was green, and his body red and his feet black. The last was call­ed Brachus, with very short feet like a hedge-hog, yellow and green, the upper side of his body was brown, and his belly like blue flames of fire, his tail was red, like the tail of a mon­key. The rest of the Devils were in form of unreasonable beasts; as swine, harts, bears, wolfs, apes, buffes, goats, antelopes, elephants, dragons horses, asses, lions, cats, snakes, toads, and all manner of ug­ly serpents and worms; yet came in such sort, that every one at his en­try into the hall, made their rever­ence to Lucifer, and so took their places, standing in order as they came, until they had filled the whole hall, wherewith suddenly fell a most horrible thunder-clap that the house shook as if it would have fal­len unto the ground; upon which every monster had a muck-fork in his hand, holding them towards Faustus, as though they would run a tilt at him: Which when Faustus perceived he thought upon the [Page 46]words of Mephostophiles, when he told him how the souls in Hell were tormented, being cast from Devil to Devil upon muck-forks, he thought verily to have been tormented there by them in this fort: But Lucifer, perceiving his thought, spake to him, My Faustus, how likest thou this crew of mine? Quoth Faustus why came thou not in another manner of shape? Lucifer replied, we cannot change our hellish form, we have shew­ed ourselves as we are there; yet can we blind men's eyes in such sort, that when we will, we appear unto them as if we were men or Aagels of light, al­though our dwellings be in darkness. Then said Faustus I like not so many of you together. Whereupon Luci­fer commanded them to depart, ex­cept seven of the principle; and forthwith they presently vanished; which Faustus perceiving, he was somewhat better satisfied, and spake to Lucifer, where is my old servant. Mephostophiles? Let me see if he can do the like. Whereupon came a fierce dragon flying, and spitting [Page 47]fire round about the house, and com­ing towards Lucifer, made rever­ence, then changing himself to the form of a Fryar, saying Faustus, what wilt thou? Faustus said, I will that thou teach me to transform myself, in like sort, as thou and the rest have done. Then Lucifer put forth his paw, and gave Faustus a book, say­ing, hold do what thou wilt, which he looked upon changed himself into a hog, then into a worm, then into a dragon; and finding this for his purpose, he liked it well.

CHAP. XVI. How Dr. Faustus was carried round the world in eight days. After which he wrote a letter to his friend at Leipzig of the same.

THIS letter was found written with his own hand, and sent to his friend as Lipzig, a physician named Love Victori, the contents were as follows: "I give you here to understand, that being once ly­ing [Page 48]in my bed, and could not sleep for thinking on my kalender and practice, I marvelled with myself how it was possible that the firma­ment should be known, and so largely written of by men, or whether they writ true or false, by their own opin­ions and suppositions, or by due observation and true course of the Heavens. Behold I thought my house would have been blown down, so that all my doors and chests flew open, whereat I was not a little as­tonished, for withal, I heard a groaning which said, get up, the desire of thy heart thou shalt see, at which I answered, what my heart desireth, that would I fain see, I will away with thee: Why then quoth he, look out at the window, there cometh a messenger for thee. That I did, and behold there stood a waggon with two dragons be­fore it, to draw it, and all the waggon was of light burning fire, and for that the moon shone, I was the wil­linger at that time to depart but the voice spake again, saying, sit up, [Page 49]and let us away, I will, said I, go with thee, but upon consideration that I may ask after all things that I see, hear, or think on. The voice answered, I am content for this time. Hereupon I got into the waggon, so that the dragons carried me upright in to the air.

The waggon had four wheels, which rattled so, and made such a noise, as if it had been all this while running on the stones, and round about us flew flames of fire; and the higher I came, the more the earth seemed to be darkened, so that I thought I came out of a dungeon; and looking down from Heaven be­hold Mephostophiles, my spirit and servant was behind me, to whom I said, I pray thee, Mephostophiles whither shall I go now? Let not that trouble thy mind, said he, and yet they carried us higher up. And now I tell thee, (good friend and school fellow) that on Tuesday I went out, and on Tuesday sevennight fol­lowing, I came home again, that is eight days, in which I slept not, no, [Page 50]nor had a wink come within my eyes: And we "went invisible of any man; and as the day began to appear after the first night's journey, I said to my spirit, Mephostophiles, I pray thee how far have we now ridden? I am sure thou knowest, for methinks we have ridden very far, the world seems so little. Me­phostophiles answered me, my Faus­tus, believe me that from the place from whence thou comest, unto this place where we now are, is already 47 leagues right in height. And as the day increased, I looked down into the world: Asia, Europe, and Africa, I had a sight of. Then I looked on the ocean, and beheld a great many ships and gallies ready to battle one against another: And thus I spent my journey, being gone a year and a half, and then returned home to Wittenburg.

CHAP. XVII. How Faustus had a Sight of Paradise.

AFTER this Dr. Faustus set forth again to visit the Countries of Spain, Portugal, France, England, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Muscovy, India, Africa, Persia, and lastly, into Barbaria, amongst the Blackamoors; and in all his wan­dering, he was desirous to visit the ancient monuments, and mighty hills; amongst the rest, beholding the high hill, called Teneriffe, he was desirous to rest upon it. From thence he went into the isle of Britain, wherein he was greatly delighted to see the fair water and warm baths, the diverse sorts of metal, with many precious stones, and diverse other commodities, which Faustus brought thence with him. He was also at the Orcades behind Scotland, where he saw the tree that bringeth forth fruit, that when it is ripe, openeth, and falleth into water, wherein in­gendereth [Page 52]a certain kind of sowl or bird: These islands are in number twenty three, but ten of them are not inhabited. From thence he went to the hill Caucasus, which is the highest in all the tropick; it lies near the borders of Scythia; hereup­on Faustus stood, and beheld many lands and kingdoms: Faustus being on such a hill, thought to look over all the world, and beyond; for he went to Paradise, but he durst not commune with his spirit thereof; and being on the hill Caucasus, he saw the whole land of India and Scythia, and as he looked towards the East he saw a mighty clear streak of fire coming from heaven upon earth, even as if it had been one of the beams of the sun. He saw in the water four mighty waters spring­ing, one had its course towards India, the second towards Egypt, the third and fourth towards Armenia: When he saw these, he would needs know of his spirit, what waters they were, and from whence they came? his spirit gave him gently an answer, [Page 53]saying, It is Paradise that lies so far in the East, the garden that God himself hath planted with all manner of pleasure; and the fiery streams which thou seest, is the wall or fence of the garden: But the clear light which thou seest afar off, that is the Angel that hath the custody thereof, with a fiery sword; and although thou thinkest thyself to be hard by, thou hast yet farther thither from hence, than thou hast ever been. The water that thou seest divided into four parts, is the water that is­sueth out of the well in the middle of Paradise. The first is called Ganges or Pison, the second Gihon the third Tygris, and the fourth Euphrates; also thou seest that he standeth under Libra and Aries, right towards the Zenith; and upon this fiery wall standeth the Angel Micha­el, with his flaming sword, to keep the tree of life, which he hath in in charge. But the spirit said to Faustus, neither thou, nor I, nor any afler us, yea, all men whatsoever, are denied to visit and come any nearer than we be.

