How Doctor Faustus the day following was feasted of the Students, and of his merry jests with them while he was in their company
Thelast Bacchanalia was held on Thursday, where ensued a great Snow, and Doctor Faustus was invited unto the Students that were with him the day before, where they had prepared an excellent banquet for him: which banquet being ended, Doctor Faustus began to play his old pranks, and forthwith were in the place thirteen Apes, that took hands and danced round in a ring together, then they fell to tumble andto vaulting one over another, that it was most pleasant to behold, then they leaped out of the window and vanished away: then they set before Doctor Faustus a roasted Calve’s head: which one of the Students cut a piece off, and laid it on Doctor Faustus his trencher, which piece being no sooner laid down, but the Calve’s head began to cry mainly out like a man, murther, murther, but, alas, what doest thou to me! Whereat they were all amazed, but after a while considering of Faustus his jesting tricks they began to laugh, and then they pulled in sunder the Calve’s head and ate it up. Whereupon Doctor Faustus asked leave to depart, but they would in no wise agree to let him go, except that he would promise to come again: presently then Faustus, through his cunning, made a sledge, the which was drawn about the house with four fiery dragons: this was fearful for the Students to behold, for they saw Faustus ride up and down as though he should have fired and slain all them in the house. This sport continued until midnight with such a noise that they could not hear one another, and the heads of the Students were so light, that they thought themselves to be in the air all that time.
How Doctor Faustus shewed the fair Helena unto the Students upon the Sunday following
TheSunday following came these Students home to Doctor Faustus his own house, and brought theirmeat and drink with them: these men were right welcome guests unto Faustus, wherefore they all fell to drinking of wine smoothly: and being merry, they began some of them to talk of the beauty of women, and every one gave forth his verdict what he had seen and what he had heard. So one among the rest said, I never was so desirous of anything in this world, as to have a sight (if it were possible) of fair Helena of Greece, for whom the worthy town of Troie was destroyed and razed down to the ground, therefore saith he, that in all men’s judgment she was more than commonly fair, because that when she was stolen away from her husband, there was for her recovery so great bloodshed.
Doctor Faustus answered: For that you are all my friends and are so desirous to see that famous pearl of Greece, fair Helena, the wife of King Menelaus, and daughter of Tindalus and Læda, sister to Castor and Pollux, who was the fairest Lady in all Greece: I will therefore bring her into your presence personally, and in the same form of attire as she used to go when she was in her chiefest flowers and pleasantest prime of youth. The like have I done for the Emperor Carolus Quintus, at his desire I shewed him Alexander the great, and his Paramour: but (said Doctor Faustus) I charge you all that upon your perils you speak not a word, nor rise up from the Table so long as she is in your presence. And so he went out of the Hall, returning presently again, after whom immediately followed the fair and beautiful Helena, whose beauty was such that the Students were all amazed to see her, esteeming her rather to be a heavenly than an earthlycreature. This Lady appeared before them in a most sumptuous gown of purple Velvet, richly embroidered, her hair hanged down loose as fair as the beaten Gold, and of such length that it reached down to her hams, with amorous coal-black eyes, a sweet and pleasant round face, her lips red as a Cherry, her cheeks of rose all colour, her mouth small, her neck as white as the Swan, tall and slender of personage, and in sum, there was not one imperfect part in her: she looked round about her with a rolling Hawk’s eye, a smiling and wanton countenance, which near hand inflamed the hearts of the Students, but that they persuaded themselves she was a Spirit, wherefore such fantasies passed away lightly with them: and thus fair Helena and Doctor Faustus went out again one with another. But the Students at Doctor Faustus his entering again into the hall, requested of him to let them see her again the next day, for that they would bring with them a painter and so take her counterfeit: which he denied, affirming that he could not alwaysraise up her Spirit, but only at certain times: yet (said he) I will give you her counterfeit, which shall be always as good to you as if your selves should see the drawing thereof, which they received according to his promise, but soon lost it again. The Students departed from Faustus’ home everyone to his house, but they were not able to sleep the whole night for thinking on the beauty of fair Helena. Wherefore a man may see that the Devil blindeth and enflameth the heart with lust often-times, that men fall in love with Harlots, nay even with Furies, which afterward cannot lightly be removed.
