_Questions put forth by Doctor Faustus unto his Spirit Mephostophiles_
Doctor Faustus living in all manner of pleasure that his heart could
desire, continuing in his amorous drifts, his delicate fare, and costly
apparel, called on a time his Mephostophiles to him: which being come,
brought with him a book in his hand of all manner of Devilish and
enchanted arts, the which he gave Faustus, saying: hold my Faustus,
work now thy heart’s desire: The copy of this enchanting book was
afterward found by his servant Christopher Wagner. Well (quoth Faustus
to his Spirit) I have called thee to know what thou canst do if I
have need of thy help. Then answered Mephostophiles and said, my Lord
Faustus, I am a flying spirit: yea, so swift as thought can think, to
do whatsoever. Here Faustus said: but how came thy Lord and master
Lucifer to have so great a fall from heaven? Mephostophiles answered:
My Lord Lucifer was a fair Angel, created of God as immortal, and being
placed in the Seraphims, which are above the Cherubims, he would have
presumed unto the Throne of God, with intent to have thrust God out
of his seat. Upon this presumption the Lord cast him down headlong,
and where before he was an Angel of light, now dwells he in darkness,
not able to come near his first place, without God send for him to
appear before him as Raphael: but unto the lower degree of Angels that
have their conversation with men he was come, but not unto the second
degree of Heavens that is kept by the Archangels, namely, Michael and
Gabriel, for these are called Angels of God’s wonders: yet are these
far inferior places to that from whence my Lord and Master Lucifer
fell. And thus far Faustus, because thou art one of the beloved
children of my Lord Lucifer, following and feeding thy mind in manner
as he did his, I have shortly resolved thy request, and more I will do
for thee at thy pleasure. I thank thee Mephostophiles (quoth Faustus)
come let us now go rest, for it is night: upon this they left their
communication.