CHAP. XVIII. Another question put forth by Dr. Faustus concerning the stars.

THERE was a learned man of the town of Halberstat, named N. W. who invited Dr. Faustus unto his table, but falling into commu­nication before supper was ready, they looked out of the window, and seeing many stars in the firmament; this man being a doctor of physic, and a good astrologician, said to Dr. Faustus, I have invited you as my guest, hoping you will take in good part with me, and withal, I request you to impart some of your experi­ence in the stars and planets; and seeing a star fall he said, Faustus, what is the condition, quality or greatness of the stars in the firma­ment? Faustus answered him, my friend and brother, you see that the stars that fall from heaven, when they come to the earth, they be [Page 55]very small to our thinking, as can­dles, but being fixed in the firma­ment, there are many as great as the city, some as great as a province or dukedom, others as great as the whole earth, other some far great­er than the earth twelve times, and from the height of the heavens there is scarce any earth to be seen, yea, the planets in the heavens are some so great as this land, some so great as the whole empire of Rome, some as Turkey, yea, some as great as the whole world.

CHAP. XIX. How Faustus was asked a Question concerning spirits.

BUT I pray you in what kind or manner do spirits use to vex men so little by day, and so greatly by night? Dr. Faustus answered, be­cause the spirits are of God forbid­den the light, their dwelling is in darkness, and the clearer the sun shines, the farther the spirits have [Page 56]their abiding from it; but in the night when it is dark, they have their familiarity and abiding near unto us men. For in the night we see not the sun, yet the brightness thereof so lighteth the first moving of the firmament, as it doth here on earth in the day, by which reason we are able to see the stars and planets in the night; even so the rays of the sun piercing up in the firmament, the spirits abandon the place, and so come near us on Earth, the dark­ness filling our heads with heavy dreams and strong fancies, with shrieking and crying in many de­formed shapes. And sometimes when men go forth without light, there falleth to them a fear, that their hair standeth up an end; so many start in their sleep, thinking there is a spirit by them, groping or feeling for him, going round about the house in their sleep, and many such like fancies; and all this is, because in the night the spirits are more familiarly by us, then we are desirous of their company, and so [Page 57]they carry us, blinding us, and plaguing us more than we are able to perceive.

CHAP. XX. How Faustus was asked a Question concerning thunder.

IN the month of August, there was over Wittingburg a mighty great lightning and thunder; and as Dr. Faustus was jesting merrily in the market-place with certain of his friends and companions, being phy­sicians, desired him to tell them the cause of that weather: Faustus an­swered, it hath been commonly seen heretofore that before a thunder-clap fell a shower of rain, or a gale of wind, commonly after a wind fal­leth rain, and after rain a thunder-clap; such thickness comes to pass when the four winds meet together in the Heavens, the airy clouds are by force beaten against the fixed chrystal firmament, they are con­gealed, and so strike, and rush [Page 58]against the firmament, as great piec­es of ice, when they meet on the water: Then each other soundeth in our ears, and that we call thun­der, which indeed was none other than you have heard.

CHAP. XXI. Dr. Faustus 's merry conceits, shew­ing after what sort he practised Ne­cromancy.

THE Emperor Charles, the fifth of the name was personally, with the rest of his nobles and gen­tlemen, at the town of Zutzbruck, where he kept his court, unto the which also Dr. Faustus resorted and being there well known of divers nobles and gentlemen, he was invit­ed into the court to meet even in the presence of the emperor, whom when the emperor saw, he looked earnestly upon him, thinking by his look [...] he was some wonderful fel­low▪ Wherefore he asked one of his [Page 59]nobles whom he should be? He an­swered that he was called Dr. Faus­tus: Then said the emperor, Faustus, my hearty desire is, that thou would­est vouchsafe to let me see that Alex­ander and his paramour, the which was praised to be so fair; and I pray thee shew me them in such sort as that I may see their personage, shape, gesture and apparel, and that here before my face, to that end that I may say, I have had my long de­sire fulfilled, and to praise thee to be a famous man in the art and expe­rience. Dr. Faustus answered, my most excellent lord, I am ready to accomplish your request in all things, so far forth as I and my spirit are able to perform; yet your majesty shall know, that their dead bodies are not able fubstantially to be brought before you; but such spirits as have seen Alexander and his paramour alive, shall appear unto you in manner and form as they both lived in their most flour­ishing time; and herewith I hope to please your imperial majesty. [Page 60]Then Faustus went a little aside and spoke unto his spirit, but he returned again presently, saying, now if it please your majesty you shall see them; yet upon this condition, that you demand no question of them, nor speak unto them, which the emperor agreed unto. Whereupon Dr. Faustus opened the privy-cham­ber door, where presently entered the great and mighty emperor Alex­ander Magnus, in all things to look upon as if he had been alive; in proportion, a strong set thick man, of a middle stature, black hair, and that both thick and curled, head and beard, red cheeks, and a broad face, with eyes like a Basilisk; he had a complete harness, furbished and engraven, exceedingly rich to look upon, and so passing towards the emperor, Carolus would have stood up to receive and greet him with the like reverence: But Faustus took hold on him, and would not permit him to do it. Shortly after Alex­ander made humble reverence, and went out again, and coming to the [Page 61]door, his paramour met him: She coming in, made the emperor like­wise reverence; she was clothed in blue velvet, wrought and embroi­dered with pearl and gold; she was also excellent fair, like blood and milk mixed, tall and slender, with a face as round as an apple, and thus they passed certain times up and down the house, which the emperor marking, said to himself, now have I seen two persons which my heart hath long wished to behold; and sure it cannot otherwise be (said he to himself) but that the spirits have changed themselves into these forms, and have but deceived me, calling to mind the woman, that raised the prophet Samuel: And for that the emperor should be more satisfied in the matter he said I have often heard that behind in her heck, she had a great wart or wen, wherefore he took Faustus by the hand without any words, and went to see if it were to be seen on her or not: But she per­ceiving that he came to her, bowed down her neck, where he saw a [Page 62]great wart, and hereupon she van­ished, leaving the emperor and the rest well contented.

CHAP. XXII. How Dr. Faustus in the Sight of the emperor conjured a pair of hart's Horns on a Knight's Head.

