_The Conference of Doctor Faustus, with his Spirit Mephistophiles, the
Morning following at his own House._
Dr. Faustus, having commanded the spirit to be with him, at his hour
appointed, he came and appeared in his chamber, demanding of Faustus
what his desire was. Then began Dr. Faustus anew with him, to conjure
him, That he would be obedient unto him, and to answer him certain
articles, to fulfil them in all points:
1. That the spirit would serve him, and be obedient unto him in
all things that he asked of him, from that hour until the hour of
his death.
2. Further, anything that he desired of him, he should bring him.
3. Also that in all Faustus's demands and interrogations, the
spirit should tell him nothing but that which was true.
Hereupon the spirit answered, and laid his case forth, that he had no
such power of himself until he had first given his prince (that was
ruler over him) to understand thereof, and to know if he could obtain so
much of his lord: "Therefore speak farther, that I may do thy whole
desire to my prince; for it is not in my power to fulfil without his
leave."
"Show me the cause why?" said Faustus.
The spirit answered Faustus: "Thou shalt understand, that with us it is
even as well a kingdom as with you on earth; yea, we have our rulers and
servants, as I myself am one; and we have our whole number the legion,
for although that Lucifer is thrust and fallen out of heaven, through
his pride and high mind, yet he hath notwithstanding a legion of devils
at his command, that we call the Oriental Princes, for his power is
infinite; also there is a power in meridie, in septentrio, in occidente,
and for that Lucifer hath his kingdom under heaven; we must change and
give ourselves to men, to serve them at their pleasure. It is also
certain, we have not as yet opened to any man the truth of our dwelling,
neither of our ruling, neither what our power is; neither have we given
any man any gift, or learned him anything, except he promise to be
ours."
Dr. Faustus upon this arose where he sat, and said, "I will have my
request, and yet I will not be damned."
The spirit answered: "Then shalt thou want thy desire, and yet art thou
mine notwithstanding; if any men would detain thee, it is but in vain,
for thy infidelity hath confounded thee."
Hereupon spake Faustus: "Get thee hence from me, and take St. Valentine's
farewell, and Crisman with thee; yet I conjure thee, that thou be here
at evening, and bethink thyself of what I have asked thee; ask thy
prince's counsel therein."
Mephistophiles the spirit, thus answered, vanished away, leaving Faustus
in his study, where he sat pondering with himself how he might obtain
his request of the devil, without the loss of his soul; yet he was fully
resolved in himself, rather than to want his pleasure, to do what the
spirit and his lord should condition upon.