Chapter 44
_How Mephistophiles came for his Writing, and in what manner he appeared, and his Sights he showed him; and how he caused him to keep a Copy of his own Writing._
Dr. Faustus sitting pensive, having but one only boy with him, suddenly there appeared his spirit Mephistophiles in likeness of a very man, from whom issued most horrible fiery flames, insomuch that the boy was afraid, but being hardened by his master, he bid him stand still, and he should have no harm: this spirit began to bleat as in a singing manner. This pretty sport pleased Dr. Faustus well; but he would not call his spirit into his counting-house until he had seen more. Anon was heard a rushing of armed men, and trampling of horses; this ceasing, came a kennel of hounds, and they chased a great hart in the hall, and there the hart was slain. Faustus took heart, came forth and looked upon the hart, but presently before him there was a lion and a dragon together, fighting so fiercely, that Faustus thought they would have thrown down the house; but the dragon overcame the lion, and so they vanished. After this came in a peacock and peahen; the cock, bruising of his tail, turning to the female, beat her, and so vanished. Afterward followed a furious bull, that with a full fierceness ran upon Faustus, but coming near him vanished away. Afterward followed a great old ape; this ape offered Faustus the hand, but he refused; so the ape ran out of the hall again. Hereupon fell a mist in the hall, that Faustus saw no light, but it lasted not; and so soon as it was gone, there lay before Faustus two great sacks, one full of gold, another of silver.
Lastly, was heard by Faustus all manner of instruments of music, as organs, clarigolds, lutes, viols, citterns, waits, hornpipes, flutes, anomes, harps, and all manner of other instruments, which so ravished his mind, that he thought he had been in another world, forgot both body and soul, insomuch that he was minded never to change his opinion concerning that which he had done.
Hereat came Mephistophiles into the hall to Faustus, in apparel like unto a friar, to whom Faustus spake: "Thou hast done me a wonderful pleasure in showing me this pastime; if thou continue as thou hast begun, thou shalt win my heart and soul, yea, and have it."
Mephistophiles answered: "This is nothing; I will please thee better; yea, that thou mayst know my power on all, ask what request thou wilt of me, that shalt thou have, conditionally hold thy promise, and give me thy handwriting." At which words the wretch thrust forth his hand, saying, "Hold thee, there hast thou my promise."
Mephistophiles took the writing and willed Faustus to take a copy of it. With that the perverse Faustus being resolute in his damnation, wrote a copy thereof, and gave the devil the one, and kept in store the other. Thus the spirit and Faustus were agreed, and dwelt together; no doubt there was a virtuous house-keeping.