WHEN Dr. Faustus had ac­complished the emperor's desire in all things, as he was re­quested, he went forth into the galle­ry, and leaning over a rail, to look into the privy-garden, he saw many of the emperor's courtiers walking and talking to gether, and casting his eyes now this way, now that way, he espied a Knight leaning out of a window of the great hall, who was fast asleep, (for in those days it was very hot.) Dr. Faustus, through the help of his spirit Mephostophiles, fixed on his head, as he slept, a huge pair of hart's horns; and as the Knight awaked, thinking to pull [Page 63]in his head, he hit his horns against the glass, that the panes thereof flew about his ears. Think here how this good gentleman was vexed, for he could neither get backward nor forward: Which when the em­peror heard, all the courtiers laugh­ed, and came to see what had hap­pened: The Emperor also, when he beheld the Knight with so fair a head, laughed heartily thereat, and was therewith well pleased. At last Faustus made him quit of his horns again, but the Knight perceived not how they came.

CHAP. XXIII. How Dr. Faustus borrowed Money of a Jew.

IT is a common proverb in Germa­ny, that although a conjurer have all things at command, the day will come that he shall not be worth a penny; so it is like to fall out with Dr. Faustus, in promising the Devil so largely; but as the Devil is the [Page 64]author of all lies, even so he led Faustus's mind in practising things to deceive the people, and binding them, wherein he took his whole delight, thereby to bring himself to riches; notwithstanding in the end, he was never the richer; and al­though during 24 years of his time that the Devil set him he wanted nothing; yet he was best pleased when he might deceive any body. For out of the mightiest potentates' courts in those countries, he would send his spirit to fetch away their best cheer. And on a time being in his merriment, and banquetting with other students in an inn there­unto resorted many Jews; which when Dr. Faustus perceived, he was minded to play a merry jest to de­ceive a Jew, desiring one of them to lend him some money for a time; the Jew was content, and lent Faus­tus threescore dollars for a month, which time being expired, the Jew came for his money and interest; but Faustus was never minded to pay the Jew again; at length the Jew [Page 65]coming home to his house, and ask­ing for his money, Dr. Faustus made him this answer; Jew, I have no money, nor know I how to pay thee; but to the end thou mayest be contented, I will cut off a limb of my body, be it arm or leg, and the same thou shalt have in pawn for thy money; yet with this condition, that when I pay thee thy money then thou shalt give me my limb. The Jew that never was a friend to a Christian, thought with himself, this fellow is right for my purpose, that will lay his limbs in pawn for money, and was therewith very well content: Wherefore Dr. Faustus took a saw, and therewith seemed to cut of his leg, but not withstand­ing he did not so. Well, he gave it to the Jew. The Jew took his leg, and departed; and having far home, he was some what weary, and by the way he thus bethought himself; what availeth me a knave's leg? If I should carry it home, it would stink, and infect my house; besides, it is a hard piece of work to set it on [Page 66]again; wherefore what an ass was Faustus to lay so great a pawn for so small a sum of money? And for my part, (quoth the Jew to himself) this will never profit me any thing; and with these words, he threw the leg into a ditch. All this Faustus knew right well, therefore within three days after, he sent for the Jew to make him payment of his sixty dollars: The Jew came and Faustus demanded his pawn, there was his money ready for him. The Jew answered, the pawn was not profit­able nor necessary for any thing, so I threw it away: But Faustus threat­ening, replied, I will have my leg again, or one of thine for it. The Jew promised to give him what mo­ney he would ask, if he would not deal strictly with him; wherefore the Jew was forced to give him sixty dollars more to be rid of him, and yet Faustus had his leg on, for he had but blinded the Jew.

CHAP. XXIV. How Dr. Faustus deceived a Horse Courser.

AFTER this manner he deceiv­ed a horse-courser, at a fair called Pheifering; for Faustus through his conjuring had gotten an excellent fairhorse; whereupon he rid to the fair, where he had many chap­men that offered his money: At last he sold him for forty dollars, and willing him that bought him, that he he should not, by any means, ride him over the water; but the horse courser marvelled with himself, that Faustus did not ride over no water: But, quoth he, I will try, and forthwith he rode him into the river; and presently the horse van­ished from under him, and he was left on a bottle of straw, insomuch that he was almost drowned: The horse-courser knew well where he lay that had sold him his horse [Page 68]whereupon he went to his inn, where he found Dr. Faustus asleep, and snoring on his bed; but he pull­ed him so that he pulled his leg from his body insomuch that the horse-courser fell backwards in the place; then began Faustus to cry out with open throat he hath mur­dered me! hereat the horse-courser was afraid, and ran away, thinking that he had pulled his leg off. By this means Dr. Faustus kept his mo­ney.

CHAP. XXV. How Dr. Faustus eat a Load of Hay.

DR. Faustus being at a town in Germany, called Zwickow, where he was accompanied with many doctors and masters, and walking cut after supper, they met a man driving a load of hay: Good fellow, said Faustus, what shall I give thee to let me eat my belly full of hay? The man thought with himself that he was a madman, to [Page 69]talk of eating of hay, and that he could not eat much: They agreed for three farthings he should eat as much as he would; now Dr. Faus­tus began to eat, and so ravenously, that all the rest of the company fell a laughing: blinding so the poor man, that he was sorry at his heart, for he seemed to have eaten more than half of the hay; wherefore the man began to speak him fair, for fear he should have eaten the other half also: Faustus made as though he had pity on the man, and went away; when the man came in the place where he would be, he had his hay again, as he had before, a full load.

CHAP. XXVII. How Dr. Faustus sold five Swine for fix dollars a piece.

DR. Faustus began another jest; he made ready five fat swine, the which he sold to one for six dol­lars [Page 70]a piece; upon this considera­tion, that the swine driver should not drive them into the water. Dr. Faustus went home again, and as the swine had fouled themselves in the mud, the swine driver drove them into the water, where presently they changed into so many bundles of straw. The buyer looked sorrow­fully at them, but knew not where to find Faustus; so he was content to let all go, and loose both money and hogs.

CHAP. XXIII. How Dr. Faustus played a merry Jest with the Duke of Anhalt, in his court.

