IOHN Faustus borne in the Towne of Rhodes , being in the Prouince of Weimer in Germany , his Father a poore husbandman , and not able well to bring him vp , but hauing an Uncle at Wittenberg a rich man , and without issue , tooke this Faustus from his Father and made him his heire : insomuch that his Father was no more troubled with him , for he remained with his vncle at Wittenberg , where he was kept at the Vniuersity in the same City to study diuinity : but Faustus being of a naughty minde and otherwise adicted , applyed not his studies but tooke himselfe to other exercises , the which his vncle oftentimes hearing , rebuked him for it , as Eli oftentimes rebuked his children for sinning against the Lord , euen so this good man laboured to haue Faustus apply his study of diuinity , that he might come to the knowledge of God and his Lawes , but it is manifest that many vertuous parents haue wicked children , as Caine , Reuben , Absolon , and such like haue béene to their Parents , so this Faustus hauing godly parents , who séeing him to be of a toward wit were very desirous to bring him by in those vertuous studies , namly of diuinity , but he gaue himselfe secretly to study Necromancy & Coniuration , insomuch that few or none could perceiue his profession .

But to the purpose : Faustus continued at study in the Vniuersitie , and was by the Rectors and sixtéene Maisters afterwards examined how he had profited in his studies , & being found by them that none for his time were able to argue with him in diuinity , or for the excellency of his wisdome to compare with him , with one consent they made him Doctor of Diuinity . But Doctor Faustus within short time after he had obtained his degree , fell into such fantasies and déepe cogitations , that he was mocked of many , & of the most part of the Students was called the Speculator : and somtimes he would throwe the Scriptures from him , as though he had no care of his former profession : so that he began a most vngodly life , as hereafter more at large may appeare , for the olde prouerbe saith , who can hold that will away ? so who can holde Faustus from the deuill that seekes after him with all his endeavor ? For he accompanied himselfe with diuers that were séene in those deuillish artes , and that had the Chaldean , Persian , Hebrew , Arabian , and Greeke tongues , vsing figures , characters , coniurations , incantations , with many other ceremonies belonging to those internal arts , as necromancy , charmes , sooth● ayings , witchcraft , enchantment , being delighted with their bookes , words , & names so well , that he studied day and night therin , insomuch , that he could not abide to be called D. of Diuinity , but waxed a worldly man , and named himselfe an Astrologian , and a Mathematician , and for shadow , sometimes a Phisition , and did great cures , namely , with hearbs , roots , waters , drinkes , receits , and clysters . And without doubt he was passing wise , and excellent perfect in the holy Scriptures , but he that knoweth his maisters will and doth it not , is worthy to be beaten with many stripes . It is written , No man can serue two maisters : and , Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God : but Faustus threw all this in the winde , and made his soule of no estimation : regarding more his worldly pleasures then the ioyes to come : therfore at the day of Iudgement there is no hope of his redemption .

