MEDIÆVAL TALES

_WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY HENRY MORLEY_LL. D. , LATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE ATUNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON

LONDON:GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & SONS, LTD. NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO. 

INTRODUCTION. 

This volume of "Mediæval Tales" is in four parts, containing severally, (1) Turpin's "History of Charles the Great and Orlando, " which is an oldsource of Charlemagne romance; (2) Spanish Ballads, relating chiefly tothe romance of Charlemagne, these being taken from the spiritedtranslations of Spanish ballads published in 1823 by John GibsonLockhart; (3) a selection of stories from the "Gesta Romanorum;" and (4)the old translation of the original story of Faustus, on which Marlowefounded his play, and which is the first source of the Faust legend inliterature. 

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Turpin's "History of Charles the Great and Orlando" is given from atranslation made by Thomas Rodd, and published by himself in 1812, of"Joannes Turpini Historia de Vita Caroli Magni et Rolandi. " Thischronicle, composed by some monk at an unknown date before the year1122, professed to be the work of a friend and secretary of Charles theGreat, Turpin, Archbishop of Rheims, who was himself present in thescenes that he describes. It was--like Geoffrey of Monmouth's nearlycontemporary "History of British Kings, " from which were drawn tales ofGorboduc, Lear and King Arthur--romance itself, and the source ofromance in others. It is at the root of many tales of Charlemagne andRoland that reached afterwards their highest artistic expression inAriosto's "Orlando Furioso. " The tale ascribed to Turpin is of earlierdate than the year 1122, because in that year Pope Calixtus II. Officially declared its authenticity. But it was then probably a newinvention, designed for edification, for encouragement of faith in theChurch, war against infidels, and reverence to the shrine of St. Jamesof Compostella. 

The Church vouched for the authorship of Turpin, Archbishop of Rheims, "excellently skilled in sacred and profane literature, of a geniusequally adapted to prose and verse; the advocate of the poor, belovedof God in his life and conversation, who often hand to hand fought theSaracens by the Emperor's side; and who flourished under Charles and hisson Lewis to the year of our Lord eight hundred and thirty. " But whilethis work gave impulse to the shaping of Charlemagne romances withOrlando (Roland) for their hero, there came to be a very general opinionthat, whether the author of the book were Turpin or another, he too wasa romancer. His book came, therefore, to be known as the "MagnanimeMensonge, " a lie heroic and religious. 

No doubt Turpin's "Vita Caroli Magni et Rolandi" was based partly ontraditions current in its time. It was turned of old into Frenchverse and prose; and even into Latin hexameters. The original workwas first printed at Frankfort in 1566, in a collection of FourChronographers--"Germanicarum Rerum. " Mr. Rodd's translation, heregiven, was made from the copy of the original given in Spanheim's "Livesof Ecclesiastical Writers. "

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Publication of the songs and ballads of Spain began at Valencia in theyear 1511 with a collection by Fernando del Castillo, who on histitle-page professed to collect pieces "as well ancient as modern. " From1511 to 1573 there were nine editions of this "Cancionero. " A latercollection made between 1546 and 1550--The "Cancionero de Romances"--wasmade to consist wholly of ballads. A third edition of it, in 1555, isthe fullest and best known. The greatest collection followed in nineparts, published separately between 1593 and 1597, at Valencia, Burgos, Toledo, Alcala, and Madrid. This formed the great collection known asthe "Romancero General. "

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The chief hero of the Spanish Ballads is the Cid Campeador; and RobertSouthey used these ballads as material for enriching the "Chronicle ofthe Cid, " which has already been given in this Library. Songs of the Cidwere sung as early as the year 1147, are of like date with the"Magnanime Mensonge" and Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of BritishKings. " In 1248 St. Ferdinand gave allotments to two poets who had beenwith him during the Siege of Seville, and who were named Nicolas andDomingo Abod "of the Romances. " There is also evidence from referencesto what "the _juglares_ sing in their chants and tell in their tales, "that in the middle of the thirteenth century tales of Charlemagne and ofBernardo del Carpio were familiar in the mouths of ballad-singers. 

The whole number of the old ballads of Spain exceeds a thousand, and ofthese John Gibson Lockhart has translated some of the best into Englishverse. Lockhart was born in 1793, was the son of a Scottish minister, was educated at the Universities of Glasgow and Oxford, and was calledto the bar at Edinburgh in 1816. Next year he was one of the keenest ofthe company of young writers whose genius and lively audacity establishedthe success of "Blackwood's Magazine. " Three years later, in 1820, hemarried the eldest daughter of Sir Walter Scott. Lockhart's vigorousrendering of the spirit of the Spanish Romances was first published in1823, two years before he went to London to become editor of the"Quarterly Review. " He edited the "Quarterly" for about thirty years, and died in 1854. 

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The "Gesta Romanorum;" is a mediæval compilation of tales that might beused to enforce and enliven lessons from the pulpit. Each was providedwith its "Application. " The French Dominican, Vincent of Beauvais, tellsin his "Mirror of History" that in his time--the thirteenth century--itwas the practice of preachers, to rouse languid hearers by quotingfables out of Æsop, and he recommends a sparing and discreet use ofprofane fancies in discussing sacred subjects. Among the Harleian MSS. Is an ancient collection of 215 stories, romantic, allegorical andlegendary, compiled by a preacher for the use of monastic societies. There were other such collections, but the most famous of all, widelyused not only by the preachers but also by the poets, was the Latinstory-book known as the "Gesta Romanorum. " Its name, "Deeds of theRomans, " was due to its fancy for assigning every story to some emperorwho had or had not reigned in Rome; the emperor being a convenientperson in the Application, which might sometimes begin with, "Mybeloved, the emperor is God. " Perhaps the germ of the collection mayhave been a series of applied tales from Roman history. But if so, itwas soon enriched with tales from the East, from the "ClericalisDisciplina, " a work by Petrus Alfonsus, a baptized Jew who lived in1106, and borrowed professedly from the Arabian fabulists. Mediævaltales of all kinds suitable for the purpose of the "Gesta Romanorum"were freely incorporated, and the book so formed became a well-knownstorehouse of material for poetic treatment. Gower, Shakespeare, Schiller are some of the poets who have used tales which are among thethirty given in this volume. 

The "Gesta Romanorum" was first printed in 1473, and after that dateoften reprinted. It was translated into Dutch as early as the year 1484. There was a translation of forty-three of its tales into English, byRichard Robinson, published in 1577, of which there were six or seveneditions during the next twenty-four years. A version of forty-five ofits tales was published in 1648 as "A Record of Ancient Histories. " Thefullest English translation was that by the Rev. C. Swan, published in1824. In this volume two or three tales are given in the earlier Englishform, the rest from Mr. Swan's translation, with a little revision ofhis English. Mr. Swan used Book English, and was apt to write "aninstrument of agriculture" where he would have said "a spade. " I givehere thirty of the Tales, but of the "Applications" have left onlyenough to show how they were managed. 

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In the volume of this Library, which contains Marlowe's "Faustus" andGoethe's "Faust, " reference has been made to the old German History ofFaustus, first published at Frankfort in September 1587, and reprintedwith slight change in 1588. There was again a reprint of it with someadditions in 1589. This book was written by a Protestant in early daysof the Reformation, but shaped by him from mediæval tales of magic, withsuch notions of demons and their home as had entered deeply in theMiddle Ages into popular belief. From it was produced within two yearsof its first publication Marlowe's play of "Faustus, " which has alreadybeen given, and that English translation of the original book which willbe found in the present volume. It was reprinted by Mr. William J. Thomsin his excellent collection of "Early English Prose Romances, " firstpublished in 1828, of which there was an enlarged second edition, inthree volumes, in 1858. That is a book of which all students of Englishliterature would like to see a third and cheap edition. 

H. M. _October 1884. _

TURPIN'S HISTORYOFCHARLES THE GREAT AND ORLANDO. 

THE HISTORYOFCHARLES THE GREAT AND ORLANDO. 

CHAPTER I. 

_Archbishop Turpin's Epistle to Leopander. _

Turpin, by the grace of God, Archbishop of Rheims, the faithfulcompanion of the Emperor Charles the Great in Spain, to Leopander, Deanof Aix-la-Chapelle, greeting. 

Forasmuch as you requested me to write to you from Vienne (my woundsbeing now cicatrized) in what manner the Emperor Charles delivered Spainand Gallicia from the yoke of the Saracens, you shall attain theknowledge of many memorable events, and likewise of his praiseworthytrophies over the Spanish Saracens, whereof I myself was eyewitness, traversing France and Spain in his company for the space of forty years;and I hesitate the less to trust these matters to your friendship, as Iwrite a true history of his warfare. For indeed all your researchescould never have enabled you fully to discover those great events in theChronicles of St. Denis, as you sent me word: neither could you forcertain know whether the author had given a true relation of thosematters, either by reason of his prolixity, or that he was not himselfpresent when they happened. Nevertheless this book will agree with hishistory. Health and happiness. 

CHAPTER II. 

_How Charles the Great delivered Spain and Gallicia from theSaracens. _

The most glorious Christian Apostle St. James, when the other Apostlesand Disciples of our Lord were dispersed abroad throughout the wholeworld, is believed to have first preached the gospel in Gallicia. Afterhis martyrdom, his servants, rescuing his body from King Herod, broughtit by sea to Gallicia, where they likewise preached the gospel. But soonafter, the Gallicians, relapsing into great sins, returned to theirformer idolatry, and persisted in it till the time of Charles the Great, Emperor of the Romans, French, Germans, and other nations. Charlestherefore, after prodigious toils in Saxony, France, Germany, Lorraine, Burgundy, Italy, Brittany, and other countries; after taking innumerablecities from sea to sea, which he won by his invincible arm from theSaracens, through divine favour; and after subjugating them with greatfatigue of mind and body to the Christian yoke, resolved to rest fromhis wars in peace. 

