# The History of the wicked life and horrid death of Dr John Faustus (1810)

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THE HISTORY OF
The wicked Life and horrid Death of
DR. JOHN FAUSTUS.
SHEWING
How he sold himself to the devil, to have power for 24 years to do what he pleased
Also strange things done by Him and
MEPHOSTOPHILES.
With an account how the devil came for him at the end of 24 years, and tore him to pieces.
Stirling, Printed this present Year.
THE
HISTORY
OF
Dr. JOHN FAUSTUS.
CHAP. I.
DOCTOR JOHN FAUSTUS was born in Germany; his father was a poor labouring man, not able to bring up his son John: but he had a brother in the same country, who was a very rich man, but had never a child, and took a great fancy to his cousin, and he resolved to make a scholar of ​him; and in order thereunto, put him to the latin school, where he took his learning extraordinary well, afterwards he put him to the University to study divinity; but Faustus could in no ways fancy that employment; wherefore he betook himself to the studying of that which his inclination was most for. viz Necromancy and Conjuration, and in a little time, few or none could out-strip him in the art; He also studied Divinity; of which he was made Doctor; but within a short time fell into such deep fancies and cogitations, that he resolved to throw the scriptures from him, and betake himself wholly to the studying of necromancy and conjuration, charms and sooth-saying, witch-craft, and the like.
CHAP II.
How Dr, Faustus conjured up the devil, making him appear at his own house.
FAUSTUS, whose mind was to study conjuration, the which he followed night and day; he took the wings of an eagle, and endeavoured to fly over the world, to see and know all the secrets of heaven and earth: so that in a short time, he attained power ​to command the devil to appear before him when he pleased. One day as Dr. Faustus was walking in a wood near to Wirtemberg in Germany, he having a friend with him who was desirous to know the Doctor's art, he desire him to let him see if he could then and there bring Mephostophiles before him; all which the doctor immediately did, and the devil upon the first call, made such a noise in the wood, as if heaven and earth would have come together; then the devil made such a roaring, as if the wood had been full of wild beasts, The Doctor made a circle for the devil, the which circle the devil ran round, making a noise as if ten thousand waggons had been running upon paved stones. After this it thundered and lightened, as if the whole world had been on fire. Faustus and his friend amazed at this noise, and the devil's long tarrying, thought to leave his circle; whereupon he made him such music, the like was never heard in the world: This so ravished Faustus, that he began again to conjure Mephostophiles io the name of the prince of the devils, to appear in his own likeness; whereup n in an instant hung over his head a mighty dragon. Faustus calls again after his forme manner, after which there was a cry in the wood as if hell had been opened, and all the ​tormented fouls had been there; Faustus in the mean while, asking the devil many questions, and commanding him to shew many diabolical tricks.
CHAP. III.
How Mephostophiles came to Dr. Faustus's house, and what happened between them.
FAUSTUS commanding the spirit to meet him at his house by ten of the clock the next day. At the hour appointed he came into his chamber, asking Faustus what he would have; Faustus told him, it was his will and pleasure to conjure him to be obedient to him in all points of those articles.
viz.
First, That the spirit should serve him in all things he asked, from that time till his death.
Secondly. Whatsoever he would have, he should bring him.
Thirdly, Whatsoever he desired to know, he should tell him.
The spirit answered him and said he had no such power of himself, until he had acquainted his prince that rul'd over him: "For ​said he, "we have rulers over us that send us out, and command us home when they please: and we can act no further than our power is, which we receive from Lucifer, who, you know, for his pride was thrust out of heaven. But, saith the spirit, I am not to tell you any more except you make yourself over to us"
Whereupon Faustus said "I will have my request? but yet I will not be damned with you." Then said the spirit "You must not, nor shall not have your desire, and yet thou art mine, and all the world cannot save thee out of my hands" Then said Faustus, "Get thee hence, and I conjure thee, that thou come to me at night. The spirit then vanished. Faustus then began to consider, how he might obtain his desire, and not give his soul to the devil.
