_The manner how Faustus proceeded with his damnable life, and of the
diligent service Mephostophiles used towards him_
Doctor Faustus having given his soul to the Devil, renouncing all the
powers of heaven, confirming this 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 had forgot the mind of a
man, and thought rather himself to be a spirit. This Faustus dwelt in
his uncle’s house at Wittenberg, 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 follow seemed pleasant. Faustus
loved the boy well, hoping to make him as good or better seen in his
Devilish exercise than himself; and he was fellow with Mephostophiles:
otherwise Faustus had no more company in his house; but himself, his
boy and his Spirit, that ever was diligent at Faustus’ command, going
about the house, clothed like a Friar, with a little bell in his hand,
seen of none but Faustus. For his victual and other necessaries,
Mephostophiles brought him at his pleasure from the Duke of Saxon,
the Duke of Bavaria, and the Bishop of Saltzburg: for they had many
times their best wine stolen out of their cellars by Mephostophile:
Likewise their provision 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 his house, were
it never so dainty. Moreover, Faustus and his boy went in sumptuous
apparel, the which Mephostophiles stole from the Mercers at Norenberg,
Auspurg, Franckeford, and Liptzig: 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 through
John, where he calls the Devil a thief, and a murderer: and that found
Faustus, for he stole him away both body and soul.