But observing the starry way in the heavens, beginning at the Friezelandsea, and passing over the German territory and Italy, between Gaul andAquitaine, and from thence in a straight line over Gascony, Bearne, andNavarre, and through Spain to Gallicia, wherein till his time layundiscovered the body of St. James; when night after night he was wontto contemplate it, meditating upon what it might signify, a certainbeautiful resplendent vision appeared to him in his sleep, and, callinghim son, inquired what he was attempting to discover. At which Charlesreplied, "Who art thou, Lord?" "I am, " answered the vision, "St. Jamesthe Apostle, Christ's disciple, the son of Zebedee, and brother of Johnthe Evangelist, whom the Lord was pleased to think worthy, in hisineffable goodness, to elect on the sea of Galilee to preach the gospelto his people, but whom Herod the King slew. My body now lies concealedin Gallicia, long so grievously oppressed by the Saracens, from whoseyoke I am astonished that you, who have conquered so many lands andcities, have not yet delivered it. Wherefore I come to warn you, as Godhas given you power above every other earthly prince, to prepare my way, and rescue my dominions from the Moabites, that so you may receive abrighter crown of glory for your reward. The starry way in the heavenssignifies that you, with a great army, will enter Gallicia to fight thePagans, and, recovering it from them, will visit my church and shrine;and that all the people from the borders of the sea, treading in yoursteps, will ask pardon of God for their sins, and return in safety, celebrating his praise; that you likewise will acknowledge the wondershe hath done for you in prolonging your life to its present span. Proceed then as soon as you are ready; I am your friend and helper; yourname shall become famous to all eternity, and a crown of glory shall beyour reward in heaven. "

Thus did the blessed Apostle appear thrice to the Emperor, who, confiding in his word, assembled a great army, and entered Spain tofight the infidels. 

CHAPTER III. 

_Of the Walls of Pampeluna, that fell of themselves. _

The first city Charles besieged was Pampeluna; he invested it threemonths, but was not able to take it, through the invincible strength ofthe walls. He then made this prayer to God: "O Lord Jesus Christ, forwhose faith I am come hither to fight the Pagans; for thy glory's sakedeliver this city into my hands; and O blessed St. James, if thou didstindeed appear to me, help me to take it. " And now God and St. James, hearkening to his petition, the walls utterly fell to the ground ofthemselves; but Charles spared the lives of the Saracens that consentedto be baptized; the rest he put to the edge of the sword. The report ofthis miracle induced all their countrymen to surrender their cities, andconsent to pay tribute to the Emperor. Thus was the whole land soonsubdued. 

The Saracens were amazed to see the French well clothed, accomplished intheir manners and persons, and strictly faithful to their treaties; theygave them therefore a peaceful and honourable reception, dismissing allthoughts of war. The Emperor, after frequently visiting the shrine ofSt. James, came to Ferrol, and, fixing his lance in the sea, returnedthanks to God and the Apostle for having brought him to this place, though he could then proceed no further. 

The Pagan nations, after the first preaching of St. James and hisdisciples, were converted by Archbishop Turpin, and by the grace of Godbaptized; but those who refused to embrace the faith were either slainor made slaves by the Christians. Turpin then traversed all Spain fromsea to sea. 

CHAPTER IV. 

_Of the idol Mahomet. _

The Emperor utterly destroyed the idols and images in Spain, except theidol in Andalusia, called Salamcadis. Cadis properly signifies the placeof an island, but in Arabic it means God. The Saracens had a traditionthat the idol Mahomet, which they worshipped, was made by himself inhis lifetime; and that by the help of a legion of devils it was by magicart endued with such irresistible strength, that it could not be broken. If any Christian approached it he was exposed to great danger; but whenthe Saracens came to appease Mahomet, and make their supplications tohim, they returned in safety. The birds that chanced to light upon itwere immediately struck dead. 

There is, moreover, on the margin of the sea an ancient stone excellentlysculptured after the Saracenic fashion; broad and square at the bottom, but tapering upward to the height that a crow generally flies, having onthe top an image of gold, admirably cast in the shape of a man, standingerect, with a certain great key in his hand, which the Saracens say wasto fall to the ground immediately after the birth of a King of Gaul, whowould overrun all Spain with a Christian army, and totally subdue it. Wherefore it was enjoined them, whenever that happened, to fly thecountry, and bury their jewels in the earth. 

CHAPTER V. 

_Of the Churches the King built. _

Charles remained three years in these parts, and with the gold given himby the kings and princes greatly enlarged the church of the blessed St. James, appointing an Abbot and Canons of the order of St. Isidore, martyr and confessor, to attend it: he enriched it likewise with bells, books, robes, and other gifts. With the residue of the immense quantityof gold and silver, he built many churches on his return from Spain;namely, of the blessed Virgin in Aix-la-Chapelle, of St. James inThoulouse, and another in Gascony, between the city commonly called Aix, after the model of St. John's at Cordova, in the Jacobine road; thechurch likewise of St. James at Paris, between the river Seine andMontmartre, besides founding innumerable abbeys in all parts of theworld. 

CHAPTER VI. 

_Of the King's Return to France, and of Argolander, King of the Africans. _

After the King's return from Spain, a certain Pagan King, calledArgolander, recovered the whole country with his army, driving theEmperor's soldiers from the towns and garrisons, which led him to marchback his troops, under their General, Milo de Angleris. 

CHAPTER VII. 

_Of the false Executor. _

But the judgment inflicted on a false executor deserves to be recorded, as a warning to those who unjustly pervert the alms of the deceased. When the King's army lay at Bayonne, a certain soldier, calledRomaricus, was taken grievously ill, and, being at the point of death, received the eucharist and absolution from a priest, bequeathing hishorse to a certain kinsman, in trust, to dispose of for the benefit ofthe priest and the poor. But when he was dead his kinsman sold it for ahundred pence, and spent the money in debauchery. But how soon doespunishment follow guilt! Thirty days had scarcely elapsed when theapparition of the deceased appeared to him in his sleep, uttering thesewords: "How is it you have so unjustly misapplied the alms entrusted toyou for the redemption of my soul? Do you not know they would haveprocured the pardon of my sins from God? I have been punished for yourneglect thirty days in fire; to-morrow you shall be plunged in the sameplace of torment, but I shall be received into Paradise. " The apparitionthen vanished, and his kinsman awoke in extreme terror. 

On the morrow, as he was relating the story to his companions, and thewhole army was conversing about it, on a sudden a strange uncommonclamour, like the roaring of lions, wolves, and calves, was heard in theair, and immediately a troop of demons seized him in their talons, andbore him away alive. What further? Horse and foot sought him four daystogether in the adjacent mountains and valleys to no purpose; but thetwelfth day after, as the army was marching through a desert part ofNavarre, his body was found lifeless, and dashed to pieces, on thesummit of some rocks, a league above the sea, about four days' journeyfrom the city. There the demons left the body, bearing the soul away tohell. Let this be a warning, then, to all that follow his example totheir eternal perdition. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

_Of the War of the Holy Facundus, where the Spears grew. _

Charles and Milo, his General, now marched after Argolander into Spain, and found him in the fields of the river, where a castle stands in themeadows, in the best part of the whole plain, where afterwards a churchwas built in honour of the blessed martyrs Facundus and Primitivus;where likewise their bodies rest, an abbey was founded, and a citybuilt. When the King's army advanced, Argolander wished to decide thecontest by set combat between twenties, forties, hundreds, thousands, oreven by two champions only. Charles willingly consented, and marched ahundred of his soldiers against a hundred Saracens, when all of themwere slain. Argolander then sent two hundred, who shared the same fate. Two thousand were then led against two thousand, part of whom wereslain, and the rest fled. But on the third day Argolander cast lots, and, knowing that evil fortune threatened the Emperor, sent him word hewould draw out his whole army on the open plain, on the morrow, whichchallenge was accepted. 

Then did this miracle happen. Certain of the Christians, who carefullyhad been furbishing their arms against the day of battle, fixed theirspears in the evening erect in the ground before the castle in themeadow, near the river, and found them early in the morning covered withbark and branches. Those, therefore, that were about to receive the palmof martyrdom were greatly astonished at this event, ascribing it todivine power. Then cutting off their spears close to the ground, theroots that remained shot out afresh, and became lofty trees, which maybe still seen flourishing there, chiefly ash. All this denoted joy tothe soul, but loss to the body; for now the battle commenced, and fortythousand Christians were slain, together with Milo, their General, thefather of Orlando. The King's horse was likewise slain under him; butCharles resolutely continued the fight on foot, and with two thousandChristians gallantly hewed his way through the Saracens, cleaving manyof them asunder from the shoulders to the waist. 

The following day both Christians and Saracens remained quietly in theircamps, but the day after four Marquisses brought four thousand freshtroops from Italy to the King's assistance; whereupon Argolanderretreated with his army to Leon, and Charles led back his forces toFrance. 

And here it is proper to observe we should strive for Christ's blessing;for as the soldiers prepared their arms against the day of battle, so wein like manner should prepare ours, namely, our virtues to resist ourpassions. For he that would oppose faith to infidelity, brotherly loveto hatred, charity to avarice, humility to pride, chastity to lust, prayer to temptation, perseverance to instability, peace to strife, obedience to a carnal disposition, must fortify his soul with grace, andprepare his spear to flourish against the day of judgment. Triumphantindeed will he be in heaven who conquers on earth! As the King'ssoldiers died for their faith, so should we die to sin, and live inholiness in this world, that we may receive the palm of glory in thenext, which shall be the reward of those who fight manfully againsttheir three grand adversaries, the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. 

CHAPTER IX. 