YOU haue heard before that all Faustus minde was set to studie the Artes of Necromancy and Coniuration , the which exercise he followed day and night : and taking to him the wings of an Eagle , thought to flye ouer the whole world , and to knowe the secretes of heauen and earth : for his speculation was so wonderfull , being expert in vsing his Vocabula , Figures , Characters , Coniuration , and other Ceremoniall actions , that in all haste hée put in practise to bring the Deuill before him . And taking his way to a thicke Wood néere to Wittenberg , called in the Germane tongue Spisser Walt : that is in English the Spissers wood : ( as Faustus would oftentimes boast of it amongst his crue b●ing in his iollity ) hée came into the same wood towards euening into a cr●sse way , where he made with a wand a Circle in the dust , and within that many more Circles and Characters : and thus he p●st away the time vntill it was nine or tenne of the clocke in the night , then began Doctor Faustus to call on Mephostophiles the Spirit ▪ and to charge him in the name of Belzebub , to appeace there personally without any long stay : then presently the deuill began so great a rumor in the wood , as if heauen and earth would haue come together , with winde , that trées bowed their tops to the ground : then fell the deuill to bleat as if the whole wood had béen full of Lyons , and sodainly about the circle ran the deuill , as if a thousand wagons had béene running together on paued stones . After this , at the foure corners of the wood it thundred horribly , with such lightnings , as if the whole world to his séeming had béene on fire . Faustus all this while halfe amazed at the deuils so long tarying , and doubting whether he were best to abide any more such horrible coniurings , thought to leaue his circle and depart . whereupon the deuill made him such musicke of all sorts , as if the Nymphes themselues had béene in place : whereat Faustus was reuiued , and stood stoutly in his Circle aspecting his purpose , and began againe to coniure the Spirit Mephostophiles , in the name of the Prince of Deuils to appeare in his likenes : whereat sodainely ouer his head hung honering in the ayre a mighty Dragon : then cals Faustus againe after his deuillish manner , at which there was a monstrous crye in the wood , as if hell had béen open , and all the tormented soules crying to God for mercy : presently not thrée fathame aboue his head fell a flame , in manner of a lightning , and changed it selfe into a Globe , yet Faustus feared it not , but did perswade himselfe that the deuill should giue him his request before he would leaue . Oftentimes after to his companions he would boast , that he had the stoutest head vnder the cope of heauen at commandement : whereat they answered , they knew none stouter then the Pope , or Emperor : but Doctor Faustus said , the Head that is my seruant is aboue all on earth , and repeated certaine words out of Saint Paul to the Ephesians to make his argument good : the Prince of this world is vpon earth , and vnder heauen . Well , let vs come againe to his coniuration where we left him at his fiery Globe . Faustus vexed at his spirits so long tarrying , vsed his charmes , with full purpose not to depart before he had his entent , and crying on Mephostophiles the Spirit sodainely the globe opened , and sprung vp in height of a man , so burning a time , in the end it conuerted 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 gray Fryer , asking Faustus what was his request ? Faustus commanded that the next morning at twelue of the clocke he should appeare to him a● his house : but the deuill would in no wise grant : Faustus b●gan againe to coniure him in the name of Belzebub , that he should fulfill his request ▪ whereupon the Spirit agréed , and so they departed each one his way .

FAustus continued in his deuilish cogitations , neuer moouing out of the place where the spirit left him , such was his feruent lone to the deuill : the night approaching , this swift flying spirit appeared to Faustus , offering himselfe with all submission to his seruice , with full authority from his Prinre to doe whatsoeuer he would request , if so be Faustus would promise to be his : this answere I bring thée and an answer must thou make by me againe , yet will I heare what is thy desire , because thou hast sworne me to be heare at this time . D. Faustus gaue him this answere , though faintly ( for his soules sake ) that his request was none other but to become a Deuill , or at the least a limbe of him , and that the spirit should agrée vnto these articles as followeth .

Vpon these points the spirit answered Doctor Faustus , that all this should be granted him and fulfilled , and more : if he would agrée vnto him vpon certaine articles as followeth .

First that Doctor Faustus should giue himselfe to the Lord Lucifer , body and soule .

Secondly , for confirmation of the same he should make him a writing written with his owne blood .

Thirdly , that he would be an enemy to all Christian people .

Fourthly , that he would deny the Christian beliefe .

Fiftly , that he let not any man change his opinion , if so be any man should goe about to disswade or withdraw him from if .

Further , the spirit promised Faustus to giue him certaine yeares to liue in health and pleasure , and when such yeares were expired , that then Faustus should be fetched away , and if he would hold these articles and conditions , that then he should haue all whatsoeuer his heart would with or desire , and that Faustus should quickly perceiue himselfe to be a spirit in all manner of actions whatsoeuer . Hereupon Doctor Faustus his minde was so inflamed , that he forgot his soule , and promised Mephostophiles to hold all things as he had mentioned them : he thought the Deuill was not blacke as they vse to paint him , nor hell so hote as the people say , &c.

AFter Doctor Faustus had made his promise to the Deuill , in the morning betimes he called the spirit before him , and commanded him that he should alwayes come to him like a Fryer , after the order of St. Francis , with a bell in his hand like S. Anthony , and to ring it once or twice before he appeared , that he might know of his certaine commiyg . Then Faustus demanded of his spirit what was his name . The spirit answered , my name is as thou sayest , Mephostophiles , and I am a Prince , but a seruant to Lucifer , and all the circuit from Septentrio to the Meridian I rule vnder him . Euen at these wordes was this wicked wretch Faustus inflamed , to heare himselfe to haue gotten so great a Potentate to serue him , forgetting the Lord his maker and Christ his Redéemer , became an enemy to all man kinde , yea worse then the Gyants , whome the Poets faine to clime the hilles to make war with the Gods : not vnlike the enemy of God and his Christ , that for his pride was cast into hell : so likewise Faustus forgot that high climbers catch the greatest falls , and swéete meates haue oft the sowrest sauce .