Illustration: ...the Students were all amazed to see her
How Doctor Faustus conjured away the four wheels from a clown’s waggon
Doctor Faustuswas sent for to the Marshal of Brunswicke, who was greatly troubled with the falling sickness. Now Faustus had this use, never to ride but walk forth on foot, for he could ease himself when he list, and as he came near unto the town of Brunswicke, there overtook him a Clown with four horses and an empty waggon, to whom Doctor Faustus jestingly 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 also weary, and he would not let him get up. DoctorFaustus did this but to prove the buzzard, if there were any courtesy to be found in him if need were.
But such churlishness as is commonly found among clowns, was by Doctor Faustus well requited, even with the like payment: for he said unto him, Thou doltish Clown, void of all humanity, seeing thou art of so currish 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 canst thou shift: hereupon his wheels were gone, his horses also fell down to the ground, as though they had been dead: whereat the Clown was sore affright, measuring it as a just scourge of God for his sins and churlishness: wherefore all troubled, and wailing, he humbly besought Doctor Faustus to be good unto him, confessing he was worthy of it, notwithstanding if it pleased him to forgive him, he would hereafter do better. Which humility made Faustus his heart to relent, answering him on this manner, well, do so no more, but when a poor weary man desireth thee, see that thou let him ride, but yet thou shalt not go altogether clear, for although thou have again thy four wheels, yet shalt thou fetch them at the four Gates of the City, so he threw dust on the horses, and revived them again, and the Clown for his churlishness was fain to fetch his wheels, spending his time with weariness, whereas before he might have done a good deed, and gone about his business quietly.
How four Jugglers cut one another’s head off, and set them on again; and how Doctor Faustus deceived them
Doctor Faustuscame in the Lent unto Franckfort Fair, where his Spirit Mephostophiles gave him to understand that in an Inn were four Jugglers that cut one another’s head off, and after their cutting off, sent them to the Barber to be trimmed, which many people saw. This angered Faustus (for he meant to have himself the only Cock in the Devil’s basket), and he went to the place where they were, to behold them. And as these Jugglers were together, ready one to cut off the other’s head, there stood also the Barbers ready to trim them, and by them upon the table stood likewise a glass full of distilled water, 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 Lily in the glass of distilled water, where Faustus perceived this Lily as it were 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 Lily vanished away out of the water, hereat the man had his head whole and sound again; the like did they with the other two: and as the turn and lot came to the chief Juggler that he also should be beheaded, and that his Lily was most pleasant, fair, and flourishing green, they smote his head off, and when it came tobe barbed, it troubled Faustus his conscience, in so much that he could not abide to see another do anything, for he thought himself to be the principal conjurer in the world, wherefore Doctor Faustus went to the table whereat the other Jugglers kept that Lily, and so he took a small knife and cut off the stalk of the Lily, saying to himself, none of them should blind Faustus: yet no man saw Faustus to cut the Lily, but when the rest of the Jugglers thought to have set on their master’s head, they could not, wherefore they looked on the Lily, and found it a bleeding: by this means the Juggler was beguiled, and so died in his wickedness, yet not one thought that Doctor Faustus had done it.