DR. Faustus on a time went to the duke of Anhalt, who wel­comed him very courteously, it being in the month of January; where siting at the table he perceived the Dutchess to be with child; and forbearing till the meat was taken from the table, and the banqueting dishes were brought in; Faustus said [Page 71]to the Dutchess, gracious lady I have always heard that great bellied wo­men long for dainties; I beseech therefore your grace, hide not your mind from me, but tell me what you desire to eat: She answered him Dr. Faustus, now truly I will not hide from you what my heart doth desire, namely, that if it were now har­vest time, I would eat my belly full of grapes, and other dainty fruit: Dr. Faustus answered, gracious lady, this is a small thing for me to do, for I can do more than this; where­fore he took a plate, and set it upon one of the casements of the window, holding it forth, where incontinent he had his dish full of all manner of fruit, as red and white grapes, pears and apples, which came out of strange Countries: All of these he presented to the Dutchess, saying, madam, I pray you vouchsafe to taste of this dainty fruit, which came from a far country, for there the summer is not yet ended. The Dutchess thanked Faustus highly, and fell to her fruit, with full appe­tite. [Page 72]The Duke of Anhalt notwith­standing, could not forbear asking Faustus the reason that there were such young fruits to be had at that time of the year? Faustus told him, may it please your grace to under­stand, that the year is divided into two circles of the whole world, that when with us it is winter, in the contrary circle it is notwithstand­ing summer; for in India and Saba, there falleth or setteth a sun, so that it is so warm, that they have twice a year fruit; and gracious lord, I have a swift spirit, which can in a twink­ling of an eye fulfill my desire in any thing; wherefore I sent him into those countries, who hath brought this fruit that you see; whereat the Duke greatly admired.

CHAP. XXIX. How Dr. Faustus with his company visited the Bishop Saltsburg 's Wine Cellar.

DR. Faustus having taken leave of the Duke, he went to Wit­tenburg, about shrove-tide, and being in company with certain students, Faustus was himself the god Bacchus, who having well feasted the students before with dainty fair, after the manner of Germany, where it is counted no feast unless all the bidden guests be drunk, which Faustus intending, said, gentlemen, and my guests, will it please you to take a cup of wine with me, in a place or cellar whereunto I will bring you? They all said willingly, we will, which when Dr. Faustus heard, he took them forth, set each of them upon a holly wand, and so was conjured into the Bishop of Saltsburg's cellar, for thereabouts grew excellent pleas­ant [Page 74]wine; there fell Faustus and his company to drinking and swilling of the best. And as they were mer­ry in the cellar, came to draw drink the Bishop's butler; who when be perceived so many people there, he cried with a loud voice, thieves! thieves! this spighted Faustus wonder­fully, wherefore he made every one of his company to sit on their holly wand, and so vanished away; and in parting. Faustus took the butler by the hair of his head, and carried him away with them, until they came to a very high lopped tree; and on the top of that huge tree he set the butler, where he remained in a most fearful perplexity. Dr. Faus­tus departed to his house, where they took their vale [...], one after another, drinking the wine that they had sto­len in their bottles out of the Bish­op's cellar. The butler that had held himself by the hands upon the tree all the night, was almost frozen with cold, espying the day, and seeing the tree of great height, thought with himself it is impossi­ble [Page 75]to come off this tree without peril of death; at length espying certain clowns passing by, he cried, for the love of God help me down! The clowns seeing him so high, wondered what madman would climb up so huge a tree; wherefore as a thing most miraculous, they carried the tidings to the Eishop of Saltsburg: then was there great running on every side to see him on the tree; and many devices they practised to get him down with ropes; and being demanded of the Bishop how he came there? He said that he was brought thither by the hair of his head, by certain thieves that were robbing the wine-cellar; but what they were he knew not; for, said he, they had faces like men, but they acted like Devils.

CHAP. XXX. How Faustus feasted his Guests on Ash-Wednesday.

UPON Ash-Wednesday came unto Dr. Faustus his bidden guests, the students, whom he feasted very royally; insomuch that they were all full and lusty; and when the high glasses and goblets were carous­ed one to another, Faustus began to play them some merry feats; inso­much that round about the hall was heard a most pleasant musick, and that in sundry places; in this corner a lute, in another a cornet, cittern, &c. In fine, all manner of musick was heard there in that instant, whereat all the glasses and goblets, cups and pots that stood upon the board, began to dance; then Dr. Faustus took ten stone pots, and set them down on the floor, where pre­sently they began to dance, and to mite one against another, that the [Page 77]shivers flew round about the house, at which the whole company fell a laughing: Then began the other jest; he set an instument upon the table, and caused a mighty great ape to come against them, which ape began to dance and skip, shewing them merry conceits. In this and such pastime, they passed away the whole day; when night being come, Dr. Faustus bid them all to supper, which they agreed to; for students in these cases are easily intreated; where he prom­ised to treat them with a banquet of fowl, and afterwards they would go all about with a mask. Then Dr. Faustus put forth a long pole out of the window, whereupon presently came innumerable birds and wild fowl, and so many as came, had not power to fly away again; but he took them, and flung them to the students, who lightly pulled of the necks of them, and being roasted, then made their supper; which being ended, they made themselves ready for the mask. Dr. Faustus com­manded every one to put on a clean [Page 78]shirt over their clothes; which being done they looked upon one another; it seemed to each one of them, that they had no heads; and so they went forth unto certain of their neigh­bours, at which sight the people were most wonderfully frighted; and as the custom of Germany is, that wheresoever a mask entereth, the good man of the house must feast them: So as these masks were set to their banquet, they seemed again in their former shape, with their heads, insomuch, that they were all known who they were; and having sat, and well eat and drank, Dr. Faustus made that every one had an ass's head on, with great and long ears, so they fell to dancing, and to drive away the time, untill it was mid­night, and then every one departed home; and as soon as they were out of the house, each one was in his natural shape, and so they ended, and went to sleep.

CHAP. XXXI. How Dr. Faustus conjured the four Wheels from a Countryman's Wag­gon.

DR. Faustus was sent for to come to the marshal of Brunswick, who was marvellously troubled with the falling sickness, now Faustus had his quality; he seldom rid, but walked on foot, to ease himself when he list, and as he went unto to the town of Brunswick there overtook him a countryman with four horses and a waggon; to whom Dr. Faus­tus (jesting to try him) said, I pray thee, good fellow, let me ride a little to ease my weary legs; which the buzzardly ass denied, saying, that his horses were weary, and he would not let him get up: Dr. Faustus did this to prove this countryman, if there were any courtesy to be found in him, if need were; but such chur­lishness is usually found among clowns; but he was requited by [Page 80] Faustus, even with the like payment; for he said to him, thou doatish clown, void of all humanity, seeing thou art of so churlish a disposition, I will pay thee as thou hast deserved, for the four wheels of thy waggon thou shalt have taken from thee; let me see then how thou canst shift? whereupon his wheels were gone, his horses fell also down to the ground as though they had been dead: Whereat the countryman was sore affrighted, and measured it as a just scourge of God for his sins and churlishness; wherefore with a trem­bling, and wailing he humbly be­sought Dr. Faustus to be good unto him, confessing he was not worthy of it; notwithstanding if it pleased him to forgive him, he would here­after do better; which submission made Faustus's heart to relent, an­swering him on this manner: Well, do so no more, but when a poor man desireth thee, see that thou let him ride; but yet thou shalt not go allto­gether free, for although thou have again thy four wheels, yet thou shalt [Page 81]fetch them at the four gates of the city; s [...]e threw dust on the horses, and revived them again; and the countryman for his churlishness, was fain to fetch his wheels, spend­ing his time with weariness, whereas if before he had shewed a little kind­ness, he might quietly have gone about his business.