And while Faustus were in these his devilish cogitations, night drew on, and this hellish spirit appeared to Faustus, acquainting him, that now he had got orders from his prince to be obedient to him, and to do for him what soever he desired, provided he would promise to be his, and withal to acquaint him first, what he would have of him? Faustus replied, that his desire was to become a spirit, and that Mephostophiles should be always at his command; that whensoever he called for ​him, he shall appear invisible to all men, and that he should appear in what shape he pleased to which the spirit answered, that all his desires should be granted if he would sign those articles, he should wish or ask for; whereupon Dr. Faustus withdrew and stabb'd his wrist receiving the blood in a small saucer, which cooled so fast, as if it forewarued him of the hellish act he was going to commit; nevertheless he put it over embers to warm it, and wrote as follows.
"I, John Faustus approved doctor of divinity, with my own hand do acknowledge and testify myself to become a servant to Lucifer Prince of Septenrional and Oriental, and to him I freely and volnntarly give both soul; in consideration for the space of twenty four years, if I be served in all things which I shall require, or which is reasonable by him to be allowed; at the expiration of which time from the date ensuing, I give to him all power to do with me at his pleasure; to rule, to fetch and carry me where he plea———body and soul; hereupon I defy God and Christ, and the host of angels and good spirits all living creatures that bear his shape, or on whom his image is imprinted; and to the better strengthening the validity of this covenant ​and firm agreement between us, I have writ it with my own blood, and subscribe my name to it, calling all the powers and infernal potentates to witness it is my true intent and meaning."
JOHN FAUSTUS.
CHAP. VI.
What happened to Faustus after the signing of the articles.
WHEN Faustus had made an end of his writing he called Mephostophiles to him, and delivered him the bond; whereupon the spirit told him if he did not repent of what he had done, he should enjoy all the pleasure his thoughts could form, and that he would immediately divert him. He caused a kennel of hounds to run down a hart in the hall, and vanished: then a bull danced before Faustus, also there was a lion and a bear, which fell to fighting before Faustus, and the lion destroyed the bear; after that came a dragon and destroyed the lion: And this, with abundance of more pastime, did the spirit present to the doctor's view. concluding with all manner of music, with ​some hundreds of spirits, which came and danced before Faustus. After the music was over, and Faustus began to look about him, he saw ten sacks full of silver, which he went to dispose of, but could not, for none could handle it but himself, it was so hot. This pastime so pleased Faustus, that he gave Mephostophiles the will that he had made, and kept a copy of it in his own hands. The spirit and Faustus being agreed, they dwelt together, and the devil was in their house-keeping for there was never any thing given away to poor, which before Faustus made this contract was frequently done, but the case is now altered.
CHAP. V.
How Faustus served the Duke of Bavaria.
FAUSTUS having sold his soul to the devil, it was reported among his neighbours, so that none would keep him company, but his spirit playing merry tricks for to please him. Not far from Faustus's house lived the Duke of Bavaria, the Duke of Saxony, and the Bishop of Salisburgh, whose houses and cellars Mephostophiles used to visit, and to bring the best of every thing they had: one ​day the Duke of Bavaria invited most of the gentry of the country to dinner, for whose entertainment, there was abundance of provision got ready. The gentry being come, and ready to sit down to dinner in an instant Mephostophiles came and took all away with him, leaving them full of admiration. If any time Faustus had a mind for wild fowl, the spirit would call whole flocks in at a window, Also the spirit did teach Faustus to do the like so that no lock nor key could keep them out. The devil also taught Faustus to fly in the air, and to act many things that are incredible, and too large for this small book to contain.
CHAP. VI.
How Dr. Faustus dreamed of hell in his sleep and what he saw there.
