_How Doctor Faustus wrote the second time with his own blood and gave
it to the Devil_
I, Doctor John Faustus, acknowledge by this my deed and handwriting,
that sith my first writing, which is seventeen years, that I have right
willingly held, and have been an utter enemy unto God and all men, the
which I once again confirm, and give fully and wholly myself unto the
Devil both body and soul, even unto the great Lucifer: and that at the
end of seven years ensuing after the date of this letter, he shall
have to do with me according as it pleaseth him, either to lengthen or
shorten my life as liketh him: and hereupon I renounce all persuaders
that seek to withdraw me from my purpose by the Word of God, either
ghostly or bodily. And further, I will never give ear unto any man, be
he spiritual or temporal, that moveth any matter for the salvation of
my soul. Of all this writing, and that therein contained, be witness,
my own blood, the which with mine own hands I have begun, and ended.
Dated at Wittenberg, the 25th of July.
And presently upon the making of this Letter, he became so great an
enemy unto the poor old man, that he sought his life by all means
possible; but this godly man was strong in the Holy Ghost, that he
could not be vanquished by any means: for about two days after that he
had exhorted Faustus, as the poor man lay in his bed, suddenly there
was a mighty rumbling in the Chamber, the which he was never wont to
hear, and he heard as it had been the groaning of a Sow, which lasted
long: whereupon the good old man began to jest, and mock, and said: oh
what Barbarian cry is this, oh fair Bird, what foul music is this of a
fair Angel, that could not tarry two days in his place? beginnest thou
now to run into a poor man’s house, where thou hast no power, and wert
not able to keep thine own two days? With these and such-like words the
Spirit departed. And when he came home Faustus asked him how he had
sped with the old man: to whom the Spirit answered, the old man was
harnessed, and that he could not once lay hold upon him: but he would
not tell how the old man had mocked him, for the Devils can never abide
to hear of their fall. Thus doth God defend the hearts of all honest
Christians, that betake themselves under his tuition.