After a while Faustus promised Mehostophiles to write and make his obligation , with full assurance of the articles in the chapter before rehearsed . A pittifull case ( Christian Reader ) for certainly this letter or obligation was found in his house after his most lamentable end , with all the rest of his damnable practises vsed in his whole life .

Therefore I wish all Christians to take example by this wicked Doctor , and to be comforted in Christ , contenting themselues with that vocation , whereunto it hath pleased God to call them , and not to estéeme the vaine delight of this life , as did this vnhappy Faustus in giuing his soule to the deuil : and to confirme it the more assuredly , he tooke a small penknife and prickt a vain in his left hand , & for certainty thereupon , were séene on his hand these wordes written , as if they had béne written with blood , O homo fuge , whereat the spirit vanished , but Faustus continued in his damnable minde .

I Iohn Faustus Doctor , doe openly acknowledge with mine owne hand , to the greater force & strengthning of this letter , that sith thence I began to study and speculate the course and order of the Elements , I haue not found through the guilt that is giuen me from aboue , any such learning and wisdome , that can bring me to my desires : and for that I finde that men are vnable to instruct me any further in the matter , now haue I Doctor Faustus , vnto the hellish Prince of Orient , and his messenger Mephostophiles , giuen both body and soule , vpon such conditions , that they shall learne me , and fulfill my desire in all thinges as they haue promised and vowed vnto me , with due obedience vnto me according to the articles mentioned betwéene vs .

Further , I couenant and grant with them by these presents , that at the end of 24. yeares next ensuing the date of this present letter , they being expired and I in the meane time , during the said yeares be serued of them at my will , they accomplishing my desires to the full in all points as we are agréed : that then I giue them all power to doe with me at their pleasure , to rule , to send , fet●h , or carry me or mine , be it either body , soule , flesh , blood , or goods , into their habitation , be it wheresoeuer : and hereupon , I defie God and his Christ , all the hoast of Heauen , and all liuing creatures that beare the shape of God , yea all that liues : and againe I say it , and it shall be so . And to the more strengthning of this writing , I haue written it with mine owne hand and blood being in perfect memory : And hereupon , I subscribe to it with my name and title , calling all the infernall , middle , and supreme powers to witnes of this my Letter and subscription :

Iohn Faustus approued in the Elements and the spirituall Doctor .

DOctor Faustus sitting pensiue , hauing but one onely boy with him , sodainly there appeared his Spirit Mephostophiles , in likenes of a fiery man , from whome issued most horrible fiery flames , insomuch that the boy was afraid , but being hardned by his Master he had him stand still and he should haue no harme : the spirit began to bleare as in a singing manner . This pretty sport pleased Doctor Faustus well , but he would not call his Spirit into his counting-house , vntill he had séene more : anon was heard a rushing of armed men , and trampling of horses : this ceasing , came in a kennell of Houndes , and they chased a great Hart in the Hall , and there the Hart was slaine : Faustus tooke heart , came foorth , and looked vpon the Hart , but presently before him there was a Lyon and a Dragon together fighting so fiercely , that Faustus thought they would haue brought downe the house , but the Dragon ouercame the Lyon and so they vanished .

After this came in a Pea-cocke with a Pea-hen , the cocke brusling of his taile , and turning to the female , beat her and so vanished . Afterward followed a furious Bull , that with a full fiercenes ran vpon Faustus , but comming néere him vanished away . Afterward followed a great olde Ape , this Ape offered Faustus the hand , but he refused : so the Ape ran out of the hall againe . Hereupon fell a mist in the hall , that Faustus saw no light , but it lasted not , and so soone as it was gone , there lay before Faustus 2. great sackes one full of gold the other full of siluer .

