Chapter 86

_How Dr. Faustus wrote the second time with his own Blood, and gave it to the Devil._

I, Dr. John Faustus, _do acknowledge by this my deed and handwriting, that since my first writing, which is seventeen years past, I have right willingly held, and have been an utter enemy to God and all men; the which I once again confirm, and give fully and wholly myself unto the devil, both body and soul, even unto great Lucifer, and that at the end of seven years ensuing after the date hereof, he shall have to do with me according as it pleaseth him, either to lengthen or shorten my life as it pleaseth him; and hereupon I renounce all persuaders, that seek to withdraw me from my purpose by the word of God, either ghostly or bodily; and farther I will never give ear to any man, be he spiritual or temporal, that moveth any matter for the salvation of my soul. Of all this writing, and that therein contained, be witness my blood, which with my own hands I have begun and ended. Dated at Wittenburg, the 25th of July._

And presently upon the making of this writing, he became so great an enemy to the poor old man, that he sought his life by all means possible; but this good old man was strong in the Holy Ghost, that he could not be vanquished by any means; for about two days after that he had exhorted Faustus, as the poor old man lay in his bed, suddenly there was a mighty rumbling in the chamber, which he was never wont to hear, and he heard as it had been the groaning of a sow, which lasted long: whereupon the good old man began to jest and mock, and said, "Oh! what barbarian cry is this? Oh, fair bird! what foul music is this? A fair angel, that could not tarry two days in this place? Beginnest thou now to turn into a poor man's house, where thou hast no power, and wert not able to keep thine own two days?" With these and such like words the spirit departed; and when he came home, Faustus asked him how he had sped with the old man, to whom the spirit answered: "The old man was harnessed so, that he could not once lay hold upon him;" but he would not tell how the old man had mocked him, for the devils can never abide to hear of their fall. Thus doth God defend the hearts of all honest Christians that betake themselves to his tuition.