CHAP. XXXII. How four Jugglers cut one another's Heads off, and set them on again, and Faustus deceived them.

DR. Faustus came in lent unto Frankland Fair, where his spir­it Mephostophiles gave him to under­stand that in an inn were four Jugglers that cut one another's heads off, and after their cutting off, sent them to the barber to be trimmed, which many people saw. This angered Faustus, for he meant himself to be the only cook in the Devil's banquet, and went to the place where they were, [Page 82]to beguile them; and as the Jugglers were together, ready one to cut off another's head, there stood also the barber ready to trim them, and by them upon the table stood likewise a glass full of stilled waters, and he that was the chiefest among them, stood by it. Thus they began; they smote off the head of the first and presently there was a lilly in the glass of distilled waters, where Faustus perceived this lilly as it was spring­ing; and the chief Juggler named it the Tree of Life: Thus dealt he with the first, making the barber wash and comb his head, and then he set it on again; presently the lilly vanished away out of the water; hereat the man had his head whole and sound again; the like he did with the other two; and as the turn and lot came to the chief Juggler, that he should also be beheaded, and that his lilly was most pleasant, and flour­ishing green, they smote his head off, and when it came to be barbered, it troubled Faustus's conscience, in­somuch that he could not abide to [Page 83]see another do any thing, for he thought himself to be the chiefest conjurer in the world: Wherefore Dr. Faustus went to the table, where­at the other Juggler kept the lilly, and so he took a small knife, and cut off the head of the lilly, saying to himself, None of them shall deceive Faustus. Yet no man saw Faustus to cut the lilly; but when the rest of Jugglers thought to have set on their master's head, they could not; wherefore they looked on the lilly, and found it bleeding; by this means the Juggler was beguiled, and so died in his wickedness. Yet no one thought that Dr. Faustus had done it.

CHAP. XXXIII. How Dr. Faustus wrote the second time with his own blood, and gave it to the Devil.

I Dr. John Faustus, do acknowl­edge by this my deed and hand writing, which is seven years past, I [Page 84]have right willingly held, and have been an utter enemy to God and all men; the which I once again con­firm, and give fully and wholly myself unto the Devil, both body and soul, even unto great Lucifer; and that at the end of seven years insuing after the date thereof, he shall have to do with me according as it pleaseth him either to lengthen or shorten my life, as pleaseth him; and herein I renounce all persuad­ers that seek to withdraw me from my purpose by the word of God, either ghostly or bodily: And farther, I will never give ear to any man, be he spiritual or temporal, that mov­eth any matter for the salvation of my soul. Of this writing, and that therein contained, be witness my blood, which with my own hands I have begun and ended. Dated at Wittenburg the 25th of July.

CHAP. XXXIV. How Dr. Faustus made a Marriage between two Lovers.

IN the city of Wittenburg was a student, a gallant gentleman nam­ed N. N. This gentleman was far in love with a gentlewoman, sair and proper in personage; this gentlewo­man had a Knight that was a suitor unto her, and many other gentlemen, which desired her in marriage, but none could obtain her. So it was that he fell in despair with himself, and pined away to skin and bone: But when he opened the matter to Dr. Faustus, he asked counsel of his Mephostophiles, the which told him what to do. Hereupon Dr. Faustus went home to the gentleman, and bid him be of good chear, for he should have his desire, for he would help him to that he wished for, and that this gentlewoman should love none other but him only. Where­fore [Page 86]Dr. Faustus so changed the mind of the damsel by the practice he wrought, that she could do no other thing but think on him, whom before she had hated, neither cared she for any man but him alone. The device was thus; Faustus com­manded the gentleman that he should clothe himself in all the best apparel that he had, and that he should go unto the gentlewoman, and shew himself, giving him a ring, com­manding him in any wise that he should dance with her before he de­parted; who following his counsel, went to her, and when they began to dance, they that were suitors, began to take every one his lady by the hand; this gentleman took her who before had so disdained him, and in the dance he put the ring into her hand, that Faustus had given him, which she no sooner toucht, but she fell presently in love with him, smiling at him in the dance, and many times winking at him, rolling her eyes, and in the end she asked him if he could love her, and [Page 87]make her his wife. He gladly an­swered that he was content; where­upon they concluded, and were married by the means and help of Faustus, for which the gentleman well rewarded him.

CHAP. XXXV. How Dr. Faustus led his Friends into his Garden at Christmas, and shew­ed them many strange sights, in the Nineteenth Year.

IN December about Christmas, in the city of Wittenburg were ma­ny gentlemen, which were come out of the country to be merry with their friends, among whom there were certain well acquainted with Dr. Faustus, who often invited them home unto his house; they being there on a certain time, after dinner he had them into his garden, where they beheld all manner of flowers and fresh herbs, and trees bearing fruit, and blossoms of all sorts; who [Page 88]wondered to see that this garden should flourish at that time, as in the midst of the summer, when abroad the streets, and all the coun­try lay full of snow and ice; where­fore this was noted by them as a thing miraculous, every one gather­ing and carrying away all such things as they liked, and so departed, delighted with their sweet smelling flowers, making good the words of the poet:

CHAP. XXXVI. How Dr. Faustus gathered together a great Army of Men in his Extrem­ity, against a Knight that would have conjured him on his Journey.

DR. Faustus travelled towards Ev­zeleben, and when he was nigh half the way, he espied seven horse­men, [Page 89]and the chief of them he knew to be the Knight with whom he had jested in the Emperor's court, for he had set a great pair of hart's horns upon his head; and when the Knight now saw fit opportunity to be revenged of Faustus, he and those that were with him, ran upon him to mischief him, intending privily to slay him; which when Faustus espied, he vanished away into a wood that was hard by them; but when the Knight perceived that he was vanished away, he caused his men to stand still; but where they remained, they heard all manner of warlike instruments of musick, as drums, flutes, trumpets, and such like; and a certain troop of horsemen rushing towards them; then they turned another way, and were also met on that side; then another way, and yet were freshly assaulted; so that which way soever they turned themselves, they were encountered, insomuch that when the Knight per­ceived that he could escape no way, but that his enemies lay on him [Page 90]which way soever he offered to fly, he took good heart and ran amongst the thickest and thought with him­self it was better to die than to live with so great infamy: Therefore being at handy blows with them, he demanded the cause, why they should so use them? But none of them would give him answer, until Dr. Faustus shewed himself unto the knight; whereupon they enclosed him round, and Dr. Faustus said un­to him, Sir, yield your weapon and yourself, otherwise it will go hard with you. The knight know­ing no other, but that he was con­jured with a host of men, whereas indeed they were none other but dev­ils, yielded: Then Faustus took a­way his sword, his piece and horse, with all the rest of his company. And farther, he said unto him, Sir, the chiefest general of our army hath commanded me to deal with you according to the law of arms, you shall depart in peace; and then he gave the Knight a horse after the manner, and set him thereon; so [Page 91]he rode, the rest went on foot, until they came unto their inn, where he being alighted, his page rode on the horse to the water, and presently the horse vanished away, the page being almost sunk and drowned; but he escaped, and coming home, the Knight perceived the page to be be­mired and on foot, asked where his horse was? Who answered, that he was vanished away; which when the Knight heard, he said, of a truth this is Faustus's doing, for he served me now, as he did before at the court, only to make me a scorn and laughing stock.