Lastly , was heard by Faustus all manner instruments of musicke as Organs , Clarigolds , Lutes , Vialls , Citternes , Waights , Hornpipes , Flutes , Anomes , Harpes , and all manner other instruments : which so rauished his minde , that he thought he had bin in another world , forgot both body and soule , insomuch that he was minded neuer to change his opinion concerning that which he had done . Hereat came Mephostophiles into the hall to Faustus , in apparell like vnto a Fryer to whom Faustus spake , thou hast done me a wonderfull pleasure in shewing me this pastime , if thou continue as thou hast begun , thou shalt win my heart and soule , yea and haue it . Mephostophiles answered this is nothing , I will please thée better , yea , that thou maist know my power and all , aske what thou wilt request of me , that shalt thou haue , conditisnally hold thy promise , and giue me thy hand-writing , at which wordes the wretch thrust foorth his hand , saying hold thée there hast thou my promise : Mephostophiles tooke the writing , and willed Faustus to take a coppy of it : with that the peruerse Faustus being resolute in his damnation , wrote a coppy thereof , and gaue the Deuill the one , and kept in store the other . Thus the spirit and Faustus were agréed and dwelt together , no doubt there was a vertuous house-kéeping .

DOctor Faustus hauing giuen his soule to the Deuill , renouncing all the powers of heauen , confirming this lamentable action with his owne blood , and hauing already deliuered his writing , now into the Deuils hand , the which so puffed vp his heart , that he forgot the minde of a man , and thought himselfe to be a spirit . This Faustus , dwelt at his vncles house at Wittenberg , who dyed , and bequeathed it in his Testament to his coosen Faustus . Faustus kept a boy with him , that was his Scholler , and vnhappy wag , called Christopher Wagner , to whom this sport and life that he faw his maister follow séemed pleasant . Faustus leued the boy well , keping to make him as good or better séene in his deuillish exercises then himselfe , and he was fellow with Mephostophiles : otherwise Faustus had no company in his house but himselfe , his boy , and his spirit , that euer was diligent at Faustus command , going about the house cloathed like a Fryer , with a little bell in his hand séene of none but Faustus . For his victuals and other necessaries , Mehostophiles brought him at his pleasure from the Duke of Saxon , the Duke of Bauaria , and the Bishop of Saltzburg : for they had many times their best wine stollen out of their sellers by Mephostophiles : likewise their prouision for their owne table , such meate as Faustus wished for his spirit brought him in : besides that , Faustus himselfe was become so cunning that when he opened his window , what fowle soeuer he wished for , it came presently flying into the house , were it neuer so dainty . Moreouer , Faustus , and his boy went in sumptuous apparell , the which Mephostophiles stole from the mercers of Norenberg , Auspurg , Franckford and Libtzig : for it was hard for them to finde a locke to kéepe out such a théefe . All their mainteinance was but stoine and borrowed ware : and thus they liued an odious life in the sight of God though as yet the world were vnacquainted with their wickednes . It must be so , for their fruites be none other , as Christ faith in Iohn , where he calls the Deuill a théefe and a murtherer : and that found Faustus , for he stole him away both body and soule .

DOrtor Faustus continued thus in his Epicurish life day and night and beléeued not that there was a God , hell , or deuill : he thought that body and soule dyed together : and had quite forgot Diuinity , or the immortality of his soule , but stood in his damnable heresie day and night . And bethinking himselfe of a wife , called Mephostophiles to counsaile , which would in no case agrée ; demaunding of him if hée would breake the couenant made with him , or if he had forget it ? Hast not thou ( quoth Mephostophiles ) sworne thy selfe an enemy to God and all creatures ? To this I answere thée thou canst not marry , thou canst not serue two maisters , God & my Prince : for wedlocke is a chiefe institution ordained of God , and that thou hast promised to desie , as we doe all , and that hast thou onely done , & moreouer thou hast confirmed it with thy bloud : perswade thy selfe that what thou dost in contempt of wedlocke , it is all to thine owne delight . Therefore Faustus looke well about thée , and bethinke thy selfe better , and I with thée to change thy minde , for if thou kée not what thou hast promised in thy writing , we will teare thée in peeces like the dust vnder thy féet : therefore sweet Faustus thinke with what vnquiet life , anger , strife , & debate thou shalt liue in when thou takest a wife , therefore change thy minde .