AFTER Faustus had a long conference with his spirit concerning the fall of Lucifer, and the state and condition of all the fallen angels, he, in a vision or dream, saw hell, and all the devils and souls that were tormented there; he also hell divided into several cells, or deep holes; and for every cell, or deep ward, there was a devil ​appointed to punish those that were under his custody. Having seen this fight, he much marvelled at it; and at that time Mephostophiles being with him, he asked him what sort of people they were that lay in the first dark pit then Mephostophiles told him they were those who pretended themselves to be physicians, and who had poisoned many thousands to try practise; and now saith the spirit they have just the same administered to them, which they gave to others, though not with the same effect, for they will never die here saith he. Over their heads was a shelf laden with gallipots full of poison. Having past them, he came to a long entry exceeding dark where there was a mighty crowd, he asked him what those were? and the spirit told him they were pick-pockets; who loved to be in a crowd, when they were in the other world, and to content them they put them in a crowd there, amongst them were some padders on the high way, and those of that function. Walking farther he saw many thousands of vintners, and some millions of taylors, in so much that they could not feel where to get stowage for them; a great number of pastry cooks with peels on their heads. Walking farther, the spirit opening a great cellar door, from which arose a terrible noise, he asked what they were: The ​spirit told him they were witches, and those who had been pretended Saints in the other world; but how they did squabble, fight, and tear one another! Not far from them, lay the whore mongers and adulterers, who who made such a hideous noise that he was very much startled. Walking down a few steps he espied an incredible number almost hid with smoke; he asked what they were? the spirit told him they were millers and bakers; but good lack, what a noise was there among them! The millers crying to the bakers, and the bakers crying to the millers millers for help, but all was in vain, for there was none to help them. Passing on still farther, he saw thousands of shop keepers, some of whom he knew, who were tormented for defrauding and cheating their customers. Having taken this prospect of Hell, the spirit Mephostophiles took him in his arms, and carried him home to his own house, when he awaking, he was amazed at what he saw in his dream. So being come to himself, he asked the spirit in what place Hell was, and who made it? Mephostophiles answered, "Knowest thou, that before the fall of Lucifer, there was no hell, but upon his fall, was hell ordained. As for the substance of hell, we devils do not know; it is the wrath of God that makes Hell so ​furious, and what we procured by our Fall; But where Hell is, or how it is governed and whatsoever thou desirest to know, when thou comest there thou shalt be satisfied as far as we know ourselves.
CHAP. VII,
Containing some tricks of Dr. Faustus.
DR. Faustus having attained the desire of hi spirit, had now full power to act do any thing whatever he pleased; upon a time the Emperor had a desire to see him, and likewise some of the Doctor's tricks; whereupon he was requested by the Emperor, to do somewhat to make him merry; but the Doctor in the mean while looking around him he at last espied a great lord looking out at a window, and the Doctor calling his Spirit to help him he in an instant fastened a large pair of horns upon the Lord's head, that he could not get his head in till Faustus took off the horns again which were soon taken off invisibly; The Lord whom Faustus served so, was extremly vexed, and resolved to be revenged on the Doctor, and to that end lay a mile out of town for Faustus's passing by, he being that day to depart for the country; Faustus ​⟨coming⟩ by a wood-side, beheld that Lord mounted upon a mighty warlike horse, who ⟨run⟩ full drift against Faustus, who, by the ⟨assistance⟩ of his Spirit took him and all, and ⟨carried⟩ before the Emperor's palace, and grafted a pair of horns on his head as big as an Ox's: which he could never be rid of; but wore them to his dying day.
CHAP. VIII.
How Faustus eat a load of Hay.
FAUSTUS upon a time having many doctors and masters of Arts with him, went ⟨to⟩ walk in the fields, where they met with a ⟨load⟩ of hay: -"How now good Fellow, ⟨saith⟩ Faustus, what shall I give thee to fill my belly with hay?" The Clown thought he had been a madman, to talk of eating of hay, ⟨told⟩ him he should fill his belly for one penny; to which the doctor agreed and then ⟨fell⟩ to eating, and quickly devouring half of ⟨the⟩ load: At which the doctor's companions ⟨laughed⟩, to see how simply the poor country ⟨fellow⟩ looked, and to hear how heartily he prayed the doctor to forbear: So Faustus pitying the poor man, went away, and before ⟨the⟩ man got near his house, all the hay was in ​the cart, that the doctor had eaten, which made the country fellow very much admire.
CHAP. IX.
