Scene 9

[Enter EMPEROR, FAUSTUS, and a KNIGHT, with ATTENDANTS.]

EMPEROR
Master Doctor Faustus, I have heard strange report of thy knowledge in the black 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 honour of mine imperial crown, that, whatever thou doest, thou shalt be no ways prejudiced or endamaged.

KNIGHT
I'faith, he looks much like a conjurer.

[Aside.]

FAUSTUS
My gracious sovereign, though I must confess myself far inferior to the report men have published, and nothing answerable to the honour of your imperial majesty, yet, for that love and duty binds me thereunto, I am content to do whatsoever your majesty shall command me.

EMPEROR
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, subdu'd so many kingdoms,
As we that do succeed, or they that shall
Hereafter possess our throne, shall
(I fear me) ne'er attain to that degree
Of high renown and great authority:
Amongst which kings is Alexander the Great,
Chief spectacle of the world's pre-eminence,
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:
If, therefore, thou, by cunning of thine art,
Canst raise this man from hollow vaults below,
Where lies entomb'd this famous conqueror,
And bring with him his beauteous paramour,
Both in their right shapes, gesture, and attire
They us'd to wear during their time of life,
Thou shalt both satisfy my just desire,
And give me cause to praise thee whilst I live.

FAUSTUS
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.]

FAUSTUS
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.]

FAUSTUS
But such spirits as can lively resemble Alexander and his paramour shall appear before your grace, in that manner that they both lived in, in their most flourishing estate; which I doubt not shall sufficiently content your imperial majesty.

EMPEROR
Go to, Master Doctor; let me see them presently.

KNIGHT
Do you hear, Master Doctor? you bring Alexander and his paramour before the Emperor!

FAUSTUS
How then, sir?

KNIGHT
I'faith, that's as true as Diana turned me to a stag.

FAUSTUS
No, sir; but, when Actaeon died, he left the horns for you.--Mephistophilis, be gone.

[Exit MEPHISTOPHILIS.]

KNIGHT
Nay, an you go to conjuring, I'll be gone.

[Exit.]

FAUSTUS
I'll meet with you anon for interrupting me so.
--Here they are, my gracious lord.

[Re-enter MEPHISTOPHILIS with SPIRITS in the shapes of ALEXANDER and his PARAMOUR.]

EMPEROR
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?

FAUSTUS
Your highness may boldly go and see.

EMPEROR
Sure, these are no spirits, but the true substantial
bodies of those two deceased princes.

[Exeunt Spirits.]

FAUSTUS
Wilt please your highness now to send for the knight
that was so pleasant with me here of late?

EMPEROR
One of you call him forth.

[Exit ATTENDANT.]

[Re-enter the KNIGHT with a pair of horns on his head.]

FAUSTUS
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 dar'st thou thus abuse a gentleman?
Villain, I say, undo what thou hast done!

FAUSTUS
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.

EMPEROR
Good Master Doctor, at my entreaty release him: he hath done penance sufficient.

FAUSTUS
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 straight. [MEPHISTOPHILIS removes the horns.] --Now, my good lord, having done my duty, I humbly take my leave.

EMPEROR
Farewell, Master Doctor: yet, ere you go,
Expect from me a bounteous reward.

[Exeunt EMPEROR, KNIGHT, and ATTENDANTS.]

FAUSTUS
Now, Mephistophilis, the restless course
That time doth run with calm and silent foot,
Shortening my days and thread of vital life,
Calls for the payment of my latest years:
Therefore, sweet Mephistophilis, let us
Make haste to Wertenberg.

MEPHISTOPHILIS
What, will you go on horse-back or on foot

FAUSTUS
Nay, till I'm past this fair and pleasant green,
I'll walk on foot.