Doctor Faustus was with these speaches in dispaire , and as all that haue forsaken the Lord can build vpon no good foundation , so this wretched Doctor hauing forsooke the rocke , fell into despaire with himselfe , fearing if he should motion Matrimony any more , that the deuill would teare him in péeces . For this time ( qd. he to Mephostophiles ) I am not minded to marry . Then doest thou well answeied his spirit . But within two houres after Faustus called againe his spirit , which came in his olde manner like a Fryer . Then Faustus said vnto him , I am not able to resist or bridle my fancy , I must and will haue a wife , and I pray thée giue thy consent to it . Sodainely vpon these words came such a whirle-winde about the place , that Faustus thought the whole house would haue come downe , all the doores in the house flew off the hookes : after all this his house was full of smoake , and the floore couered ouer with ashes , which when Doctor Faustus perceiued , hée would haue gone vp staires , and flying vp , he was taken and throwne downe into the hall that he was not able to stirre hand nor foote : then round about him ranne a monstrous circle of fire , neuer standing still , that Faustus fryed as he lay , & thought there to haue béene burned . Then cryed he out to his spirit Mephostophiles for helpe , promising him he would liue in all things as he had vowed by his hand-writing . Herevpon appeared vnto him an ougly deuill , so feare full and monstrous to behold , that Faustus durst not looke on him . The deuill said , what wouldest thou haue Faustus ? how likest thou thy wedding ? what minde art thou in now ? Faustus answered , he had forgot his promise , desiring him of pardon , and he would talke no more of such things . Thou wert best so to doe , and so vanished from him .

After appeared vnto him his fryer Mephostophiles , with a bell in his hand , and spake to Faustus . It is no iesting with vs , hold thou that which thou hast vowed , and we will performe as we haue promised , and more then that , thou shalt haue thy hearts desire of what woman soeuer thou wilt , be she aliue or dead , and so long as thou wilt thou shalt kéepe her by thée .

These words pleased Faustus wonderfull well , and repented himselfe that he was so foolish to wish himseife marryed , that might haue any woman in the whole Cittye brought to him at his commaund : the which he practised and perseuered in a long time .

DOctor Faustus liuing in all manner of pleasure that his heart could desire , continuing in his amorous drifts , his delicate fare , and costly apparell , called on a time his Mephostophiles to him , who being come , brought with him a booke in his hand of all manner of deuillish and enchanted Arts , the which he gaue Faustus , saying , hold my Faustus , worke now thy hearts desire : The copy of this enchanting booke was afterwards found by his seruant Christopher Wagner . Well ( qd. Faustus to his spirit ) I haue called thée to know what thou canst doe if I haue néed of thy helpe . Then answered Mephostophiles and said , my Lord Faustus , I am a flying spirit , yea so swift as thought can thinke to doe whatsoeuer . Héere Faustus said , but how came thy Lord and maister Lucifer to haue so great a fall from heauen ? Mephostophiles answered : My Lord Lucifer was a faire Angell , created of God as inmortall , and being placed in Seraphins , which are aboue the Cherubins , he would haue presumed vnto the Throne of God , with , intent to haue thrust God out of his seate . Vpon this presumption the Lord cast him downe head-long , and where before he was an Angell of right , now dwells in darkenes , not able to come neare his first place , without God send for him to appeare before him , as Raphiel : but vnto the lower degrée of Angels , that haue their conuersation with men , he may come , but not vnto the second degrée of heauens that is kept by the Arch-Angels , namely Michaell and Gabriell , for these are called Angels of Gods wonders : yet are these farre inferiour places to that from whence my Lord and Maister Lucifer fell : and thus farre Faustus because thou art one of the beloued children of my Lord Lucifer , following and féeding my minde in manner as he did his , I haue shortly resolued thy request , and more I will doe for thée at thy pleasure . I thanke thée Mephostophiles ( quoth Faustus ) come let vs now goe rest , for it is night : vpon this they left their communication .

FAustus spake againe to his Spirit , saying : thou speakest of wonderfull things . I pray thée now tell me what kingdomes is there in your hell , how many are there , what are they called , and who rules them ? the Spirit answered him , my Faustus , knowe that hell is , as thou wouldst thinke with thy selfe an other world , in the which we haue our being vnder the earth , euen to the heauens : within the circumference whereof , are contayned tenne kingdomes , namely :

The which kingdomes are gouerned by fiue Kings , that is , Lucifer in the Orient , Belzebub in Septentrio , Belial in Meridie , Ascaroth in the Occident , and Phlegeton in the midst of them all : whose Rule and dominions , haue none end vntill the day of doome . And thus farre Faustus hast thou heard of our rule and Kingdome .