CHAP. XXXVII. How Dr. Faustus used Mephosto­philes, to bring him seven of the fairest Women he could find in all the Counries he had travelled in the Twenty Years.

WHEN Dr. Faustus called to mind that his time from day [Page 92]to day drew nigh, he began to live a swinish and epicurish life: Where­fore he commanded his spirit Me­phostophiles to bring him seven of the fairest women that he had seen in all the time of his travel; which being brought, first to one, then another, he lay with them all, inso­much that he liked them so well, that he continued with them in all manner of love, and made them to travel with him all his journies; these women were two Netherland, one Hungarion, one Scottish, two Walloon, and one Franklander. And with those sweet personages he con­tinued long, yea, even to his last end.

CHAP. XXXVIII. How Dr. Faustus served the drunken Clowns.

DR. Faustus went into an inn, wherein were many tables full of clowns, the which were tippling [Page 93]can after can of excellent wine; and to be short, they were all drunken, and as they sat, they so sang and hal­looed, that one could not hear a man speak for them; this angered Dr. Faustus, wherefore he said to them that called him in, mark, my mast­ers, I will shew you a merry jest: The clowns continued still hallooing and singing; he conjured them that their mouths stood as wide open as it was possible for them to hold them, and never a one of them, was able to close his mouth again; by and by the noise was gone: the clowns notwithstanding looked earn­estly upon one another, and knew not what was happened; one by one they went out, and so soon as they came without, they were all as well as ever they were; but none of them desired to go in any more.

CHAP. XXXIX. How Dr. Faustus found a mass of Money, when he had consumed Twenty two of his Years.

TO the end that the Devil would make Faustus his only heir, he shewed unto him where he should go and find a mighty huge mass of money, and that he should find it in an old chapel that was fallen down, half a mile distant from Wittenburg: There he bid him to dig, and he should find it, which he did: And having digged reasonably deep, he saw a mighty huge serpent, which lay on the treasure itself. The treasure itself lay like a huge light burning, but Dr. Faustus charmed the serpent, that he crept into an hole, and when he digged deeper to get up the trea­sure, he found nothing but coals of fire: There he also saw and heard many that were tormented; yet notwithstanding he brought away the coals, and when he was come [Page 95]home, it was turned into silver and gold, and after his death it was found by his servant; which was almost by estimation, one thousand guilders.

CHAP. XL. How Dr. Faustus made the spirit of fair Helena of Greece his own Para­mour and Bed fellow in his Twenty third Year.

TO the end that this miserable Faustus might fill the lust of his flesh, and live in all manner of voluptuous pleasure, it came in his mind, after he had slept his first sleep, and in the twenty third year past of his time, that he had a great desire to lie with fair Helena of Greece, especially her whom he had seen, and shewed unto the students at Wittenburg: Wherefore he called his spirit Mephostophiles, command­ing him to bring unto him the fair Helena; which he also did: where­upon [Page 96]he fell in love with her, and made her his concubine and bedfel­low; for she was so beautiful a piece, that he could not be an hour from her, if he should therefore have suffered death; she had stolen away his heart, and to his seeming in time she was with child, whom Faustus named Justus Faustus. The child told Dr. Faustus many things which were done in foreign coun­tries; but in the end, when Faustus lost his life, the mother and the child vanished away both together.

CHAP. XLI. How Dr. Faustus made his Will, in which he made his Servant Wagger to be his Heir.

DR. Faustus was now in his twenty fourth and last year, and he had a pretty stripling to his ser­vant, which had studied also to the university of Wittenburg: This youth was very well acquainted [Page 97]with his knaveries and sorceries, so that he was hated as well for his own knavery, as also for his master's; for no man would give him enter­tainment into his service, because of his unhappiness, but Faustus. This Wagger was so well beloved by Faustus, that he used him as his son, for do what he would, his master was always contented. And then when the time drew nigh, that Faustus should end, he called unto him a notary, and certain masters, the which were his friends, and often conversant with him, in whose presence he gave Wagger his house and garden. Item, he gave him in ready money sixteen thousand guil­ders. Item, one farm. Item, a gold chain, much plate and other hous­hold stuff, that gave he to his ser­vant; and the rest of his time he meant to spend in inns and student's company, drinking and eating, with other jollity: And thus he finished his will at that time.

CHAP. XLII. How Dr. Faustus fell in talking with his Servant, touching his Testament, and the Covenant thereof.

NOW when this will was made, Dr. Faustus called unto his ser­vant, saying, I have thought of thee in my testament, for that thou hast been a trusty servant unto me, and faithful, and hast not opened my secrets: And yet farther (said he) ask of me before I die, what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. His servant rashly answered, I pray you let me have your cunning; to which Dr. Faustus answered I have given thee all my books, upon this condition, that thou wouldest not let them be common, but use them for thy own pleasure, and study care­fully in them; and dost thou also desire my cunning? That thou may­est peradventure have, if thou love and peruse my books well. Farther, [Page 99]said Dr. Faustus, seeing that thou desirest of me this request, I will re­solve thee; my spirit Mephostophiles his time it out with me, and I have nought to command him, as touching thee: Yet I will help thee to ano­ther, if thou like well thereof. And within three days after, he called his servant unto him, saying, art thou resolved, wouldst thou verily have a spirit? Then tell me in what man­ner and form thou wouldst have him? To whom his servant answer­ed, that he would have him in the form of an ape: Whereupon ap­peared presently a spirit unto him, in manner and form of an ape, the which leaped about the house. Then said Faustus, see, there thou hast thy request; but yet he will not obey thee until I be dead; for when my spirit Mephostopholes shall fetch me away, then shall thy spirit be bound unto thee, if thou agree; and thy spirit shalt thou name Aberacock, for so he is called: But all this upon a condition that thou publish my cun­ning, and my merry conceits, with [Page 100]all that I have done (when I am dead) in an history, and if thou canst not remember all, the spirit Abera­cock will help thee; so shall the acts that I have done be made manifest unto the world.

