Chapter 47

_Questions put forth by Dr. Faustus unto his Spirit Mephistophiles._

Dr. Faustus living in all manner of pleasure that his heart could desire, continuing of his amorous drifts, his delicate fare, and costly apparel, called on a time his Mephistophiles to him, who being come, brought him a book in his hand of all manner of devilish and enchanting arts, the which he gave Faustus, saying, "Hold, my Faustus; work now thy heart's desire." The copy of this enchanting book was afterwards found by his servant Christopher Wagner. "Well," quoth Faustus to his spirit, "I have called thee to know what thou canst do if I have need of thy help."

Then answered Mephistophiles, and said, "My lord Faustus, I am a flying spirit, yea, so swift as thought can think, to do whatsoever."

Here Faustus said, "But how came lord and master Lucifer to have so great a fall from heaven?"

Mephistophiles answered: "My lord Lucifer was a fair angel, created of God as immortal, and being placed in the Seraphims, which are above the Cherubims, he would have presumed upon the Throne of God, with intent to thrust God out of his seat; upon this presumption the Lord cast him down headlong, and where before he was an angel of light, now dwells in darkness, not able to come near his first place, without God send for him to appear before him; as Raphael, unto the lower degree of angels, that have their conversation with men, he may come, but not unto the second degree of the heavens, that is kept by the archangels, namely, Michael and Gabriel, for these are called Angels of God's wonders; these are far inferior places to that from whence my lord and master Lucifer fell; and thus far, Faustus, because thou art one of the beloved children of the lord Lucifer, following thy mind in manner as he did his, I have shortly resolved thy request, and more I will do for thee at thy pleasure."

"I thank thee, Mephistophiles," quoth Faustus, "come, let us now go to rest, for it is night;" upon this they left their communication.