How an old man, the neighbour of Faustus, sought to persuade him to amend his evil life, and to fall unto repentance
A goodChristian an honest and virtuous old man, a lover of the holy Scriptures, who was neighbour unto Doctor Faustus: when he perceived that many Students had their recourse in and out unto Doctor Faustus, he suspected his evil life, wherefore like a friend he invited Doctor Faustus to supper unto his house, unto the which he agreed; and having ended their banquet, the old man began with these words. My loving friend and neighbour Doctor Faustus,I have to desire of you a friendly and Christian request, beseeching you that you will vouchsafe not to be angry with me, but friendly resolve me in my doubt, and take my poor inviting in good part. To whom Doctor Faustus answered: My loving neighbour, I pray you say your mind. Then began the old Patron to say: My good neighbour, you know in the beginning how that you have defied God, and all the host of heaven, and given your soul to the Devil, wherewith you have incurred God’s high displeasure, and are become from a Christian far worse than a heathen person: oh consider what you have done, it is not only the pleasure of the body, but the safety of the soul that you must have respect unto: of which if you be careless, then are you cast away, and shall remain in the anger of almighty God. But yet is it time enough Doctor Faustus, if you repent and call unto the Lord for mercy, as we have example in the Acts of the Apostles, the eighth Chap. of Simon in Samaria, who was led out of the way, affirming that he was Simon homo sanctus. This man was notwithstanding in the end converted, after that he had heard the Sermon of Philip, for he was baptized, and saw his sins, and repented. Likewise I beseech you good brother Doctor Faustus, let my rude Sermon be unto you a conversion; and forget the filthy life that you have led, repent, ask mercy, and live: for Christ saith,Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will refresh you.And in Ezechiel:I desire not the death of a sinner, but rather that he convert and live.Let my words good brother Faustus, pierce into your adamant heart, anddesire God for his Son Christ his sake, to forgive you. Wherefore have you so long lived in your Devilish practices, knowing that in the Old and New Testament you are forbidden, and that men should not suffer any such to live, neither have any conversation with them, for it is an abomination unto the Lord; and that such persons have no part in the Kingdom of God. All this while Doctor Faustus heard him very attentively, and replied: Father, your persuasions like me wondrous well, and I thank you with all my heart for your good will and counsel, promising you so far as I may to follow your discipline: whereupon he took his leave. And being come home, he laid him very pensive on his bed, bethinking himself of the words of the good old man, and in a manner began to repent that he had given his Soul to the Devil, intending to deny all that he had promised unto Lucifer. Continuing in these cogitations, suddenly his Spirit appeared unto him clapping him upon the head, and wrung it as though he would have pulled the head from the shoulders, saying unto him, Thou knowest Faustus, that thou hast given thyself body and soul unto my Lord Lucifer, and hast vowed thyself an enemy unto God and unto all men; and now thou beginnest to hearken to an old doting fool which persuadeth thee as it were unto God, when indeed it is too late, for that thou art the Devil’s, and he hath good power presently to fetch thee: wherefore he hath sent me unto thee, to tell thee, that seeing thou hast sorrowed for that thou hast done, begin again and write another writing with thine own blood, if not, then will I tear thee all to pieces. Hereat Doctor Faustus was soreafraid, and said: My Mephostophiles, I will write again what thou wilt: wherefore he sat him down, and with his own blood he wrote as followeth: which writing was afterward sent to a dear friend of the said Doctor Faustus being his kinsman.
How Doctor Faustus wrote the second time with his own blood and gave it to the Devil
I, Doctor John Faustus, acknowledge by this my deed and handwriting, that sith my first writing, which is seventeen years, that I have right willingly held, and have been an utter enemy unto 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 the great Lucifer: and that at the end of seven years ensuing after the date of this letter, he shall have to do with me according as it pleaseth him, either to lengthen or shorten my life as liketh him: and hereupon I renounce all persuaders that seek to withdraw me from my purpose by the Word of God, either ghostly or bodily. And further, I will never give ear unto any man, be he spiritual or temporal, that moveth any matter for the salvation of my soul. Of all this writing, and that therein contained, be witness, my own blood, the which with mine own hands I have begun, and ended.
Dated at Wittenberg, the 25th of July.
