_How Doctor Faustus set his blood in a saucer on warm ashes, and writ
as followeth_
I, Johannes Faustus, Doctor, do openly acknowledge with mine own hand,
to the greater force and strengthening of this Letter, that siththence
I began to study and speculate the course and order 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 desires: and for
that I find, that men are unable to instruct me any farther in the
matter, now have I Doctor John Faustus, unto the hellish prince of
Orient and his messenger Mephostophiles, given both body and soul, upon
such condition, that they shall learn me, and fulfil my desire in all
things, as they have promised and vowed unto me, with due obedience
unto me, according unto the Articles mentioned between us.
Further, I 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 meantime, 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 them full 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 lives; and again I say it, and it shall be so. And
to the more strengthening of this writing, I have written it with mine
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.