CHAPTER VIII.

_The manner how Faustus proceeded in this damnable Life, and of

the diligent Service that Mephistophiles used towards him._

Dr. Faustus having given his soul to the devil, renouncing all the

powers of heaven, confirming all his lamentable action with his own

blood, and having already delivered his writing now into the devil's

hand, the which so puffed up his heart, that he forgot the mind of a

man, and thought himself to be a spirit.

Thus Faustus dwelt at his uncle's house at Wittenburg, who died, and

bequeathed it in his testament to his cousin Faustus.

Faustus kept a boy with him, that was his scholar, an unhappy wag,

called Christopher Wagner, to whom this sport and life that he saw his

master followed, seemed pleasant. Faustus loved the boy well, hoping to

make him as good or better seen in his hellish exercises than himself,

and he was fellow with Mephistophiles. Otherwise Faustus had no company

in his house but himself and boy, and spirit that ever was diligent at

Faustus's command, going about the house, clothed like a friar, with a

little bell in his hand, seen of none but Faustus.

For victuals and other necessaries, Mephistophiles brought him at his

pleasure from the Duke of Saxony, the Duke of Bavaria, and the Bishop of

Salisburg; and they had many times their best wine stolen out of their

cellars by Mephistophiles, likewise their provisions for their own

table. Such meat as Faustus wished for, his spirit brought him in.

Besides that, Faustus himself was become so cunning, that when he opened

his window, what fowl soever he wished for, it came presently flying

into the house, were it never so dainty. Moreover, Faustus and his boy

went in sumptuous apparel, the which Mephistophiles stole from the

mercers at Norenburg, Aspurg, Franckford, and Tipzig; for it was hard

for them to find a lock to keep out such a thief. All their maintenance

was but stolen and borrowed ware; and thus they lived an odious life in

the sight of God, though as yet the world were unacquainted with their

wickedness. It must be so, for their fruits be none other, as Christ

saith in John, where he calls the devil a thief and murderer; and that

found Faustus, for he stole him away both body and soul.

Mediaeval Tales · 第 8 / 62 章