And presently upon the making of this Letter, he became so great an enemy unto the poor old man, that he sought his life by all means possible; but this godly man was strong in the Holy Ghost, that he could not be vanquished by any means: for about two days after that he had exhorted Faustus, as the poor man lay in his bed, suddenly there was a mighty rumbling in the Chamber, the which he was never wont to hear, and he heard as it had been the groaning of a Sow, which lasted long: whereupon the good old man began to jest, and mock, and said: oh what Barbarian cry is this, oh fair Bird, what foul music is this of a fair Angel, that could not tarry two days in his place? beginnest thou now to run into a poor man’s house, where thou hast no power, and wert not able to keep thine own two days? With these and such-like words the Spirit departed. And when he came home Faustus asked him how he had sped with the old man: to whom the Spirit answered, the old man was harnessed, and that he could not once lay hold upon him: but he would not tell how the old man had mocked him, for the Devils can never abide to hear of their fall. Thus doth God defend the hearts of all honest Christians, that betake themselves under his tuition.
How Doctor Faustus made a marriage between two lovers
Inthe City of Wittenberg was a Student, a gallant Gentleman, named N. N. This Gentleman was far in love with a Gentlewoman, fair and proper of personage. This Gentlewoman had a Knight that was a suitor unto her, and many other Gentlemen, the which desired her in marriage, but none could obtain her: So it was that this N. N. was very well acquainted with Faustus, and by that means became a suitor unto him to assist him in the matter, for he fell so far in despair with himself, that he pined away to the skin and bones. But when he had opened the matter unto Doctor Faustus, he asked counsel of his Spirit Mephostophiles, the which told him what to do. Hereupon Doctor Faustus went home to the Gentleman, and bade him be of good cheer, 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 Doctor Faustus so changed the mind of the Damsel by a practice he wrought, that she would 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 this Gentleman that he should clothe himself in all his best apparel that he had and that he should go unto this Gentlewoman, and there to shew himself, giving him also a Ring, commanding him inany wise that he should dance with her before he departed. Wherefore he followed Faustus his counsel, went to her, and when they began to dance they that were suitors began to take everyone his Lady in his hand, and this good Gentleman took her, who before had so disdained him, and in the dance he thrust the Ring into her hand that Doctor Faustus had given him, the which she no sooner touched, but she fell immediately in love with him, beginning in the dance to smile, and many times to give him winks, rolling her eyes, and in the end she asked him if he could love her and make her his wife; he gladly answered, he was content: and hereupon they concluded, and were married, by the means and help of Doctor Faustus, for which he received a good reward of the Gentleman.
How Doctor Faustus led his friends into his Garden at Christmas, and shewed them many strange sights in his nineteenth year
InDecember, about Christmas in the City of Wittenberg, were many young Gentlewomen, the which were come out of the Country to make merry with their friends and acquaintance; amongst whom there were certain that were well acquainted with Doctor Faustus, wherefore they were often invited as his guests unto him, and being with him on a certaintime after dinner, he led them into his Garden, where he shewed them all manner of flowers, and fresh herbs, Trees bearing fruit and blossoms of all sorts, in so much that they wondered to see that in his Garden should be so pleasant a time as in the midst of summer: and without in the streets, and all over the Country, it lay full of Snow and Ice. Wherefore this was noted of them as a thing miraculous, each one gathering and carrying away all such things as they best liked, and so departed delighted with their sweet-smelling flowers.
How Doctor Faustus gathered together a great army of men in his extremity against a Knight that would have injured him on his journey
Doctor Faustustravelled towards Eyszleben, and when he was nigh half the way, he espied seven horsemen, and the chief of them he knew to be the Knight to whom he had played a jest in the Emperor’s Court, for he had set a huge pair of Hart’s horns upon his head: and when the Knight now saw that he had fit opportunity to be revenged of Faustus he ran upon him himself, and those that were with him, to mischief him, intending privily to shoot at him: which when Doctor Faustus espied, he vanished away into the wood which was hard by them. But when the Knight perceived that he was vanishedaway, he caused his men to stand still, where as they remained they heard all manner of war-like instruments of music, as Drums, Flutes, Trumpets, and such-like, and a certain troop of horsemen running towards them. Then they turned another way, and there also were assaulted on the same side: then another way, and yet they were freshly assaulted, so that which way soever they turned themselves, he was encountered: in so much that when the Knight perceived that he could escape no way, but that they his enemies laid on him which way soever he offered to fly, he took a good heart and ran amongst the thickest, and thought with himself better to die than to live with so great an 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 Doctor Faustus shewed himself unto the Knight, where withal they enclosed him around, and Doctor Faustus said unto him, Sir, yield your weapon, and yourself, otherwise it will go hardly with you. The Knight that knew none other but that he was environed with an host of men (where indeed they were none other than Devils) yielded: then Faustus took away his sword, his piece, and horse, with all the rest of his companions. And further he said unto him; Sir, the chief General of our army hath commanded to deal with you according to the law of Arms, you shall depart in peace whither you please: and then he gave the Knight an horse after the manner, and set him thereon, so he rode, the rest went on foot until they came to their Inn, where being alighted, his Page rode on his horse tothe water, and presently the horse vanished away, the Page being almost sunk and drowned, but he escaped: and coming home, the Knight perceived his Page so bemired and on foot, asked where his horse was become? Who answered that he was vanished away: which when the Knight heard, he said, of a truth this is Faustus his doing, for he serveth me now as he did before at the Court, only to make me a scorn and a laughing-stock.
