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Enter Emperor, Faustus, and a Knight,
with attendants.
Em.
Master Doctor Faustus, I have heard strange re-
port of thy knowledge in the blacke art, how that none in
my Empire, nor in the whole world can compare with thee,
for the rare effects of magic; they say thou hast a familiar
spirit, by whom thou canst accomplish what thou list. This,
therefore, is my request, that thou let me see some proof of thy
skill, that mine eyes may be witnesses to confirm what mine
ears have heard reported, and here I swear to thee, by the
honor of mine imperial crown, that whatever thou doest,
thou shalt be no ways prejudiced or endamaged.
Knight
I'faith he looks much like a conjuror. Aside
Fau.
My gracious sovereign, though I must confess
myself far inferior to the report men have published, and
nothing answerable to the honor of your imperial majesty,
yet for that love and duty binds me thereunto, I am con-
tent to do whatsoever your majesty shall command me.
Em.
Then, Doctor Faustus, mark what I shall say. As
I was sometime solitary set within my closet, sundry
thoughts arose about the honour of mine ancestors, how
they had won by prowess such exploits, got such riches,
subdued so many kingdoms, as we that do succeed, or they
that shall hereafter possess our throne, shall (I fear me) ne-
ver attain to that degree of high renown and great autho-
rity, amongst which kings is Alexander the great, chief
spectacle of the world's preeminence, The bright shining of whose glorious acts
Lightens the world with his reflecting beams,
As when I hear but motion made of him,
It grieves my soul I never saw the man.
1070If, therefore, thou, by cunning of thine art,
Canst raise this man from hollow vaults below,
Where lies entombed this famous conquerour,
And bring with him his beauteous paramour,
Both in their right shapes, gesture, and attire
1075They used to wear during their time of life,
Thou shalt both satisfy my just desire,
And give me cause to praise thee whilst I live.
Fau.
My gracious Lord, I am ready to accomplish your
request, so far forth as by art and power of my spirit I am
able to perform.
Knight
I'faith that's just nothing at all. Aside.
Fau.
But if it like your Grace, it is not in my ability to
present before your eyes the true substantial bodies of those
two deceased princes, which long since are consumed to dust.
Knight
Ay, marry, Master Doctor, now there's a sign of grace
in you, when you will confess the truth. Aside.
Fau.
But such spirits as can lively resemble Alexander
and his Paramour, shall appear before your Grace, in that
manner that they best lived in, in their most flourishing estate,
which I doubt not shall sufficiently content your imperial
majesty.
Em
Go to, Master Doctor, let me see them presently.
Knight
Do you hear, Master Doctor? You bring Alexander and his paramour before the Emperor?
Fau.
How then, sir?
Kn.
I'faith that's as true as Diana turned me to a stage.
Fau.
No, sir, but when Acteon died, he left the horns for
you. Mephistophilis, be gone. Exit Mephistophilis.
Kn.
Nay, an you go to conjuring, I'll be gone.
Exit Knight.
Fau.
I'll meet with you anon for interrupting me so.
Here they are my gracious Lord.
Enter Mephistophilis with Alexander and his paramour.
emp.
Master Doctor, I heard this Lady while she lived
had a wart or mole in her neck. How shall I know whether
it be so or no?
Fau.
Your highness may boldly go and see. Exit Alexander.
emp.
Sure these are no spirits, but the true substantial
bodies of those two deceased princes.
Fau.
Will't please your highness now to send for the knight
that was so pleasant with me here of late?
emp.
One of you call him forth. Exit Attendant.
Enter the Knight with a pair of horns on his head.
emp.
How now, sir knight? Why I had thought thou
hadst been a bachelor, but now I see thou hast a wife, that
not only gives thee horns, but makes thee wear them, feel
on thy head. Knight
Thou damned wretch, and execrable dog,
Bred in the concave of some monstrous rock.
How darest thou thus abuse a gentleman?
1120Villain, I say, undo what thou hast done.
Fau.
O, not so fast sir; there's no haste; but, good, are you
remembered how you crossed me in my conference with the
Emperor? I think I have met with you for it.
emp.
Good Master Doctor, at my entreaty release him;
he hath done penance sufficient.
Fau.
My Gracious Lord, not so much for the injury he
offered me here in your presence, as to delight you with some
mirth, hath Faustus worthily requited this injurious knight,
which being all I desire, I am content to release him of his
horns: and, sir knight, hereafter speak well of scholars.
Mephistophilis, transform him stright. Mephistophilis removes the horns.
Now my good Lord
having done my duty, I humbly take my leave.
emp.
Farewell, Master Doctor, yet ere you go, expect
from me a bounteous reward. Exit Emperor.
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