DOctor Faustus began againe to reason with Mephostophiles requiring him to tell him in what forme and shape and in what estimation his Lord Lucifer was when he was in fauour with God ? whereupon his spirit required of him thrée dayes respite , which Faustus granted . The thrée dayes being expired , Mephostophiles gaue him this answer : Faustus , my Lord Lucifer ( so called now , for that hée was banished out of the cléere light of heauen ) was at the first an Angell of God , yea hée was so of God ordained , for shape , pompe , authority , worthines , and dwelling , that he farre excéeded all the other creatures of God , yea our gold and precious stones : and so illuminated , that hée farre surpassed the brightnes of the Sunne and all other Stars , where God placed him on the Cherubins : he had a Kingly office , and was alwayes before Gods seate , to the end he might be the more perfect in all his beings : But when he began to be high minded , proude , and so presumptuous that he would vsurpe the seate of Gods maiesty , then was he banished out from amongst the heauenly powers , seperated from their abiding into the manner of a fiery stone , that no water is able to quench but continually burneth vntill the end of the world .

Doctor Faustus when he had heard the wordes of his spirit began to consider with himselfe , hauing diuers and sundry opinions in his head : and very pensiuely , saying nothing vnto his spirit , he went into his chamber , and laide him on his bed , recording the wordes of Mephostophiles , which so pierced his heart , that he fell in sighing and great ●●-mentation , crying out : alas , ah woe is me what haue I done ? Euen so shall it come to passe with me : am not I also a creature of Gods making , bearing his own Image and similitude , into whom he hath breathed the spirit of life and immortality , vnto whome he hath made all things liuing subiect ? but woe is me my haughty minde , proude aspiring stomacke , and filthy flesh , hath brought my soule into perpetuall damnation , yea pride hath abused my vnderstanding , insomuch that I haue forgot my Maker , the spirit of God is departed from me , I haue promised the Deuill my soule : and therefore it is but a folly for me to hope for grace , but it must be euen with me as with Lucifer , throwne into perpetuall burning fire : ah woe is me that euer I was borne . In this perplexity lay this miserable Doctor Faustus , hauing quite forgot his faith in Christ , neuer falling to repentance truly , thereby to attaine the grace and holy spirit of God againe , the which would haue béene able to haue resisted the strong assaults of Sathan : for although he had made him a promise , yet he might haue remembred through true repentance , sinners once come againe into the fauour of God ; which faith the faithfull firmely hold , knowing they that kill the body are not able to hurt the soule : but he was in all his opinions doubtfull without faith or hope , and so he continued .

AFter Doctor Faustus had a while pondred and sorrowed with himselfe of his wretched estate , he called againe Mephostophiles vnto him , commanding him to tell him the iudgement , rule , power , attempts , tyrannie , and temptation of the deuill , and why he was moued to such kinde of liuing : whereupon the spirit answered to his question : that thou demaundst of me will turne thée to no small discontentment , therefore thou shouldest not haue desired me of such matters , for it toucheth the secrets of our Kingdome , although I cannot deny to resolue thy request . Therefore know thou Faustus , that so soone as my Lord Lucifer fell from heauen , he became a mortall enemy both to God and man , and hath vsed ( as now he doth ) all manner of tyranny to the destruction of man , as is manifest by diuers examples : one falling suddainly dead , another hangs himselfe , another drownes himselfe , others stab themselues , others vnlawfully dispaire and so come to vtter confusion : The first man Adam that was made perfect to the similitude of God , was by my L. pollicy , the whole decay of man , yea Faustus in him was the beginning and first tyranny of my Lord Lucifer to man : the like did he with Caine , the same with the children of Israell , when they worshiped strange Gods and fell to whordome with strange women : the like with Saul : so did he by the seauen husbands of her that after was the wife of Tobias : likewise Dagon our fellow brought to destruction 50000. men wherupon the Arke of God was stolne : and Belial made Dauid to number his men , whereupon were slains 60000. also he deceiued King Salomon that worshiped the Gods of the heathen , and there are such spirits innumerable that can come by men and tempt them , driue them to sinne , and weaken their beliefe : for we rule the hearts of Kings and Princes , stirring them vp to warre and blood shed : and to this intent doe we spread our selues throughout all the world , as the vtter enemies of God and his sonne Christ , yea , and all that worship them : and that thou knowest by thy selfe Faustus , how we haue dealt by thée : To this said Faustus , then thou didst also beguile me : I did what I could to help thée forward : for so soone as I sawe how thy hart did dispise thy degrée taken in diuinity , & didst study to search & know the secrets of our kingdome , then did I enter into thée , giuing thée diuers foule & filthy cogitations , pr●●king thée forward in thine intent , perswading thée thou couldst neuer attaine to thy desire , till thou hadst the helpe of some deuill : and when thou wast delighted in this , then tooke I roote in thée , & so firmly , that thou gauest thy selfe to vs both body & soule , which thou canst not deny . Hereat answerd Faustus , Thou saist true , I cannot deny it : Ah woe is me most miserable Faustus , how haue I bene deceiued ? had I not had a desire to know too much , I had not bene in this case : for hauing studyed the liues of the holy Saints & Prophets , and therby thought to vnderstand sufficient heauenly matters , I thought my selfe not worthy to be called Doctor Faustus , if I should not also know the secrets of hell , and be associated with the furious Fiendes thereof : now therfore must I be rewarded accordingly . Which spéeches being vttred , Faustus went very sorowfully away from his Spirit .