How Doctor Faustus caused Mephostophiles to bring him seven of the fairest women that he could find in all those countries he had travelled in, in the twentieth year
WhenDoctor Faustus called to mind, that his time from day 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 one, and then another, he lay with them all, in so much that he liked them so well, that he continued with them in all manner of love, and made them to travel with him in all his journeys. These women were two Netherlanders, one Hungarian, one English, two Wallons, one Francklander: and with these sweet personages he continued long, yea even to his last end.
How Doctor Faustus found a mass of money when he had consumed twenty-two of his years
Tothe 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 have it in an old Chapel that was fallen down, half a mile distant from Wittenberg, there he bade him to dig and he should find it, the which he did, and having digged reasonable deep, he saw a mighty huge serpent, the which lay on the treasure itself, the treasure itself lay like a huge light burning: but D. Faustus charmed the serpent that he crept into a hole, and when he digged deeper to get up the treasure, he found nothing but coals of fire: there also he heard and saw many that were tormented, yet notwithstanding he brought away the coals, and when he was come home, it was all turned into silver and gold, as after his death was found by his servant, the which was almost about estimation, a thousand gilders.
How Doctor Faustus made the Spirit of fair Helena of Greece his own Paramour and bedfellow in his twenty-third year
Tothe end that this miserable Faustus might fill the lust of his flesh, and live in all manner of voluptuouspleasures, it came in his mind after he had slept his first sleep,[39]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 of Wittenberg, wherefore he called unto him his Spirit Mephostophiles, commanding him to bring him the fair Helena, which he also did. Whereupon he fell in love with her, and made her his common Concubine and bedfellow, for she was so beautiful and delightful a piece, that he could not be one hour from her, if he should therefore have suffered death, she had so stolen away his heart: and to his seeming, in time she was with child, and in the end brought him a man child, whom Faustus named Justus Faustus: this child told Doctor Faustus many things that were to come, and what strange matters were done in foreign countries: but in the end when Faustus lost his life, the mother and the child vanished away both together.
Footnotes[39]The German text has “at midnight, when he awoke.”
Footnotes[39]The German text has “at midnight, when he awoke.”
Footnotes
[39]The German text has “at midnight, when he awoke.”
[39]The German text has “at midnight, when he awoke.”
How Doctor Faustus made his Will, in the which he named his servant Wagner to be his heir
Doctor Faustuswas now in his twenty-fourth and last year, and he had a pretty stripling to his servant, the which had studied also at the University of Wittenberg: this youth was very well acquainted with his knaveries and sorceries, so that he was hated aswell for his own knaveries, as also for his Master’s: for no man would give him entertainment into his service, because of his unhappiness, but Faustus: this Wagner was so well beloved with Faustus, that he used him as his son: for do what he would his master was always therewith well content. And 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 this Wagner his house and Garden. Item, he gave him in ready money one thousand six hundred gilders. Item, a Farm. Item, a gold chain, much plate, and other household stuff. This gave he all to his servant, and the rest of his time he meant to spend in Inns and Students’ company, drinking and eating, with other jollity: and thus he finished his Will for that time.