_Of King Argolander's Army. _

Argolander now assembled together innumerable nations of Saracens, Moors, Moabites, Parthians, Africans, and Persians: Texephin, King ofArabia; Urabell, King of Alexandria; Avitus, King of Bugia; Ospin, Kingof Algarve; Facin, King of Barbary; Ailis, King of Malclos; Manuo, Kingof Mecca; Ibrahim, King of Seville; and Almanzor, King of Cordova. Then, marching to the city of Agen, he took it, and sent word to Charles hewould give him sixty horse-load of gold, silver, and jewels, if he wouldacknowledge his right to the sceptre. But Charles returned this answer, "that he would acknowledge him no otherwise than by slaying him wheneverit should be his chance to meet him in battle. "

The Emperor had by this time approached within four miles of Agen, when, secretly dismissing his army, he proceeded with only sixty soldiers tothe mountain near the city. There he left them, and changing his dress, came with his shield reversed, after the custom of messengers in time ofwar, accompanied by one soldier only to the city; and when the peopleinquired his business, he informed them he had brought a message fromKing Charles to Argolander, whereupon he was admitted into his presence, and addressed him in these words: "My King bids me say, you may expectto see him, provided you will come out with only sixty of your people tomeet him. " Now Argolander little thought it was Charles himself to whomhe was speaking, who all the while took especial note of his person, andof the weakest parts of the walls of the city, as well as of theauxiliary kings that were then within it. Argolander then armed himself, and Charles rejoined his sixty soldiers, and soon after the two thousandthat at first accompanied him. But Argolander came out with seventhousand men, thinking to slay the Emperor, but was himself compelled tofly. 

The King then recruited his army, and besieged the city for six months. On the seventh his battering rams, wooden castles, and other engines, were ready to storm it; but Argolander and the rest of the Kings madetheir escape in the night through the common sewers, and, passing up theGaronne, got clear off. Charles entered the city in triumph the nextday, and slew ten thousand of the remaining Saracens. 

CHAPTER X. 

_Of the City of Xaintonge, where the Spears grew. _

Argolander now came to Xaintonge, at that time under the dominion of theSaracens; but Charles pursuing him, summoned him to restore the city, which Argolander refused, resolving first to fight, and that it shouldbe the conqueror's reward. But on the eve of battle, when the batteringrams were ready to attack the castle in the meadows, called Taleburg, and that part of the city near the river Carenton, certain of theChristians fixed their spears in the ground before the castle, and onthe morrow found them covered with bark and branches. Those thereforethat were to receive the crown of martyrdom perished in the fight, afterslaying a multitude of the Saracens, namely, about four thousand men. The King's horse was likewise slain under him, but valiantly placinghimself at the head of his infantry, he slew so many of his enemies thatthey were forced back into the city, which Charles invested on everyside but the river, through which Argolander made his escape, with theloss of the Kings of Algarve and Bugia, and about four thousand of hisarmy. 

CHAPTER XI. 

_Of Argolander's Flight, and of the King's Warriors. _

Argolander fled beyond the passes of the Pyrenees, and came toPampeluna, where he sent Charles word he would stay for him. Charlesthen returned to France, and with the utmost diligence summoned histroops from all parts to his assistance, proclaiming free pardon to allbanished persons, on condition they would join him against the Pagans. What further? He liberated all the prisoners; made the poor rich;clothed the naked; reconciled the disaffected; bestowed honours on thedisinherited; preferred the most experienced to the best commands;making friends of enemies, and associating both the civilized and thebarbarian in the war of Spain, uniting them through the favour of God inthe bond of love. Then did I, Turpin, absolve them from their sins, andgive them my benediction. 

These are the names of the warriors that attended the King:--Turpin, Archbishop of Rheims, who by the precepts of Christ, and for hisfaith's sake, brought the people to fight valiantly, fighting likewisehimself hand to hand with the Saracens. Orlando, General of the wholearmy, Count of Mans and Lord of Guienne, the King's nephew, son of Milode Angleris and Bertha the King's sister. His soldiers were fourthousand. Another Orlando likewise, of whom we are silent. Oliver, aGeneral also, and a valiant soldier, renowned for strength and skill inwar, led three thousand troops. Aristagnus, King of Brittany, seventhousand. Another King of Brittany, of whom little mention is made. Angelerus, Duke of Aquitaine, brought four thousand valiant bowmen. Atthis time likewise there was in the city of Poictiers another Duke ofAquitaine, but Angelerus was the son of Gascon, Duke of the city ofAquitaine, lying between Limorge, Bourges, and Poictiers, which cityAugustus Cæsar founded; and the rest of the cities, as well as Xaintongeand Angoulême, with their provinces, were subject to it; the wholecountry was also called Aquitaine. But after the death of its lord, whoperished with all his people in the fatal battle of Ronceval, it wasnever fresh colonized, and fell utterly to ruin. 

Gayfere, King of Bordeaux, led three thousand warriors. Galerus, GalinusSolomon, Estolfo's friend and companion; Baldwin, Orlando's brother, Galdebode, King of Friezeland, led seven thousand heroes; Ocellus, Countof Nantes, two thousand, who achieved many memorable actions, celebratedin songs to this day. Lambert, Count of Berry, led two thousand men. Rinaldo of the White Thorn, Vulterinus Garinus, Duke of Lorraine, fourthousand. Hago, Albert of Burgundy, Berard de Miblis, Gumard, Esturinite, Theodoric, Juonius, Beringaire, Hato, and Ganalon, who afterwards provedthe traitor, attended the King into Spain. The army of the King's ownterritory was forty thousand horse and foot innumerable. 

These were all famous heroes and warriors, mighty in battle, illustrious in worldly honour, zealous soldiers of Christ, that spreadhis name far and near, wherever they came. For even as our Lord and histwelve Apostles subdued the world by their doctrine, so did Charles, King of the French and Emperor of the Romans, recover Spain to the gloryof God. And now the troops, assembling in Bordeaux, overspread thecountry for the space of two days' journey, and the noise they made washeard at twelve miles distance. Arnold of Berlanda first traversed thepass of the Pyrenees, and came to Pampeluna. Then came Astolfo, followedby Aristagnus; Angelerus, Galdebode, Ogier the King, and Constantine, with their several divisions. Charles and his troops brought up therear, covering the whole land from the river of Rume to the mountains, that lie three leagues beyond them on the Compostella road. They nowhalted for eight days. In the interval Charles sent Argolander word, ifhe would restore the city he had built, he would return home, orotherwise wage cruel war against him: but Argolander, finding he couldnot keep possession of the city, resolved to march out, rather thantamely perish in it. Charles then granted him a truce to draw out hisarmy and prepare for battle; expressing moreover his willingness to seehim face to face, as Argolander wished. 

CHAPTER XII. 

_Of the Truce, and of the Discourse between the King and Argolander. _

A truce thus being granted, Argolander drew out his people from thecity, and attended by sixty guards came into the King's presence, whowas at this time encamped about a mile from Pampeluna. The two armiesoccupied a spacious plain six miles square, separated by the main roadto Compostella. 

When Charles perceived Argolander, he addressed him in these words:

"You are, then, he that have fraudulently taken possession of myterritories in Spain and Gascony, which I conquered by the favour ofGod, and reduced to the faith of Christ. You have perverted the princesfrom my allegiance, and slain the Christians with the edge of the sword. Availing yourself of my return to Gaul, you have destroyed my towns andcastles, and laid waste the territory with fire and sword. At present, therefore, you have the advantage of me. "

Now when Argolander heard the King speak in the Arabic tongue, he wasgreatly pleased and astonished, for Charles had learnt it in his youthin the city of Thoulouse, where he had spent some time. Argolander thenanswered in these terms: "I wonder you should reason thus, for theterritory did not belong to you; neither was it your father's, grandfather's, or great-grandfather's. Why then did you take possessionof it?" "Because, " replied Charles, "our Lord Jesus Christ, the creatorof heaven and earth, elected us in preference to others, and gave usdominion over all the earth: therefore I endeavoured to convert theSaracens to the Christian faith. "--"It would be unworthy of us to submitto you, " rejoined Argolander, "when our own faith is best. We haveMahomet, a prophet of God, whose precepts we obey. Therefore we have apowerful God, who through his prophet has declared his will, and by himwe live and reign. " "O Argolander, " said the King, "how widely do youerr! You follow the vain precepts of a man; we believe and worshipFather, Son, and Holy Ghost: you worship mortal man. After death oursouls are received into Paradise, and enjoy everlasting life, but yoursdescend to the abyss of hell. Wherefore our faith is evidently best. Accept then baptism, or fight and perish. "

"Far be it from me, " said Argolander, "to accept baptism, and denyMahomet and my God! But I will fight you on these terms: if your faithis best, you shall gain the victory, otherwise heaven shall give it tome; and let shame be the portion of the conquered, but eternal gloryreward the conqueror. Furthermore, if my people are subdued, and Isurvive the contest, I will receive baptism. "

These terms being mutually agreed, twenty Christians were sent againsttwenty Saracens, and the battle commenced. What further? Nearly all theSaracens fell. Forty were then sent against forty, and they weredefeated also. A hundred then fought together; but the Saracens turnedtheir backs from the face of the Christians, and were all slain. Are notthese Christians then types for us? Does it not argue that we likewiseshould fight manfully against our sins; should face our spiritualenemies, and never ignobly yield to them, since they will infalliblylead us into perdition? He only, says the Apostle, shall receive thecrown that fights the good fight, and overcomes. 