DOctor Faustus was euer pondering with him-selfe , how he might get loose from so damnable an end as he had giuen himselfe vnto both of soule and body : but his repentance was like to that of Cain and Iudas , he thought his sins greater then God could forgiue : hereupon resting his mind , he lookt vp to heauen , but saw nothing therein , for his hart was so possessed of the deuill , that he could thinke of nought els but of hell and the paynes thereof . Wherefore in all the haste he calleth vnto him his Spirit Mephostophiles , desiring him to tell him some more of the secrets of hell , what paynes the damned were in , and how they were tormented ? & whether the damned soules might get againe the fauour of God , and so be released out of their torments , or not : whereupon the Spirit answered , My Faustus , thou maist well leaue to question any more of such matters , for they will but disquiet thy minde , I pray thée what meanest thou ? thinkest thou through these thy fantasies , to escape vs ? No , for if thou shouldst clime vp to heauen , there to hide thy self , yet would I thrust thée downe againe : for thou art mine , and thou belongst vnto our societie : therefore swéete Faustus , thou wilt repent this thy foolish demand , except thou be content that I shall tell thée nothing . Quoth Faustus , ragingly , I will know or I will not liue , wherefore dispatch and tell me : to whom Mephostophiles answered , Faustus , it is no trouble vnto me at all to tell thée , and therefore sith thou forcest me thereto , I will tell thée thinges to the terrour of thy soule , if thou wilt abide the hearing . Thou wilt haue me to tell thée of the secrets of Hell , and of the paines thereof : know Faustus that hell hath many figures , semblances and names , but it cannot be named nor figured in such sort vnto the liuing that are damned , as it is to those that are dead , and doe both sée and féele the torments thereof : for hell is said to be deadly , out of the which came neuer any to life againe but one , but he is nothing for thée to reckon vpon : hell is blood thirsty , and is neuer satisfied : hell is a vally into the which the damned soules fall : for so soone as the soule is out of mans body , it would gladly goe to the place from whence it came , and climeth vp aboue the highest hills euen to the heauens , where being by the Angells of the first Mobile denyed entertainment ( in consideration of their euill life spent on the earth ) they fall into the déepest pit or valley which hath no bottome , into a perpetuall fire , which shall neuer bée quenched : for like as the Flint throwne into the water , looseth not his vertue , neither is his fire extinguished , euen so the hellish fire is vnquenchable : and euen as the flint stone in the fire burned red hot , and consumeth not , so likewise the damned soules in our hellish fire are euer burning , but their paines neuer diminishing . Therefore is hell called the euerlasting paine , in which is neither hope nor mercy . So it is called vtter darkenesse , in which we sée neither the light of the Sunne , Moone , nor Starre : and were our darkenesse like the darknesse of the night , yet were there hope of mercy , but ours is perpetuall darkenesse , cleane exempt from the face God . Hell hath also a place within it called Chasma , out of the which issueth all manner of thunders , lightnings , with such shrikings , and waylings , that oftentimes the very Deuils themselues stand in feare thereof : for one while it sendeth forth winds with excéeding snow , haile , and raine , congraling the water into Ice : with the which the damned are frozen , gnash their teeth , howle and cry , and yet cannot dye .