How Doctor Faustus fell in talk with his servant touching his Testament, and the covenants thereof
Nowwhen this Will was made, Doctor Faustus called unto him his servant, saying: I have thought upon thee in my Testament, for that thou hast been a trusty servant unto me and a faithful, and hast not opened my secrets: and yet further (said he) ask of me before I die what thou wilt, and I will give it unto thee. His servant rashly answered, I pray you letme have your cunning. To which Doctor Faustus answered, I have given thee all my books, upon this condition, that thou wouldst not let them be common, but use them for thine own pleasure, and study carefully in them. And dost thou also desire my cunning? That mayest thou peradventure have, if thou love and peruse my books well. Further (said Doctor Faustus) seeing that thou desirest of me this request, I will resolve thee: my Spirit Mephostophiles his time is out with me, and I have nought to command him as touching thee, yet will I 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 or form thou wouldst have him? To whom his servant answered, that he would have him in the form of an Ape: whereupon presently appeared a Spirit unto him in manner and form of an Ape, the which leaped about the house. Then said Faustus, see, there hast thou thy request, but yet he will not obey thee until I be dead, for when my Spirit Mephostophiles shall fetch me away, then shall thy Spirit be bound unto thee, if thou agree: and thy Spirit shalt thou name Akercocke, for so is he called: but all this is upon condition that thou publish my cunning, and my merry conceits, with all that I have done (when I am dead) in an history: and if thou canst not remember all, thy Spirit Akercocke will help thee: so shall the great acts that I have done be manifested unto the world.
How Doctor Faustus having but one month of his appointed time to come, fell to mourning and sorrow with himself for his devilish exercise
Timeran 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 murderer or a thief, the which findeth himself guilty in conscience before the Judge have given sentence, fearing every hour to die: for he was grieved, and wailing spent the time, went talking to himself, wringing of his hands, sobbing and sighing, he fell away from flesh, and was very lean, and kept himself close: neither could he abide to see or hear of his Mephostophiles any more.
How Doctor Faustus complained that he should in his lusty time and youthful years die so miserably
Thissorrowful time drawing near so troubled Doctor Faustus, that he began to write his mind, to the end he might peruse it often and not forget it, and is in manner as followeth.
Ah Faustus, thou sorrowful and woeful man, nowmust thou go to the damned company in unquenchable fire, whereas thou mightest have had the joyful immortality of the soul, the which thou now hast lost. Ah gross understanding and wilful will, what seizeth on my limbs other than a robbing of my life? Bewail with me my sound and healthful body, wit and soul, 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 into me, and now for your sakes I must suffer all these torments? Ah whither is pity and mercy fled? Upon what occasion hath heaven repaid me with this reward by sufferance to suffer me to perish? Wherefore was I created a man? The punishment that 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.
Another complaint of Doctor Faustus
Ohpoor, woeful and weary wretch: oh sorrowful soul of Faustus, now art thou in the number of the damned, for now must I wait for unmeasurable pains of death, yea far more lamentable than ever yet any creature hath suffered. Ah senseless, wilful and desperate forgetfulness! O cursed and unstable life! O blind and careless wretch, that so hast abused thy body, sense, and soul! O foolish pleasure, into whata weary labyrinth hast thou brought me, blinding mine eyes in the clearest day? Ah weak heart! O troubled soul, where is become thy knowledge to comfort thee? O pitiful weariness! Oh desperate hope, now shall I never more be thought upon! Oh, care upon carefulness, and sorrows on heaps: Ah grievous pains that pierce my panting heart, whom is there now that can deliver me? Would God that I knew where to hide me, or into what place to creep or fly. Ah, woe, woe is me, be where I will, yet am I taken. Herewith poor Faustus was so sorrowfully troubled, that he could not speak or utter his mind any further.