CHAP. XLIII. How Dr. Faustus having but one Month of his appointed time to come, fell to Mourning and Sorrowing with himself for his Devilish exercise.

TIME ran away with Faustus as the hour glass; for he had but one month to come of his twenty four years, at the end whereof he had giv­en himself to the Devil, body and soul, as is before specified. Here was the first token, for he was like a taken murtherer or a thief, the which finding himself gailty in con­science before the judge have given sentence, feareth every hour to die; for he was grieved, and in wailing [Page 101]spent the time, went talking to him­self, wringing of his hands, sobbing and sighing, his flesh fell away, and he was very lean, and kept himself close, neither could he abide to see or hear of Mephostophiles any more.

CHAP. XLIV. How Dr. Faustus complained that he should in his lusty Time and youthful Years die so miserable.

THE sorrowful time drawing near, so troubled Dr. Faustus, that he began to write his mind, to the end that he might peruse it often, and not forget it, which was in manner as followeth, ah! Faustus, thou sorrowful and woeful man, now must thou go to the damnable company in unquenchable fire, whereas thou mightest have had the joyful immortality of thy soul, the which now thou hast lost! Ah! gross understanding, and wilful will! what [Page 102]seizeth upon thy limbs, other than robbing of my life? Bewail with me my senses for you have had your part and pleasure as well as I. Oh! envy and disdain! How have you crept both at once upon me: And now for your sake I must suffer all these torments. Ah! whither is pity and compassion fled? upon what occasion hath heaven repayed me with this reward, by sufferance, to suffer me to perish? wherefore was I created a man? The punishment I see prepared for me of myself, now must I suffer. Ah miserable wretch! There is nothing in this world to shew me comfort! Then woe is me! What helpeth my wailing?

CHAP. XLV. How Dr. Faustus bewailed to think on Hell, and the miserable Pains there­in provided for him.

NOW thou Faustus, damned wretch! how happy wert thou [Page 103]if, as unreasonable beast, thou might­est die without a soul? So shouldest thou not feel any more doubts; but now the Devil will take thee away both body and soul, and set in an unspeakable place of darkness; for although other souls have rest and peace, yet I, poor damned wretch, must suffer all manner of filthy stench, pains, cold, hunger, thirst, heat, freezing, burning, hissing, gnashing, and all the wrath and curse, of God; yea, all the creatures that God hath created are enemies to me. And too late I remember that my spirit Mephostophiles did tell me there was a great difference amongst the damned, for the greater the sin the greater the torment; as the twigs of a tree make greater flames than the trunk thereof, and yet the trunk continueth longer in burning; even so the more that a man is rooted in sin, the greater is his punishment. Ah! thou perpetual damned wretch: How art thou thrown into the ever­lasting fiery lake, that shall never be quenched; there must I dwell in all [Page 104]manner of wailing, forrow, misery, pain, torment, grief, howling, sob­bing, rubbing at the eyes, stinking at the nose, gnashing, of teeth, smart to the ears, horror to the conscience, and shaking both of head and feet? Ah! that I could carry the Heavens upon my shoulders, so that there were time at last to quit me of this everlasting damnation. Oh; what can deliver me out of the fearful tormenting flame, the which I see prepared for me! Oh! There is no help, nor can any man deliver me; nor my wailing of sins can help me; neither is there rest for me to be found day or night. Ah! Woe is me! for there is no help for me, no shield, no defence, no comforter; where is my help! knowledge dare I not trust; and for a soul to God­wards, that have I not; for I am ashamed to speak unto him; if I do, no answer shall be made me; but he will hide his face from me, to the end, that I should not behold the joys of the chosen. What mean I then to complain where no help is? [Page 105]No, I know no hope resteth in my groanings; I have desired it would be so, and God hath said amen to my misdoings; for now I must have shame to comfort me in my calam­ities.

CHAP. XLV Here followed the miserable and la­mentable end of Dr. Faustus, by which all christians may take an example and warning.

THE full time of Dr. Faustus his four and twenty years being come, his spirit appeared unto him, giving him his writing again, and commanding him to make prepara­tion, for that the Devil would fetch him against a certain time appointed. Dr. Faustus mourned and sighed wonderfully, and never went to bed, nor slept a wink for sorrow, where­fore his spirit appeared again, com­forting him, and saying, My Faustus, [Page 106] be not thou so cowardly minded; for although thou lovest thy body, it is long unto the day of judgment, and thou must die at last, although thou live many thousand years: The Turks, the Jews, and many an unchristian emperor are in the same condition; therefore, my Faustus, be of good courage, and be not discomfited, for the Devil hath promised that thou shalt not be in pains as the rest of the damned are. This and such like comfort he gave him, for he told him false,, against the saying of the holy scriptures. Yet Dr. Faustus, that had no other expectation but to pay his debt with his own skin, went (on the same day that his spirit said the Devil would fetch him) unto his trusty and dearest beloved compan­ions, as masters and batchelors of art, and other students more, the which did often visit him at his house in merriment; these he in­treated, that they would walk into the village called Rimlich, half a mile from Wittneburg, and that they would take with him for their repast, [Page 107]a small banquet, the which they agreed unto: So they went together, and there held their dinner in a most sumptuous manner. Dr. Faustus with them, dissemblingly was merry, but not from the heart; wherefore he requested them that they would also take part of his rude supper, the which they agreed unto, For (quoth he) I must tell what is the victualler's due: And when they slept (for drink was in their heads) then Dr. Faustus paid the shot, and bound the students and masters to go with him into another room, for he had many wonderful matters to tell them; and when they were entered the room, as he requested, Dr. Faustus said unto them as followeth.

CHAP. XLVII. An Oration of Dr. Faustus to the Students.

