_How Dr. Faustus set his Blood in a Saucer on warm Ashes, and writ as
followeth:_
I, John Faustus, _doctor, do openly acknowledge with mine own
hand, to the great force and strengthening of this letter, that
since I began to study, and speculate the course and nature of the
elements, I have not found, through the gift that is given me from
above, any such learning and wisdom that can bring me to my desire
and for that I find that men are unable to instruct me any farther
in the matter; now have I, Dr. Faustus, to the hellish prince of
Orient, and his messenger Mephistophiles, given both body and
soul, upon such conditions, that they shall learn me, and fulfil
my desires in all things, as they have promised and vowed unto me,
with due obedience unto me, according to the articles mentioned
between us._
Farther, I do covenant and grant _with them by these presents,
that at the end of twenty-four years next ensuing, the date of
this present letter, they being expired, and I in the mean time,
during the said years, be served of them at my will, they
accomplishing my desires to the full in all points as we are
agreed: that then I give to them all power to do with me at their
pleasure, to rule, to send, fetch or carry me or mine, be it
either body, soul, flesh, blood or goods, into their habitation,
be it wheresoever: and hereupon I defy God and his Christ, all the
Host of Heaven, and all living creatures that bear the shape of
God; yea, all that live: And again I say it, and it shall be so,
and to the more strengthening of this writing, I have written it
with my own hand and blood, being in perfect memory: and hereupon
I subscribe to it with my name and title, calling all the
infernal, middle, and supreme powers to witness of this my letter
and subscription._
John Faustus.
_Approved in the elements, and the spiritual doctor._