Two hundred Saracens were then sent out, and were all slain; lastly athousand, who shared the same fate. A truce being then granted, Argolander promised to be baptized on the morrow with all his people, and, calling his Kings and Captains together, told them his intention, to which they likewise assented, few only refusing to follow hisexample. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

_Of the King's Banquet, and of the Poor, at whom Argolander took sogreat Offence that he refused to be Baptized. _

On the third day Argolander attended the King, as he promised, and foundhim at dinner. Many tables were spread at which the guests were sitting;some in military uniform; some in black; some in Priests' habits; whichArgolander perceiving, inquired what they were? "Those you see in robesof one colour, " replied the King, "are priests and bishops of our holyreligion, who expound the gospel to us, absolve us from our offences, and bestow heavenly benediction. Those in black are monks and abbots;all of them holy men, who implore incessantly the divine favour in ourbehalf. " But in the meantime Argolander espying thirty poor men in meanhabiliments, without either table or table-cloth, sitting and eatingtheir scanty meals upon the ground, he inquired what they were? "These, "replied the King, "are people of God, the messengers of our Lord Jesus, whom in his and his Apostles names we feed daily. " Argolander then madethis reply: "The guests at your table are happy; they have plenty of thebest food set before them; but those you call the messengers of God, whom you feed in his name, are ill fed, and worse clothed, as if theywere of no estimation. Certainly he must serve God but indifferently whotreats his messengers in this manner, and thus do you prove yourreligion false. " Argolander then refused to be baptized, and, returningto his army, prepared for battle on the morrow. 

Charles, seeing the mischief his neglect of these poor men had occasioned, ordered them to be decently clothed and better fed. Here then we maynote the Christian incurs great blame who neglects the poor. If Charles, from inattention to their comfort, thereby lost the opportunity ofconverting the Saracens, what will be the lot of those who treat themstill worse? They will hear this sentence pronounced--"Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire; for I was an hungered, and ye gave meno meat; naked, and ye clothed me not. "

We must consider likewise that our faith in Christ is of little valuewithout good works. As the body, says the Apostle, without the soul isdead, so is faith dead if it produce not good fruit. And as the PaganKing refused baptism because he found something wrong after it, so ourLord, I fear, will refuse our baptism at the day of judgment ifsuperfluity of faults be found in us. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

_Of the Battle of Pampeluna, and Argolander's Death. _

Both armies now prepared for battle in the morning, contending for theirdifferent faiths. The King mustered one hundred and thirty thousandmen, but Argolander only one hundred thousand. The Christians formedthemselves into four squadrons; the Saracens into five; whose firstcorps being speedily discomfited, they all joined in one phalanx, withArgolander in the midst. The Christians then surrounded them on allsides. First Arnaldo de Berlanda and his troops; then Astolfo; nextAristagnus, Galdebode, Ogier, and Constantine; lastly the King himself, and his innumerable warriors. Arnaldo was the first that broke in uponthe enemy, overthrowing them right and left till he reached Argolanderhimself in the centre, and slew him with his own hand. Then ensued agreat shout, and the Christians, rushing in upon the Saracens, slew themon all sides, making so great a slaughter that none escaped but theKings of Seville and Cordova, and a few of their troops. So great, indeed, was the effusion of blood, that the Christians waded in it totheir very knees. They slew likewise all the Saracens left in the city. Charles fought for the faith, and therefore triumphed over Argolander. Note then, O Christian, that whatsoever thou undertakest thou likewiseshalt accomplish if thou hast faith, for all things are possible to themthat believe. Greatly rejoiced at this victory, the King marchedforward, and came to the bridge of Arge in the Compostella road. 

CHAPTER XV. 

_Of the Christians that returned unlawfully to Spoil the Dead. _

Certain of the Christians however, coveting the spoils of the dead, returned that same night to the field of battle, and loaded themselveswith heaps of gold and silver. But as they were returning to the camp, Almanzor, King of Cordova, who had fled for refuge to the mountains withthe Saracens that made their escape, came pouring down, and slew themall to the number of a thousand men. These, then, are types of such asstrive against sin, but afterwards relapse; who, when they have overcome, continue not stedfast, but seek unlawful pleasures, suffering themselvesto be mastered in turn by their grand adversary. So likewise the religious, that forsake their vocations to re-engage in worldly concerns andprofits, lose the reward of eternal life, and entail upon themselveseverlasting perdition. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

_Of the War of Furra. _

The day after the King was informed that a certain King of Navarre, called Furra, designed to fight him at Mount Garzim. Charles thereforeprepared for battle; but desiring to know who should perish in it, heentreated the Lord to show him; whereupon in the morning a red crossappeared on their shoulders behind. In order therefore to preserve them, he confined them in his Oratory. Then joining battle, Furra and threethousand of his troops were slain. These were all Saracens of Navarre. The King now returned to his Oratory, but found them all dead that hehad left in it, to the number of one hundred and fifty men. 

"O holy band of Christian warriors, though the sword slew you not, yetdid you not lose the palm of victory, or the prize of martyrdom!"Charles then made himself master of the mountain and castle of Garzim, and subdued the whole country of Navarre. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

_Of the War with Ferracute, and of Orlando's admirable Dispute with him. _

Charles now received news that a certain Giant, of the name of Ferracute, of the race of Goliath, was come to Nager, sent thither by Admiraldus, with twenty thousand Turks of Babylon, to fight him. This Giant neitherfeared spear nor dart, and was stronger than forty men. Charlestherefore marched to Nager, and Ferracute, hearing of his arrival, sallied out from the city to challenge any warrior to single combat. 

Charles then sent Ogier the Dacian, whom the Giant no sooner perceived, than, leisurely approaching, he caught him up under his right arm, aseasily as he would a lamb, and bore him off in sight of all his friendsto the city; for the Giant's stature was twelve cubits; his face a cubitlong; his nose a palm; his arms and thighs four cubits; and his fingersthree palms in length. 

Rinaldo of the White Thorn was next sent against him, but he seized himin like manner, and imprisoned him with Ogier. The King then sentConstantine and Ocellus, but, seizing one under each arm, he bore themoff likewise. He then sent twenty warriors by pairs against him, butthey shared the same fate. Charles dared not then venture to send morewarriors: but Orlando with the King's permission approached the Giant, who seized him instantly by the right arm, and seated him upon his steedbefore him. 

But as he was bearing him to the city, Orlando, recovering his strength, and trusting in the Almighty, seized the Giant by the beard, and tumbledhim from his horse, so that both came to the ground together. Orlando, then, thinking to slay the Giant, drew his sword, and struck at him, butthe blow fell upon his steed, and pierced him through. The Giant beingthus on foot, drew his enormous sword, which Orlando perceiving, who hadremounted his own charger, struck him on the sword arm, and, though hedid not wound him, struck the sword out of his hand; which greatlyenraging Ferracute, he aimed a blow at Orlando with his fist, but, missing him, hit his horse on the forehead, and laid him dead on thespot. And now the fight lasted till noon with fists and stones. TheGiant then demanded a truce till next day, agreeing to meet Orlandowithout horse or spear. Each warrior then retired to his post. 

Next morning they accordingly met once more. The Giant brought a sword, but Orlando a long staff to ward off the Giant's blows, who weariedhimself to no purpose. They now began to batter each other with stones, that lay scattered about the field, till at last the Giant begged asecond truce, which being granted, he presently fell fast asleep uponthe ground. Orlando, taking a stone for a pillow, quietly laid himselfdown also. For such was the law of honour between the Christians andSaracens at that time, that no one on any pretence dared to takeadvantage of his adversary before the truce was expired, as in that casehis own party would have slain him. 

When Ferracute awoke, he found Orlando awake also, who thereupon rose, and seated himself by the Giant's side, inquiring how it came to pass hewas so very strong? "Because, " replied the Giant, "I am only vulnerablein the navel. " Ferracute spoke in the Spanish language, which Orlandounderstanding tolerably well, a conversation now followed between them, which Ferracute recommenced by inquiring his name, which Orlando toldhim. "And what race are you of?" said the Giant. "Of the race of theFranks. "--"What law do you follow?" "The law of Christ, so far as hisgrace permits me. "--"Who is this Christ in whom you profess to believe?""The Son of God, born of a Virgin, who took upon him our nature, wascrucified for us, rose again from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where he sitteth on the right hand of his Father. "

"We believe, " said Ferracute, "that the Creator of heaven and earth isone God, and that, as he was not made himself, so cannot another Godspring from him. There is therefore only one God, not three, as Iunderstand you Christians profess. " "You say well, " said Orlando; "thereis but one God, but your faith is imperfect; for as the Father is God, so likewise is the Son, and so is the Holy Ghost. Three persons, but oneGod. "--"Nay, " said Ferracute: "if each of these three persons be God, there must be three Gods. "

"By no means, " replied Orlando; "he is both three and one. The threepersons are co-eternal and co-equal. There is indeed distinction ofperson, but unity of essence, and equality of majesty. Abraham sawthree, but worshipped one. Let us recur to natural things. When the harpsounds, there is the art, the strings, and the hand, yet but one harp. In the almond there is the shell, the coat, and the kernel. In the sun, the body, the beams, and the heat. In the wheel, the centre, the spokes, and the nave. In you, likewise, there is the body, the members, and thesoul. In like manner may Trinity in Unity be ascribed to God. "

"I now comprehend, " replied Ferracute, "how God may be three in one, butI know not how he begot the Son. " "Do you, " answered Orlando, "believethat God made Adam?"--"I do. " "Adam himself was not, then, born of any, and yet he begot sons. So God the Father is born of none, yet of his ownineffable grace begot the Son from all eternity. "--"Your arguments, "said the Giant, "please me exceedingly, but still I am at a loss toknow how he that was God became man. " "The Creator of heaven and earth, who made all things out of nothing, could certainly, " said Orlando, "engender his Son of a pure Virgin, by divine afflation. "--"There liesthe difficulty, " returned Ferracute, "how without human aid, as youaffirm, he could spring from the womb. " "Surely, " said Orlando, "God, who formed Adam from no seed, could form his Son in like manner; and asfrom God the Father he was without Mother, so from his Mother did hespring without an earthly Father. "--"It makes me blush, " said the Giant, "to think that a virgin should conceive without a man. " "He, " answeredOrlando, "that causes the worm in the bean, and many species of birds, beasts, and serpents, to engender without the help of the male, couldprocure God and Man of a pure Virgin without the help of Man. For as hispower enabled him to produce the first man from the ground, so could heproduce the second from a virgin. "--"I grant it, " replied the Giant; "hemight be born of a virgin; but if he was the Son of God, how could hedie, for God never dies?" "That indeed is true, " said Orlando; "as God, he could not die; but when he took our nature upon him, and was mademan, he became subject to death, for every man dies. As we believe hisnativity, so may we likewise believe his passion and resurrection. "

