_Here followeth the miserable and lamentable end of Doctor Faustus, by
the which all Christians may take an example and warning_
In the twenty-fourth year Doctor Faustus his time being come, his
Spirit appeared unto him, giving him his writing again, and commanding
him to make preparation, for that the Devil would fetch him against
a certain time appointed. D. Faustus mourned and sighed wonderfully,
and never went to bed, nor slept wink for sorrow. Wherefore his Spirit
appeared again, comforting him, and saying: My Faustus, be not thou so
cowardly minded; for although that thou losest thy body, it is not long
unto the day of Judgment, and thou must die at the last, although thou
live many thousand years. The Turks, the Jews, and many an unchristian
Emperor, are in the same condemnation: therefore (my Faustus) be of
good courage, and be not discomforted, for the Devil hath promised
that thou shalt not be in pains as the rest of the damned are. This
and such-like comfort he gave him, but he told him false, and against
the saying of the Holy Scriptures. Yet Doctor Faustus that had none
other expectation but to pay his debts with his own skin, went on the
same day that his Spirit said the Devil would fetch him, unto his
trusty and dearest beloved brethren and companions, as Masters, and
Bachelors of Arts, and other Students more the which had often visited
him at his house in merriment: these he entreated that they would
walk into the Village called Rimlich, half a mile from Wittenberg, and
that they would there take with him for their repast part of a small
banquet, the which they all agreed unto: so they went together, and
there held their dinner in a most sumptuous manner. Doctor Faustus
with them (dissemblingly) was merry, but not from the heart: wherefore
he requested them that they would also take part of his rude supper:
the which they agreed unto: for (quoth he) I must tell you what is
the Victualler’s due: and when they slept (for drink was in their
heads) then Doctor Faustus paid and discharged the shot, and bound
the Students and the Masters to go with him into another room, for he
had many wonderful matters to tell them: and when they were entered
the room as he requested, Doctor Faustus said unto them, as hereafter
followeth.