MY trusty and well beloved friends, the cause why I have [Page 108]invited you into this place, is this: For as much as you have known me these many years, what manner of life I have lived: practising all manner of conjurations and wicked exercises, the which I obtained through the help of the Devil, into whose devilish fellowship they have brought me; the which use, the art and practice, urged by the detestable provocation of my flesh, and my stiffneeked and rebellious, will, with my filthy infernal thoughts, the which were ever before me, pricking me forward so earnestly, that I must perforce have the consent of the Devil to aid me in my devices. And to the end I might the better bring my purpose to pass, to have the Devil's aid and furtherance, which I never have wanted in my actions, I have promised him at the end and accomplishment of twenty four years, both body and soul, to do therewith at his pleasure; this dis­mal day, these twentyfour years are fully expired; for night beginning, my hourglass is at an end, and the [Page 109]direful finishing whereof I carefully expect; for out of all doubt he will fetch me to whom I have given my­self in recompence of his service, body and soul; and twice confirmed writings with my proper blood: Now have I called you, my well beloved lords, friends and brethren, before that fatal hour, to take my friendly farewell, to the end that my departure may not hereafter be hid­den from you, beseeching you here­with (courteous loving lords and brethren) not to take in evil part any thing done by me; but with friendly commendation to salute all my friends and companions where­soever, desiring both you and them, if ever I have trespassed against your minds in any thing, that you would heartily forgive me; and as for those lewd practices, these full twenty four years I have followed, you shall afterwards find them in writing; and I beseech you let this my la­mentable end, to the residue of your lives, be a sufficient warning, that you have God always before your [Page 110]eyes, praying unto him, that he will defend you from the tempta­tions of the Devil, and all his false deceits, not falling altogether from God, as I wretched and ungodly damned creature have done, having denied and defied baptism, the sa­crament of Christ's body, God him­self, and heavenly powers and earthly men; yea, I have denied such a God, that desireth not to have one lost. Neither let the evil fellowship of wicked companions mislead you, as it hath done me; visit earnestly and often the church; war and strive continually against the Devil, with a good and stedfast belief in God and Jesus Christ, and use your vocation and holiness. Lastly, to close my troubled oration, this is my friendly request, that you would go to rest, and let nothing trouble you; also if you chance to hear any noise or tumbling about the house, be not therewith afraid, for there shall no evil happen unto you; also I pray you rise not out of your beds; but above all things, I intreat you, if [Page 111]hereafter you find my dead carcase, convey it into the earth, for I die both a good and bad Christian; though I know the Devil will have thy body, and that would I willing­ly give him, so that he would leave my soul to quiet; wherefore I pray you, that you would depart to bed, and so I with you a quiet night, which unto me, notwithstanding, shall be horrible and fearful.

This oration was made by Faustus, and that with a hearty and resolute mind, to the end he might not dis­comfort them; but the students wondered greatly thereat, that he was so blinded, for knavery, conju­ration, and such foolish things, to give his body and soul to the Devil; for they loved him entirely, and never suspected any such thing, be­fore he had opened his mind to them: wherefore one of them said unto him, ah! Friend Faustus, what have you done to conceal this matter so long from us? We would by the help of good divines, and the grace of God, have brought you out of the [Page 112]net, and have torn you out of the bondage and chains of satan, whereas we fear now it is too late to the utter ruin both of body and soul. Dr. Fau­stus answered, I durst never do it al­though often minded to settle myself to godly people to desire counsel and help, and once my old neighbour counfeled me, that I should follow his learning, and leave all my con­jurations: Yet when I was minded to amend, and to follow that good counsel, then came the Devil and would have had me a way, as this night he is like to do; and said, so soon as I turned again to God, he would dispatch me altogether. Thus even thus, (good gentlemen and dear friends) was I inthralled in that fatal bond, all good desires drowned, all piety vanished, all purpose of amendment utterly exiled, by the tyrannous oppression of my deadly enemy. But when the students heard his words they gave him counsel to do nothing else but call upon God, desiring him, for the love of his sweet son Jesus Christ's [Page 113]sake to have mercy upon him: Teaching him this form of prayer: O God! Be merciful unto me, poor and miserable sinner; and en­ter not into judgment with me, for no flesh is able to stand before thee! although, O Lord! I must leave my sinful body with the Devil, being by him deluded; yet thou in mercy may preserve my soul.

This they repeated to him, yet he could take no hold: But even as Cain, he also said, That his sins were greater than God was able to for­give. For all his thoughts was on the Writing, he meant he had made it too pithy in writing it with his own Blood. The Students and the others that were there, when they had pray­ed for him, they wept, and so went forth; but Faustus tarried in the hall, and when the gentlemen were laid in bed, none of them could sleep, for that they attended to hear if they might be privy to his End. It hap­pened that between twelve and one o'clock at midnight, there blew a mighty storm of wind against the House, as though it would have [Page 114]blown the foundation thereof out of its Place. Hereupon the Students began to fear, and go out of their beds, but they would not stir out of the chamber, and the host of the house ran out of doors, thinking the house would fall. The Students lay near unto the hall, wherein Dr. Fau­stus lay, and they heard a mighty noise and hissing, as if the hall had been full of snakes and adders, with that the hall doors flew open, where­in Dr. Faustus was, then he began to cry for help, saying, murther! much ther! but it was with half a voice, and very hollow, shortly after they heard him no more: But when it was day, the Students that had tak­en no rest that night, arose and went into the hall, in which they left Dr. Faustus, where notwithstanding they found not Faustus, but all the hall sprinkled with blood, the brains cleaving to the wall, for the devil had beaten him from one wall against another: in one corner lay his eyes, in another his teeth; a fearful and pitiful Sight to behold. Thon began the Stu­dents [Page 115]to wail and weep for him, and sought for his body in many places; lastly, they came into the yard, where they saw his body lying on the horse-dung, most monstrously torn, and fearful to behold; for his head and all his joints were dashed to pieces. The forenamed Students and Masters that were at his death, have obtained so much, that they buried him in the village where he was so grievously tormented. After which they returned to Wittenburg, and coming into the house of Faustus, they found the servant of Faustus very sad, unto whom they opened all the matter, who took it exceed­ing heavily. There they found this history of Dr. Faustus noted, and of him written, as is before declared; all save only his end, the which was after, by the Students, thereunto an­nexed. Farther what his servant noted thereof, was made in another book. And you have heard held by him in his life the spirit of fair Hele­na, who had by him one son, the which was named Justus Faustus, [Page 116]even the same day of his death they vanished away, both mother and son. The house before was so dark, that scarce any body could abide therein. The same night Dr. Faustus appeared to his servant lively, and shewed un­to him many secret things which he had done, and hidden in his life-time. Likewise there were certain which saw Dr. Faustus look out of the win­dow by night, as they passed by the house.

And thus ended the whole history of Dr. Faustus's conjuration, and other acts that he did in his life; out of which example every christian may learn; but chiefly the stiffnecked, and highminded, may thereby learn to fear God, and to be careful of their vocation, and to be at defiance with all devilish works, that God hath most precifely forbidden; to the end we should not invite the Dev­il as a guest, nor give him place as that wicked Faustus hath done: For here we have a wicked example of his writing, promise, and end, that we may remember him, that we go [Page 117]not astray, but take God always be­fore our eyes, to call alone upon him, and to honour him all the days of our life, with heart, and hearty prayer, and with all our strength and soul, to glorify his holy name, defy­ing the devil and all his works; to the end we may remain with Christ in all endless joy, Amen, Amen. That wish I to every christian heart, and God's name be glorified.