How Doctor Faustus bewailed to think on Hell, and of the miserable pains therein provided for him
Nowthou Faustus, damned wretch, how happy wert thou if as an unreasonable beast thou mightest die without soul, so shouldst thou not feel any more doubts? But now the Devil will take thee away both body and soul, and set thee in an unspeakable place of darkness: for although others’ 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 now too late I remember that my Spirit Mephostophiles did once tell me, there was agreat difference amongst the damned; for the greater the sin, the greater the torment: for as the twigs of the tree make greater flame 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, now art thou thrown into the everlasting fiery lake that never shall be quenched, there must I dwell in all manner of wailing, sorrow, misery, pain, torment, grief, howling, sighing, sobbing, blubbering, running of eyes, stinking at nose, gnashing of teeth, fear to the ears, horror to the conscience, and shaking both of hand and foot. Ah that I could carry the heavens on my shoulders, so that there were time at last to quit me of this everlasting damnation! Oh who can deliver me out of these fearful tormenting flames, the which I see prepared for me? Oh there is no help, nor any man that can deliver me, nor any wailing of sins can help me, neither is there rest to be found for me day nor night. Ah woe is me, for there is no help for me, no shield, no defence, no comfort. Where is my hold? knowledge dare I not trust: and for a soul to Godwards that have I not, for I shame 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? No, I know no hope resteth in my groanings: I have desired that it should be so, and God hath said Amen to my misdoings: for now I must have shame to comfort me in my calamities.
Here followeth the miserable and lamentable end of Doctor Faustus, by the which all Christians may take an example and warning
Inthe twenty-fourth year Doctor Faustus his time 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. D. Faustus mourned and sighed wonderfully, and never went to bed, nor slept wink for sorrow. Wherefore his Spirit appeared again, comforting him, and saying: My Faustus, be not thou so cowardly minded; for although that thou losest thy body, it is not long unto the day of Judgment, and thou must die at the last, although thou live many thousand years. The Turks, the Jews, and many an unchristian Emperor, are in the same condemnation: therefore (my Faustus) be of good courage, and be not discomforted, 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, but he told him false, and against the saying of the Holy Scriptures. Yet Doctor Faustus that had none other expectation but to pay his debts with his own skin, went on the same day that his Spirit said the Devil would fetch him, unto his trusty and dearest beloved brethren and companions, as Masters, and Bachelors of Arts, and other Students more the which had often visited him at his house in merriment: these he entreatedthat they would walk into the Village called Rimlich, half a mile from Wittenberg, and that they would there take with him for their repast part of a small banquet, the which they all agreed unto: so they went together, and there held their dinner in a most sumptuous manner. Doctor 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 you what is the Victualler’s due: and when they slept (for drink was in their heads) then Doctor Faustus paid and discharged the shot, and bound the Students and the 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, Doctor Faustus said unto them, as hereafter followeth.
An Oration of Faustus to the Students
Mytrusty and well-beloved friends, the cause why I have invited you into this place is this: Forasmuch as you have known me this many years, in what manner of life I have lived, practising all manner of conjurations and wicked exercises, the which I have obtained through the help of the Devil, into whose Devilish fellowship they have brought me, the which use the like Art and practice, urged by thedetestable provocation of my flesh, my stiff-necked 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 mine actions, I have promised unto him at the end and accomplishing of twenty-four years, both body and soul, to do therewith at his pleasure: and this day, this dismal day, those twenty-four years are fully expired, for night beginning my hour-glass is at an end, the direful finishing whereof I carefully expect: for out of all doubt this night he will fetch me, to whom I have given myself in recompense of his service both body and soul, and twice confirmed writings with my proper blood. Now have I called you my well-beloved Lords, friends, brethren, and fellow’s, before that fatal hour to take my friendly farewell, to the end that my departing may not hereafter be hidden from you, beseeching you herewith courteous, and loving Lords and brethren, not to take in evil part anything done by me, but with friendly commendations to salute all my friends and companions wheresoever: desiring both you and them, if ever I have trespassed against your minds in anything, that you would all heartily forgive me: and as for those lewd practices the which this full twenty-four years I have followed, you shall hereafter 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 eyes, prayingunto him that he would ever defend you from the temptation 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 Sacraments of Christ’s body, God himself, all 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 oft the Church, war and strive continually against the Devil with a good and steadfast belief on God, and Jesus Christ, and use your vocation in holiness. Lastly, to knit up my troubled Oration, this is my friendly request, that you would to rest, and let nothing trouble you: also if you chance to hear any noise, or rumbling about the house, be not therewith afraid, for there shall no evil happen unto you: also I pray you arise not out of your beds. But above all things I entreat you, if you hereafter find my dead carcass, convey it unto the earth, for I die both a good and bad Christian; a good Christian, for that I am heartily sorry, and in my heart always pray for mercy, that my soul may be delivered: a bad Christian, for that I know the Devil will have my body, and that would I willingly give him so that he would leave my soul in quiet: wherefore I pray you that you would depart to bed, and so I wish you a quiet night, which unto me notwithstanding will be horrible and fearful.