"And what is it we are to believe of his resurrection?" inquiredFerracute. "That he died, and rose again the third day. "--The Giant, hearing this, was greatly astonished, and exclaimed to Orlando, "Why doyou talk so idly? It is impossible that a man, after he is once dead, can return to life again. " "Not only did the Son of God rise from thedead, " replied Orlando, "but all the men that have died since thecreation of the world shall rise again, and appear before his tribunal, where they shall be rewarded everyone according to his deeds, whetherthey be good or evil. That God, who makes the tree spring from the soil, and the grain of wheat to rot in the ground, that it may revive withfresh increase, can at the last day clothe the souls of men with theirown bodies, and restore them to life. Take the mystic example of thelion, which on the third day revives his dead cubs with his breath bylicking them. What wonder, then, that God should after three days revivehis Son? Nor ought it to seem strange that, as the Son of God rose fromthe dead, many others of the dead should rise even before his ownresurrection. If Elijah and Elisha by the power of God could performthis miracle, how much more easily could the Father restore the Son, whom it was indeed impossible that Death could retain in his fetters. Death fled at his sight, as he shall fly likewise at the sound of hisvoice, when the whole phalanx of the dead shall rise again. "--"Enough, "said Ferracute, "I clearly perceive all this; but how could he ascendinto heaven?" "He that descended, " answered Orlando, "could easilyascend. He that rose of himself could enter the skies in triumph. Doesnot the wheel of the mill descend low, and return to its height again?Does not the bird in the air ascend and descend? Can you not yourselfcome down from a mountain, and return thither? Did not the sun yesterdayrise in the east and set in the west, and yet rise again in the eastto-day? To that place from whence the Son of God descended, did helikewise ascend. "

"Well, " said Ferracute, "to end our arguments, I will fight you on theseterms: If the faith you profess be the true faith, you shall conquer;otherwise the victory shall be mine; and let the issue be eternal honourto the conqueror, but dishonour to the vanquished. " "Be it so!" saidOrlando: whereupon they immediately fell to blows. But the very firstwhich the Giant aimed at him would have certainly been fatal, if Orlandohad not nimbly leaped aside, and caught it on his staff, which washowever cut in twain. The Giant, seeing his advantage, then rushed inupon him, and both came to the ground together. Orlando then, finding itimpossible to escape, instantly implored the divine assistance, and, feeling himself re-invigorated, sprung upon his feet, when, seizingthe Giant's sword, he thrust it into his navel, and made his escape. Ferracute, finding himself mortally wounded, called aloud upon Mahomet;which the Saracens hearing, sallied from the city, and bore him off intheir arms. Orlando returned safe to the camp; the Christians thenboldly attacked the city, and carried it by storm. The Giant and hispeople were slain, his castle taken, and all the Christian warriorsliberated. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

_The War of the Masks. _

Soon after the Emperor heard that Ibrahim, King of Seville, and Almanzor, who escaped from the battle of Pampeluna, had gathered together atCordova a body of troops from seven[1] of the neighbouring cities ofSeville. Thither then did the King pursue his march with six thousandmen, and found the Saracens, ten thousand strong, about three miles fromthe city. The King formed his army into three divisions. The firstcomposed of his best troops, all cavalry; the two last, foot. TheSaracens formed theirs in a similar manner. But when the King in personadvanced against the first squadrons of Pagans, he found them alldisguised in bearded masks, with horns upon their heads, like demons, making so strange a din with their hands upon their drums and otherinstruments, that the horses were terrified, and galloped back in spiteof all their riders could do to prevent them. Whereupon the footretreated likewise to an adjacent mountain, where, uniting in onesquadron, they stopped for the Saracens, who would then advance nofurther, but gave our people time to pitch their tents, and encamp thatnight. 

Charles then called a council of his captains, and agreed to tiebandages over their horses' eyes, and to stuff their ears, in order todisconcert this stratagem on the morrow. Admirable experiment! For nowwe fought the enemy from morning till night, and slew a great number, though it was by no means a general slaughter; for the Saracens, againjoining in martial array, brought forward a castle, drawn by eight oxen, with a certain red banner waving upon it, which so long as they sawpresent, it was their rule never to fly. The King, knowing this, armedhimself with a strong breast-plate, a mighty spear, and invinciblesword, and, aided by divine assistance, hewed his way through hisenemies, overturning them to right and left, till he reached the car, when, cutting the flag-pole with his sword, the Saracens instantly fledin all directions. Prodigious shouts were made by both armies. We thenslew eight thousand Moors, together with Ibrahim, King of Seville. Almanzor made good his retreat into the city, but submitted to Charlesthe day after, consenting to be baptized, and to do homage for hisdominions. 

The King now divided the conquered countries of Spain amongst hissoldiers. Navarre and Bearn he gave to the inhabitants of Brittany;Castile to the Franks; Nadres and Saragossa to the Apulians; Arragon tothe Ponthieuse; Andalusia, on the sea-coast, to the Germans; andPortugal to the Dacians and Flemings. But the French would not settlein the mountain parts of Gallicia. Thus there seemed to be no more foesin Spain to hurt the Emperor. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

_Of the Council the Emperor summoned; and of his Journey toCompostella. _

Charles then sent away the greatest part of his troops, and came toGallicia, where he behaved very liberally to the Christians he foundthere, but either put to death or banished those that had revolted tothe Moorish faith. He then appointed bishops and prelates in every city, and, assembling a council of the chief dignitaries in Compostella, decreed that the church of St. James should be henceforth considered asthe Metropolitan, instead of Iria, as it was no city, subjecting Irialikewise to Compostella. In the same council I, Turpin, Archbishop ofRheims, together with forty other Bishops and Prelates, dedicated, bythe King's command, the church and altar of St. James, with extraordinarysplendour and magnificence. All Spain and Gallicia were made subject tothis holy place: it was moreover endowed with four pieces of money fromevery house throughout the kingdom, and at the same time totally freedfrom the royal jurisdiction; being from that hour styled the ApostolicSee, as the body of the holy Apostle laid entombed within it. Herelikewise the general councils of Spain are held; the Bishops ordained, and the Kings crowned by the hand of the Metropolitan Bishop, to theApostle's honour. Here too, when any crying sin is committed, orinnovations made in the faith and precepts of our Lord, through themeritoriousness of this venerable edifice the grievance is discovered, and atonement made. As the Eastern Apostolic See was established by St. John, the brother of St. James, at Ephesus, so was the Westernestablished by St. James. 

And those Sees are undoubtedly the true Sees. Ephesus on the right handof Christ's earthly kingdom, and Compostella on the left, both whichfell to the share of the sons of Zebedee, according to their request. There are, then, three Sees which are deservedly held pre-eminent, evenas our Lord gave the pre-eminence to the three Apostles, Peter, James, and John, who first established them. And certainly these three placesshould be deemed more sacred than others, where they preached, andtheir bodies lie enshrined. Rome claims the superiority from Peter, Prince of the Apostles. Compostella holds the second place from St. James, the elder brother of St. John, and first inheritor of the crown ofmartyrdom. He dignified it with his preaching, consecrated it with hissepulchre, and ceases not to exalt it by miracles and dispensations ofmercy. The third See justly is Ephesus; for there St. John wrote hisgospel, "In the beginning was the Word, " assembling there likewise thebishops of the neighbouring cities, whom he calls Angels in theApocalypse. He established that church by his doctrines and miracles, and there his body was entombed. If, therefore, any difficulty shouldoccur that cannot elsewhere be resolved, let it be brought before theseSees, and it shall, by divine grace, be decided. As Gallicia was freedin these early ages from the Saracen yoke, by the favour of God and St. James, and by the King's valour, so may it continue firm in the orthodoxfaith till the consummation of ages!

CHAPTER XX. 

_Of the Emperor's Person and Courage. _

The Emperor was of a ruddy complexion, with brown hair; of a well-madehandsome form, but a stern visage. His height was about eight of his ownfeet, which were very long. He was of a strong robust make; his legs andthighs very stout, and his sinews firm. His face was thirteen incheslong; his beard a palm; his nose half a palm; his forehead a foot over. His lion-like eyes flashed fire like carbuncles; his eyebrows were halfa palm over. When he was angry, it was a terror to look upon him. Herequired eight spans for his girdle, besides what hung loose. He atesparingly of bread; but a whole quarter of lamb, two fowls, a goose, ora large portion of pork; a peacock, crane, or a whole hare. He drankmoderately of wine and water. He was so strong, that he could at asingle blow cleave asunder an armed soldier on horseback from the headto the waist, and the horse likewise. He easily vaulted over four horsesharnessed together; and could raise an armed man from the ground to hishead, as he stood erect upon his hand. 