THIRTEEN Students meeting with seven more, near Dr. Faustus's house, fell to extremely, first in words and at last to blows; the thirteen being too hard for the seven, and Dr. Faustus looking out at his window and seeing the fray, and how much they were over matched, conjured them all blind, so that the one could not see the other, and in this manner they fought one another, which made all that saw then laugh: At length the people parted them, and led them to their chambers, they instantly received their sight.———The doctor coming into an inn with some friends, was disturbed by the hallowing and bawling of a parcel of drunken Clowns, whereupon when their mouths were wide open, he so conjured them that by no means they could shut them again; and after they had stared one upon another, without being able to speak, thinking they were bewitched ​they dropped away in a confused fear, one by one, and never could be got to the house afterwards.
CHAP. X
How Faustus helped a young man to a fair lady.
THERE was a gallant young gentleman who was in love with a fair lady, living at Wirtemberg near the Doctor's house, This gentleman had long sought this lady in marriage but could not attain his desire and having placed his affections so much upon her, he was ready to pine away, and had certainly died with grief, had he not made his address to the doctor, to whom he opened the whole matter. Now no sooner had the gentleman ⟨told⟩ his case to the doctor but he told him ⟨that⟩ he need not be afraid, for his desire ⟨should⟩ be fulfilled, and that he should have her, whom he so much desired, and that this gentlewoman should have none but him, which was accordingly done, for the doctor ⟨so⟩ changed her mind that she could think of ⟨nothing⟩ else but him whom before she hated; and Faustus's desire was this: He gave him ​an inchanted ring which he ordered him to put into the lady's hand, or to slip it on her finger, which he did: and no sooner she got the ring than her heart burnt with love to him; she instead of frowns, could do nothing but smile upon him and not be at rest till she asked him if he thought he could love her, and make her his wife? he gladly answered with all his heart. So they were married the next day, and all by the help of Dr. Faustus.
CHAP. XI.
How Faustus made seven women dance naked in the Market place.
FAUSTUS walking in the marketplace saw seven women sitting all in a row selling eggs, butter, &c. Of every one he bought something and departed: No sooner was he gone, but all the eggs and butter were gone out of their baskets and they knew not how: At last they were told, that Dr Faustus had conjured their goods away, they thereupon ran speedily to the Doctor's house and so demanded satisfaction for the ware. He resolving to make himself and the ⟨town's⟩ people merry by his conjuring Art, made ⟨them⟩ ​⟨return⟩ to their baskets naked as ever they were ⟨born⟩: and having danced a while in the market place every one's goods were conjured ⟨into⟩ their baskets again and they set at liberty.
CΗΑΡ. ΧΙΙ.
How Faustus served a Country Fellow who was driving of Swine.
DR. Faustus, as he was going to wirtemberg overtook a Country Fellow driving a hundred Swine who were very ⟨head⟩ strong some running one way and ⟨some⟩ another; so that the driver could not ⟨tell⟩ how to get them drove along: The doctor ⟨taking⟩ notice of it, so by his conjuring art, ⟨he⟩ made every one of them dance upon their ⟨two⟩ hind legs, with a fiddle in one of ⟨their⟩ fore feet, and with the other fore foot ⟨they⟩ played upon the fiddle, and so they ⟨danced⟩ and fiddled all the way until they came ⟨into⟩ Wirtemberg market. The driver of them dancing all the way before them, which made ⟨the⟩ people wonder. After the Doctor had ⟨satifised⟩ himself with the sport he conjured ⟨all⟩ of the fiddles away, and the driver then ​offered them to sale, and quickly sold them all, and took the money: but before he was gone out of the house, Faustus had conjured all the hogs out of the market place and sent them all home to the driver's house. The man who bought them, seeing all the swine gone, stopped the man who sold them and would have his money, which he was forced to pay, and so returned home sorrowful, and not knowing what to do; but to his great surprise, found all the swine in their sties.
CHAP. XIII.
How Faustus begun to bethink himself of the near approach of his end.