This oration or declaration was made by Doctor Faustus, and that with a hearty and resolute mind, to the end he might not discomfort them: but theStudents wondered greatly thereat, that he was so blinded, for knavery, conjuration, and such-like foolish things, to give his body and soul unto 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 this net, and have torn you out of the bondage and chains of Satan, whereas now we fear it is too late, to the utter ruin of your body and soul? Doctor Faustus answered, I durst never do it, although I often minded, to settle myself unto godly people, to desire counsel and help, as once mine old neighbour counselled me, that I should follow his learning, and leave all my conjurations, yet when I was minded to amend, and to follow that good man’s counsel, then came the Devil and would have had me away, 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 my dear friends) was I enthralled in that Satanical band, all good desires drowned, all piety banished, all purpose of amendment utterly exiled, by the tyrannous threatenings of my deadly enemy. But when the Students heard his words, they gave him counsel to do naught else but call upon God, desiring him for the love of his sweet Son Jesus Christ’s 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 beforethee. Although, O Lord, I must leave my sinful body unto the Devil, being by him deluded, yet thou in mercy mayest preserve my soul.
This they repeated unto him, yet it could take no hold, but even as Cain he also said his sins were greater than God was able to forgive; for all his thought was on his writing, he meant he had made it too filthy 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 of his end. It happened between twelve and one o’clock at midnight, there blew a mighty storm of wind against the house, as though it would have blown the foundation thereof out of his place. Hereupon the Students began to fear, and got out of their beds, comforting one another, 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 that hall wherein Doctor 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 door flew open wherein Doctor Faustus was, then he began to cry for help, saying: murther, murther, but it came forth with half a voice hollowly: 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 the which they left Doctor Faustus, where notwithstanding they found no Faustus, but all the hall lay besprinkled with blood,his 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 pitiful and fearful sight to behold. Then began the Students to bewail and weep for him, and sought for his body in many places: lastly they came into the yard where they found his body lying on the horse dung, most monstrously torn, and fearful to behold, for his head and all his joints were dashed in pieces.
The fore-named 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 the which, they returned to Wittenberg, 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 found they also this history of Doctor Faustus noted, and of him written as is before declared, all save only his end, the which was after by the Students thereto annexed: further, what his servant had noted thereof, was made in another book. And you have heard that he held by him in his life the Spirit of fair Helena, the which had by him one son, the which he named Justus Faustus, even the same day of his death they vanished away, both mother and son. The house before was so dark, that scarce anybody could abide therein. The same night Doctor Faustus appeared unto his servant lively, and shewed unto him many secret things the which he had done and hidden in his lifetime. Likewise there were certain which saw Doctor Faustus look out of the window by night as they passed by the house.
And thus ended the whole story of Doctor Faustus his conjuration, and other acts that he did in his life; out of the which example every Christian may learn, but chiefly the stiff-necked and high-minded may thereby learn to fear God, and to be careful of their vocation, and to be at defiance with all Devilish works, as God hath most precisely 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 fearful example of his writing, promise, and end, that we may remember him: that we go 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 unto every Christian heart, and God’s name to be glorified. Amen.