He was liberal, just in his decrees, and fluent of speech. Four days inthe year, especially during his residence in Spain, he held a solemnassembly at court, adorning himself with his royal crown and sceptre;namely, on Christmas-day, at Easter, Whitsuntide, and on the festival ofSt. James. A naked sword, after the imperial fashion, was then bornebefore him. A hundred and twenty orthodox soldiers matched nightly roundhis couch, in three courses of forty each. A drawn sword was laid at hisright hand, and a lighted candle at his left. Although many woulddelight to read his great actions, they would be too tedious to relate. How he invested Galifer, Admiral of Coleto, where he was banished, withthe military order, and, in return for his kindness, slew Bramantes, his enemy, the proud Saracen King; how many kingdoms and countrieshe conquered; Abbeys he founded; bodies of the saints and relics heenshrined in gold; how he was made Emperor of Rome, and visited the holysupulchre, bringing back with him the wood of the Holy Cross, wherewithhe endowed the shrine of St. James; of all this I shall say no more: thehand and the pen would sooner fail than the history. But what befel hisarmy at his return to France, we now briefly proceed to tell. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

_Of the Treachery of Ganalon; the Battle of Ronceval, and the Sufferingsof the Christian Warriors. _

When this famous Emperor had thus recovered Spain to the glory of ourLord and St. James, after a season he returned to Pampeluna, andencamped there, with his army. At that time there were in Saragossa twoSaracen Kings, Marsir, and Beligard, his brother, sent by the Soldan ofBabylon from Persia to Spain. Charles had bowed them to his dominion, and they served him always, but only with feigned fidelity. For the Kinghaving sent Ganalon to require them to be baptized, and to pay tribute, they sent him thirty horse-load of gold, silver, and jewels; forty loadof wine likewise for his soldiers, and a thousand beautiful Saracenwomen. But at the same time they covenanted with Ganalon to betray theKing's army into their hands for twenty horse-load of gold and silver;which wicked compact being accordingly made, Ganalon returned to theKing with intelligence that Marsir would embrace the Christian faith, and was preparing to follow him into France to receive baptism there, and would then hold all Spain under oath of fealty to him. The oldsoldiers would accept the wine only, but the young men were highlygratified with the present of the women. 

Charles, confiding in Ganalon, now began his march through the pass ofthe mountains, in his return to France; giving the command of the rearto his nephew, Orlando, Count of Mans and Lord of Guienne, and toOliver, Count of Auvergne, ordering them to keep the station of Roncevalwith thirty thousand men, whilst he passed it with the rest of the army. But many, who had on the night preceding intoxicated themselves withwine, and been guilty of fornication with the Saracen women, and otherwomen that followed the camp from France, incurred the penalty of death. What more shall we say? When Charles had safely passed the narrow straitthat leads into Gascony, between the mountains, with twenty thousand ofhis warriors, Turpin, the Archbishop, and Ganalon, and while the rearkept guard, early in the morning Marsir and Beligard, rushing down fromthe hills, where, by Ganalon's advice, they had lain two days in ambush, formed their troops into two great divisions, and with the first oftwenty thousand men attacked our army, which making a bold resistance, fought from morning to the third hour, and utterly destroyed the enemy. But a fresh body of thirty thousand Saracens now poured furiously downupon the Christians, already faint and exhausted with fighting so long, and smote them from high to low, so that scarcely one escaped. Some weretranspierced with lances; some killed with clubs; others beheaded, burnt, flayed alive, or suspended on trees: only Orlando, Baldwin, andTheodoric, were left; the two last gained the woods, and finallyescaped. After this terrible slaughter the Saracens retreated a leaguefrom the field of battle. 

And here it may be asked, why God permitted those to perish who in nowise had defiled themselves with women? It was, indeed, to prevent themfrom committing fresh sins at their return home and to give them acrown of glory in reward for their toils. However neither is it to bedoubted but those who were guilty of this fault amply atoned for it bytheir death. In that awful hour they confessed his name, bewailing theirsins, and the all-merciful God forgot not their past labours for thesake of Christ, for whose faith they lost their lives. The company ofwomen is evidently baneful to the warrior: those earthly Princes Dariusand Mark Antony were attended by their women, and perished; for lust atonce enervates the soul and the body. 

Those who fell into intoxication and lasciviousness typify the prieststhat war against vice, but suffer themselves to be overcome by wine andsensual appetites till they are slain by their enemy the devil, andpunished with eternal death. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

_Of the Death of Marsir, and the Flight of Beligard. _

As Orlando was returning after the battle was over to view the Saracenarmy, he met a certain black Saracen, who had fled from the field, andconcealed himself in the woods, whom he seized and bound to a tree withfour bands. Then, ascending a lofty hill, he surveyed the Moorish army, and seeing likewise many Christians retreating by the Ronceval road heblew his horn, and was joined by about a hundred of them, with whom hereturned to the Saracen, and promised to give him his life if he wouldshow him Marsir; which having performed, he set him at liberty. Animating his little band, Orlando was soon amidst the thickest of theenemy, and finding one of larger stature than the rest, he hewed him andhis horse in twain, so that the halves fell different ways. Marsir andhis companions then fled in all directions, but Orlando, trusting in thedivine aid, rushed forward, and overcoming all opposition, slew Marsiron the spot. By this time every one of the Christians was slain, andOrlando himself sorely wounded in five places by lances, and grievouslybattered likewise with stones. Beligard, seeing Marsir had fallen, retired from the field with the rest of the Saracens; whilst Theodoricand Baldwin, and some few other Christians, made their way through thepass, towards which Orlando, wandering, came likewise to the foot of it, and, alighting from his steed, stretched himself on the ground, beneatha tree, near a block of marble, that stood upright in the meadows ofRonceval. 

Here drawing his sword, Durendal, which signifies a hard blow, a swordof exquisite workmanship, fine temper, and resplendent brightness, whichhe would sooner have lost his arm than parted with, as he held it in hishand, regarding it earnestly, addressed it in these words: "O sword ofunparalleled brightness, excellent dimensions, admirable temper, andhilt of the whitest ivory, decorated with a splendid cross of gold, topped by a berylline apple, engraved with the sacred name of God, endued with keenness and every other virtue, who now shall wield thee inbattle? who shall call thee master? He that possessed thee was neverconquered, never daunted at the foe; phantoms never appalled him. Aidedby Omnipotence, with thee did he destroy the Saracen, exalt the faith ofChrist, and acquire consummate glory. Oft hast thou vindicated the bloodof Jesus, against Pagans, Jews, and heretics; oft hewed off the hand andfoot of the robber, fulfilling divine justice. O happy sword, keenest ofthe keen; never was one like thee! He that made thee, made not thyfellow! Not one escaped with life from thy stroke! If the slothful timidsoldier should now possess thee, or the base Saracen, my grief would beunspeakable! Thus, then, do I prevent thy falling into their hands. "--Hethen struck the block of marble thrice, which cleft it in the midst, andbroke the sword in twain. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

_Of the Sound of Orlando's Horn; of his Confession, and Death. _

He now blew a loud blast with his horn, to summon any Christianconcealed in the adjacent woods to his assistance, or to recal hisfriends beyond the pass. This horn was endued with such power, that allother horns were split by its sound; and it is said that Orlando at thattime blew it with such vehemence, that he burst the veins and nerves ofhis neck. The sound reached the King's ears, who lay encamped in thevalley still called by his name, about eight miles from Ronceval, towards Gascony, being carried so far by supernatural power. Charleswould have flown to his succour, but was prevented by Ganalon, who, conscious of Orlando's sufferings, insinuated it was usual with him tosound his horn on light occasions. "He is, perhaps, " said he, "pursuingsome wild beast, and the sound echoes through the woods; it will befruitless, therefore, to seek him. " O wicked traitor, deceitful asJudas! What dost thou merit?

Orlando now grew very thirsty, and cried for water to Baldwin, who justthen approached him; but unable to find any, and seeing him so near hisend, he blessed him, and, again mounting his steed, galloped off forassistance to the army. Immediately after Theodoric came up, and, bitterly grieving to see him in this condition, bade him strengthen hissoul by confessing his faith. Orlando had that morning received theblessed Eucharist, and confessed his sins before he went to battle, thisbeing the custom with all the warriors at that time, for which purposebishops and monks attended the army to give them absolution. The martyrof Christ then cast up his eyes to heaven, and cried, "O Lord Jesus, forwhose sake I came into these barbarous regions; through thy aid onlyhave I conquered innumerable Pagans, enduring blows and wounds, reproach, derision, and fatigue, heat and cold, hunger and thirst. Tothee do I commit my soul in this trying hour. Thou, who didst suffer onthe cross for those who deserved not thy favour, deliver my soul, Ibeseech thee, from eternal death! I confess myself a most grievoussinner, but thou mercifully dost forgive our sins; thou pitiest everyone, and hatest nothing which thou hast made, covering the sins of thepenitent in whatsoever day they turn unto thee with true contrition. Othou, who didst spare thy enemies, and the woman taken in adultery; whodidst pardon Mary Magdalen, and look with compassion on the weepingPeter; who didst likewise open the gate of Paradise to the thief thatconfessed thee upon the cross; have mercy upon me, and receive my soulinto thy everlasting rest!

"Thou art he who preventest our bodies from perishing in the grave, changing them to greater glory; thou, O Lord, art he, who hast said, 'thou rather wouldst the sinner should live than die. ' I believe in theewith my whole heart, and confess thee with my lips; therefore I beseechthee to receive me into the enjoyment of a better life when this isended. Let my sense and intellects be in the same measure improved asthe shadow differs from the substance. " And now, grasping the flesh andskin near his heart (as Theodoric afterwards related), he continued hisspeech with bitter groanings. "O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, and ofthe blessed Virgin, with my inmost soul do I confess that thou, myRedeemer, dost live, and that at the day of judgment I shall rise, andin my flesh behold thee, my God and my Saviour!" And thrice, thusgrasping his breast, did he repeat those words; and, laying his handupon his eyes in like manner, he said, "And these eyes shall beholdthee!" Uncovering them, he again looked up to heaven, and, signinghimself with the sign of the cross, he uttered, "All earthly things arevain and unprofitable; I am now taught of Christ, that eye hath notseen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man toconceive, the good things that God hath prepared for them that lovehim. " Then, stretching his hands to heaven, he uttered this prayer forthem that perished in the battle:--

"Let thy bowels of compassion, O Lord, be open to thy faithful servants, who have this day perished by the hand of the barbarians. Hither didthey come to vindicate thy faith; for thy sake are they fallen. Do thou, O Lord, mercifully blot out their offences, accounting them worthy tobe delivered from the pains of hell. Send thy archangels to rescuetheir souls from darkness, and bear them to the regions of light, wherethy blessed martyrs eternally live and reign with thee, who dost liveand reign with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, to all ages. Amen!"--Immediately after this confession and prayer, his soul wingedits flight from his body, and was borne by angels to Paradise, where hereigns in transcendent glory, united by his meritorious deeds to theblessed choir of martyrs. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

_Of Orlando's Rank and Virtue. _

 No longer it becomes the heart to mourn A hero of immortal joys possessed; Of noble rank, and noble parents born, For nobler deeds in heaven with glory blest. 