FAUSTUS having spun out his twenty-four years, within a month or two, began to consider what he should do to cheat the devil but could not find any way to prevent his miserable end, whicn was now near, whereupon he thus cries out to himself, Oh! miserable wretch that I am. I have given myself to the devil, for a few years pleasure, and ​⟨now⟩ I must pay full dear; I have had my ⟨desires⟩; my filthy lusts I have satisfied, and I ⟨must⟩ be tormented for ever and ever.
A neighbour of his, a very godly old man ⟨hearing⟩ of his way of living, in compassion to ⟨his⟩ soul came to him, and with tears in his ⟨eyes⟩, besought him to have more regard to his ⟨most⟩ precious soul, laying before him the ⟨promise⟩ of God's grace and mercy, freely offered to repenting sinners, aud spake so ⟨feelingly⟩ that Faustus had tears, and promiſed to ⟨him⟩, that he would try to repent. This good ⟨man⟩ was no sooner gone away but Mephostophiles found him pensive and on his bed, now Mephostophiles mustering what had happened ⟨began⟩ to reproach him with breach of covenant to his Lord Lucifer and thereupon almost twisted his neck behind him which made him cry out very lamentably in the mean time ⟨threatening⟩ to tear him to pieces, unless he ⟨renewed⟩ his obligation, which for fear, with much sorrow, he did, in a manner the same as ⟨the⟩ former, which he confrmed by the later-
CHAP. XIV.
How Dr. Faustus was warned of the Spirt to prepare for his end.
FAUSTUS's full time being come, the spirit appeared to him, and shewed him his writing, and told him that the next night the devil would fetch him away, which made the Doctor's heart to ake: But to ⟨divert⟩ himself, he sent for some Doctors and ⟨master⟩ bachelors of arts, and other students to take dinner with him, for whom he provided great store of varieties, with music and the like: But all would not keep up his spirits, for the hour drew near: Where upon his countenance changing the Doctors and masters of arts enquired of him the reasons of his melancholiness? To which Faustus answerd, "My friends, you have know me these many years and how I have practised all manner of wickedness; I have been a great conjurer, which deveilish art I obtained of the devil? and also to obtain power to do whatever I pleased I sold myself to the devil for twenty-four years time, which full time being out this night, makes me full of horror, I have called you my frinds, ​to see this my dreadful end: and I pray let my miserable death be a warning to you all, how you study the devilish art of conjuring; for if once you begin it a thousand to one but it will lead you to the devil, whither I am ⟨this⟩ night to go whether I will or not. They hearing of this sad story blamed him fer concealing it so long, telling them if he had made them acquainted before that they ⟨thought⟩ it might have been prevented. He ⟨told⟩ them he had a desire several times to ⟨have⟩ disclosed this intrigue; but the devil told ⟨him⟩, that if he did, he wonld presently fetch him away; He also told them, he had a desire ⟨to⟩ join with the godly, and to leave off that wicked course, but immediately the devil used ⟨to⟩ come and torment him &c. "But now, ⟨saith⟩ Faustus, it is but in vain for me to talk ⟨of⟩ what I did intend, for I have sold myself to ⟨the⟩ devil. body and soul is his" No sooner ⟨had⟩ he spoke these words, but suddenly it fell ⟨to⟩ thundering and lightening, the like was ⟨never⟩ heard; whereupon Faustus went into the ⟨great⟩ hall, the doctors and masters staying in ⟨the⟩ next room, intending to hear his end. About twelve o'clock the house shook so terribly that they thought it would have been ⟨down⟩ upon them, and suddenly the windows ​house were broken to pieces, so that they trembled and wiged the selves elsewhere when upon a great clad of thunder, with a whirlwind the doors flew open and a mighty rushing of wind entered with the hisses of serpents, shriks and cries upon which he lamentably cried out, Murder and there was such roaring in the hall as if all the devils in hell had been their. When day light appeard, they took the boldness to enter into the room, and found his brains beaten out against the wall, and the floor sprinkled with blood; but missing his body they went in search of it and found it on the dung-hill mangled and mashed to pices. So ended this miserable wretch's life, forsaking God, and all goodness and given up to his implacable enemy which we hope may stand not only as a fearful, but lasting monument and warning to others.
INIS.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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