 To none inferior, thine was native worth; Thy feet still tending to the temple's bounds; A glorious model to the wondering earth, A faithful balsam to thy country's wounds. 

 The Clergy's refuge, and the Widow's friend, Bounteous to guests, and liberal to the poor; To heaven thy parting steps may safely bend, Whose works have opened wide salvation's door. 

 Thy tongue the fount of heavenly eloquence, That still would slake the thirst, and never pall, Endowed with graceful wit, and manly sense, Proclaimed thee common father, friend of all. 

 Blest Chief, farewell! but not the marbled urn That holds thy ashes can thy soul contain: Our wondering eyes to heaven above we turn, Where thou for ever dost triumphant reign. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

_Archbishop Turpin's Vision, and the King's Lamentation for Orlando. _

What more shall we say? Whilst the soul of the blessed Orlando wasleaving his body, I, Turpin, standing near the King in the valley ofCharles, at the moment I was celebrating the mass of the dead, namely, on the 16th day of June, fell into a trance, and, hearing the angelicchoir sing aloud, I wondered what it might be. Now, when they hadascended on high, behold, there came after them a phalanx of terribleones, like warriors returning from the spoil, bearing their prey. Presently I inquired of one of them what it meant, and was answered, "Weare bearing the soul of Marsir to hell, but yonder is Michael bearingthe Horn-winder to heaven. " When mass was over, I told the King what Ihad seen; and whilst I was yet speaking, behold Baldwin rode up onOrlando's horse, and related what had befallen him, and where he hadleft the hero in the agonies of death, beside a stone in the meadows atthe foot of the mountain; whereupon the whole army immediately marchedback to Ronceval. 

The King himself first discovered the hero, lying in the form of across, and began to lament over him with bitter sighs and sobs, wringinghis hands, and tearing his hair and beard. "O right arm, " cried he, "ofthy Sovereign's body; honour of the French; sword of justice, inflexiblespear, inviolable breast-plate, shield of safety; a Judas Maccabeus inprobity, a Samson in strength; in death like Saul and Jonathan; brave, experienced soldier, great and noble defender of the Christians, scourgeof the Saracens; a wall to the clergy, the widow's and orphan's friend, just and faithful in judgment!--Renowned Count of the French, valiantcaptain of our armies, why did I leave thee here to perish? How can Ibehold thee dead, and not die myself? Why hast thou left me sorrowfuland alone? A poor miserable King! But thou art exalted to the kingdom ofheaven, and dost enjoy the company of angels and martyrs. Without ceaseI shall lament over thee, as David did over Saul and Jonathan, and hisson Absalom. 

 Thy soul is fled to happier scenes above, And left us mourning to lament thee here; Blest in thy God and Saviour's fav'ring love, Who wipes from every eye the trickling tear. 

 Six lustres and eight years thou dwelledst below, But snatched from earth to heaven, thou reign'st on high, Where feasts divine immortal spirits know, And joys transcendent fill the starry sky. "

Thus did Charles mourn for Orlando to the very last day of his life. Onthe spot where he died he encamped; and caused the body to be embalmedwith balsam, myrrh, and aloes. The whole camp watched it that night, honouring his corse with hymns and songs, and innumerable torches andfires kindled on the adjacent mountains. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

_How the Sun stood still for three Days; the Slaughter of four thousandSaracens; and the Death of Ganalon. _

Early on the next day they came to the field of battle in Ronceval, andfound the bodies of their friends, many of them still alive, butmortally wounded. Oliver was lying on his face, pinioned to the groundin the form of a cross, and flayed from the neck to his finger-ends;pierced also with darts and javelins, and bruised with clubs. Themourning was now dismal; every one wept for his friend, till the grovesand valleys resounded with wailing. Charles solemnly vowed to pursue thePagans till he found them; and, marching in pursuit with his whole army, the sun stood still for three days, till he overtook them on the banksof the Ebro, near Saragossa, feasting and rejoicing for their success. Attacking them valiantly, he then slew four thousand, and dispersed therest. What further? We now returned to Ronceval, bearing with us thesick and wounded to the spot where Orlando fell. The Emperor then madestrict inquiries after the treachery of Ganalon, which began to beuniversally rumoured about. Trial was ordained by single combat, Pinabelfor Ganalon, and Theodoric for the Accuser; when, the latter gaining thevictory, the treason was proved. Ganalon was now sentenced to be torn topieces by four wild horses, which was accordingly his end. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

_The Embalming of the Dead. _

They now embalmed the dead bodies of their friends; some with myrrh andbalsam, some with salt, taking out the bowels, and filling the bodieswith aromatic drugs, or with salt only. Some were buried on the spot;others conveyed to France; but many that became putrid and offensivewere buried on the road. Wooden carriages were made for the dead, butthe sick and wounded were borne away on litters upon their shoulders. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

_Of the consecrated Cemeteries of Arles and Bordeaux. _

Two chief burying grounds were now consecrated at Arles and Bordeaux byseven Bishops: Maximin of Aix, Trophimus of Arles, Paul of Narbonne, Saturnine of Thoulouse, Frontorne of Perigord, Martial of Limoges, andEutropius of Xaintonge; where the major part of the warriors wereinterred that fell in the battles of Ronceval and Mount Garzim. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

_Of the Burial of Orlando and his Companions at Blaye and other Places. _

Charles deferred the burial of Orlando till he came to Blaye. His bodywas laid upon gold tapestry on two mules, covered with a pall, and atlength honourably interred in the Church of St. Roman, which he hadformerly built, and endowed with regular canons. His helmet was placedupon his head, and his ivory horn at his feet. But the body wasafterwards translated to St. Severin in Bordeaux, the chief city ofthese provinces, where it was joyfully welcomed, as it had liberallytasted his munificence. 

At Blaye likewise was buried Oliver, and Galdebode, King of Friezeland;Ogier, King of Dacia; Aristagnus, King of Brittany; Garin, Duke ofLorraine; and many other warriors. Happy town, graced with the sepulchresof so many heroes! At Bordeaux, in the cemetery of St. Severin, wereburied Gayfere, King of Bordeaux; Angelerus, Duke of Aquitaine; Lambert, Prince of Bourges; Galerius Galin; Rinaldo of the White Thorn; Walterof the Olive Trees; Vulterinus, and five thousand of their soldiers. Ocellus, Count of Nantes, and most of the inhabitants of Brittany, wereburied in that city. Charles gave twelve thousand pieces of silver andtalents of gold for the repose of their souls, and fed the poor for manymiles round the city of Blaye; endowing the church likewise with richvestments and silver ornaments, for the love he bore Orlando; freeingthe Canons from all service but prayers for him and his companions. Hemoreover clothed and entertained thirty poor men on the anniversary oftheir martyrdom, establishing Minstrels, Masses, and other solemnities, which the Canons were not to neglect on that day, as they hoped to merita crown of glory, which they promised to perform. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

_Of those Buried at Arles. _

After this the King and his army proceeded by the way of Gascony andThoulouse, and came to Arles, where we found the army of Burgundy, which had left us in the hostile valley, bringing their dead by the wayof Morbihan and Thoulouse, to bury them in the plain of Arles. Here weperformed the rites of Estolfo, Count of Champagne; of Solomon; Sampson, Duke of Burgundy; Arnold of Berlanda; Alberic of Burgundy; Gumard, Esturinite, Hato, Juonius, Berard, Berengaire, and Naaman, Duke ofBourbon, and of ten thousand of their soldiers. Constantine, Governor ofRome, and other Romans, were conveyed thither by sea, and buried inApulia. The King gave twelve thousand pieces of silver, and as manytalents of gold, for the repose of their souls, and to the poor ofArles. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

_Of the Council held at St. Denis. _

We then came to Vienne, where I remained to be healed of the scars andwounds I received in Spain. The King, much fatigued, at length arrivedat Paris; and, assembling a council of his chief princes and bishops atSt. Denis, returned thanks to God for his victory over the Pagans, andgave all France as a manor to that church, in the same way as St. Pauland St. Clement had formerly endowed the bishopric of Rome. The FrenchBishops were likewise to be ordained there, and not made subject to theSee of Rome. Then, standing by the tomb of St. Denis, he entreated theLord for all who had died in his cause. 

The very next night St. Denis appeared to the King in his sleep, assuring him that full pardon of sin was granted to all that followedhim, and had fought and perished in the wars with the Saracens; thatthey likewise should recover of their wounds who had bestowed money onthe church; which being made known by the King, very liberal offeringswere made by the people, who thus acquired the name of Franks; and thewhole land, formerly called Gaul, was now changed to France, as beingfreed from all servitude, and having dominion over other nations. TheKing then went to Aix-la-Chapelle, in the county of Liege, to bathe anddrink the waters, where he liberally endowed St. Mary's Church with goldand silver, ordering it to be painted with ancient and modern histories, and his palace to be decorated with the representation of his wars inSpain; with emblems of the seven liberal arts and other excellentembellishments. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

_Of the King's Death. _

Soon after, the King's approaching death was revealed to me; for, behold, as I was praying in the church of Vienne, I fell into a trance, as I was singing psalms, and saw innumerable companies of soldiers passbefore me by the Lorraine road. A certain one, black as an Ethiop, followed them, of whom I inquired whither he was going, and received foranswer that he was awaiting the death of Charles to take possession ofhis soul. "I conjure you, then, " said I, "by the name of the Lord Jesus, to return when you have completed your errand. " When I had rested sometime, and begun to explain the psalms, behold they returned back, and, speaking to the same person I before addressed, I inquired whom he hadbeen seeking, and was answered, "the Gallician;" but the stones andtimber of the churches he founded balanced so greatly in his favour, that his good works outweighed his bad, and his soul was snatched fromus, and at this the demon vanished. Thus I understood Charles died thatday, and was carried into the bosom of God and St. James. But as I hadrequested him, before we parted at Vienne, to send me notice of hisdecease in case it preceded mine, being then grievously sick, andremembering his promise, he encharged a certain learned soldier to bringme word the moment he died. What more need I add? The messenger arrivedon the fifteenth day after it happened. He had, indeed, been grievouslyafflicted with illness from the hour he left Spain, and suffered stillmore in mind than in body for the friends he lost on the unfortunate16th of June. On the same day that I saw the vision, namely, on the 5thof February, in the year of our Lord 814, he departed this life, and wassumptuously buried in the round church of St. Mary, which he had himselfbuilt; and this sign I was credibly informed happened yearly for threeyears together before his death, --"The Sun and Moon became dark, andhis name, Charles the Prince, inscribed on the church, was totallyobliterated of itself; and the portico likewise, between the church andthe palace, fell to the very foundation. " The wooden bridge also whichhe built six years before over the Rhine at Mentz was destroyed by fire, self-kindled. And the same day, as a traveller was on his journey, hesaw a great flame, like the flame of a funeral pile, pass from right toleft before him; which terrifying him greatly, he fell from his horse, but was presently relieved by his friends. 

We therefore believe that he now enjoys the crown of the blessedmartyrs, whose labours he imitated, whose pattern and example hefollowed. Whereby we may understand, that whoever builds a church toGod's glory, provides for himself a residence in his kingdom. For thiscause was Charles snatched from the hands of demons, and borne by goodangels to heavenly habitations. 

BALLAD ROMANCETOUCHINGTHE DAYS OF CHARLEMAGNEAND OFTHE CID CAMPEADORWITH THE BALLAD OF COUNT ALARCOS

_FROM THE SPANISH BALLADS TRANSLATED BY_JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART. 

CONTENTS. 

 PART I. 

 THE MOOR CALAYNOS 57 THE ESCAPE OF GAYFEROS 61 MELISENDRA 63 THE MARCH OF BERNARDO DEL CARPIO 67 LADY ALDA'S DREAM 69 THE ADMIRAL GUARINOS 71 THE COMPLAINT OF THE COUNT OF SALDENHA 75 THE FUNERAL OF THE COUNT OF SALDENHA 76 BERNARDO AND ALPHONSO 78

 PART II. 

 THE YOUNG CID 81 XIMENA DEMANDS VENGEANCE 83 THE CID AND THE FIVE MOORISH KINGS 84 THE CID'S COURTSHIP 85 THE CID'S WEDDING 87 THE CID AND THE LEPER 88 BAVIECA 90 THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF THE CID 92

 PART III. 

 COUNT ALARCOS AND THE INFANTA SOLIS 94

PART I. 

THE MOOR CALAYNOS. 

In the following version I have taken liberty to omit a good many of theintroductory stanzas of the famous _Coplas de Calainos_. The reader willremember that this ballad is alluded to in Don Quixote, where theKnight's nocturnal visit to Toboso is described. 

It is generally believed to be among the most ancient, and certainly wasamong the most popular, of all the ballads in the Cancionero. 

I. "I had six Moorish nurses, but the seventh was not a Moor, The Moors they gave me milk enow, but the Christian gave me lore;And she told me ne'er to listen, though sweet the words might be, Till he that spake had proved his troth, and pledged a gallant fee. "--

II. "Fair damsel, " quoth Calaynos, "if thou wilt go with me, Say what may win thy favour, and thine that gift shall be. Fair stands the castle on the rock, the city in the vale, And bonny is the red red gold, and rich the silver pale. "--

III. "Fair sir, " quoth she, "virginity I never will lay downFor gold, nor yet for silver, for castle, nor for town;But I will be your leman for the heads of certain peers--And I ask but three--Rinaldo's--Roland's--and Olivier's. "--

IV. He kissed her hand where she did stand, he kissed her lips also, And "Bring forth, " he cries, "my pennon, for to Paris I must go. "--I wot ye saw them rearing his banner broad right soon, Whereon revealed his bloody field its pale and crescent moon. 

V. That broad bannere the Moore did rear, ere many days were gone, In foul disdain of Charlemagne, by the church of good Saint John;In the midst of merry Paris, on the bonny banks of Seine, Shall never scornful Paynim that pennon rear again. 

VI. His banner he hath planted high, and loud his trumpet blown, That all the twelve might hear it well around King Charles's throne;The note he blew right well they knew; both Paladin and PeerHad the trumpet heard of that stern lord in many a fierce career. 

VII. It chanced the King, that fair morning, to the chace had made him bowne, With many a knight of warlike might, and prince of high renown;Sir Reynold of Montalban, and Claros' Lord, Gaston, Behind him rode, and Bertram good, that reverend old Baron. 

VIII. Black D'Ardennes' eye of mastery in that proud troop was seen, And there was Urgel's giant force, and Guarinos' princely mien;Gallant and gay upon that day was Baldwin's youthful cheer, But first did ride, by Charles's side, Roland and Olivier. 

IX. Now in a ring around the King, not far in the greenwood, Awaiting all the huntsman's call, it chanced the nobles stood;"Now list, mine earls, now list!" quoth Charles, "yon breeze will come again, Some trumpet-note methinks doth float from the bonny banks of Seine. "--

X. He scarce had heard the trumpet, the word he scarce had said, When among the trees he near him sees a dark and turbaned head;"Now stand, now stand at my command, bold Moor, " quoth Charlemagne, "That turban green, how dare it be seen among the woods of Seine. "--

XI. "My turban green must needs be seen among the woods of Seine, "The Moor replied, "since here I ride in quest of Charlemagne--For I serve the Moor Calaynos, and I his defiance bringTo every lord that sits at the board of Charlemagne your King. 

XII. "Now lordlings fair, if anywhere in the wood ye've seen him riding, O tell me plain the path he has ta'en--there is no cause for chiding;For my lord hath blown his trumpet by every gate of Paris--Long hours in vain, by the bank of Seine, upon his steed he tarries. "--

XIII. When the Emperor had heard the Moor, full red was his old cheek, "Go back, base cur, upon the spur, for I am he you seek--Go back, and tell your master to commend him to Mahoun, For his soul shall dwell with him in hell, or ere yon sun go down. 

XIV. "Mine arm is weak, my hairs are grey, " (thus spake King Charlemagne, )"Would for one hour I had the power of my young days again, As when I plucked the Saxon from out his mountain den--O soon should cease the vaunting of this proud Saracen!

XV. "Though now mine arm be weakened, though now my hairs be grey, The hard-won praise of other days cannot be swept away--If shame there be, my liegemen, that shame on you must lie--Go forth, go forth, good Roland; to-night this Moor must die. "--

XVI. Then out and spake rough Roland--"Ofttimes I've thinned the ranksOf the hot Moor, and when all was o'er have won me little thanks;Some carpet knight will take delight to do this doughty feat, Whom damsels gay shall well repay with their smiles and whispers sweet!"--

XVII. Then out and spake Sir Baldwin--the youngest peer was he, The youngest and the comeliest--"Let none go forth but me;Sir Roland is mine uncle, and he may in safety jeer, But I will show the youngest may be Sir Roland's peer. "--

XVIII. "Nay, go not thou, " quoth Charlemagne, "thou art my gallant youth, And braver none I look upon; but thy cheek it is too smooth;And the curls upon thy forehead they are too glossy bright;--Some elder peer must couch his spear against this crafty knight. "--

XIX. But away, away goes Baldwin, no words can stop him now, Behind him lies the greenwood, he hath gained the mountain's brow, He reineth first his charger, within the churchyard green, Where, striding slow the elms below, the haughty Moor is seen. 

XX. Then out and spake Calaynos--"Fair youth, I greet thee well;Thou art a comely stripling, and if thou with me wilt dwell, All for the grace of thy sweet face, thou shalt not lack thy fee, Within my lady's chamber a pretty page thou'lt be. "--

XXI. An angry man was Baldwin, when thus he heard him speak, "Proud knight, " quoth he, "I come with thee a bloody spear to break. "--O, sternly smiled Calaynos, when thus he heard him say, --O loudly as he mounted his mailèd barb did neigh. 

XXII. One shout, one thrust, and in the dust young Baldwin lies full low--No youthful knight could bear the might of that fierce warrior's blow;Calaynos draws his falchion, and waves it to and fro, "Thy name now say, and for mercy pray, or to hell thy soul must go. "--

XXIII. The helpless youth revealed the truth. Then said the conqueror--"I spare thee for thy tender years, and for thy great valour;But thou must rest thee captive here, and serve me on thy knee, For fain I'd tempt some doughtier peer to come and rescue thee. "

XXIV. Sir Roland heard that haughty word, (he stood behind the wall, )His heart, I trow, was heavy enow, when he saw his kinsman fall;But now his heart was burning, and never a word he said, But clasped his buckler on his arm, his helmet on his head. 

XXV. Another sight saw the Moorish knight, when Roland blew his horn, To call him to the combat in anger and in scorn;All cased in steel from head to heel, in the stirrup high he stood, The long spear quivered in his hand, as if athirst for blood. 

XXVI. Then out and spake Calaynos--"Thy name I fain would hear;A coronet on thy helm is set; I guess thou art a Peer. "--Sir Roland lifted up his horn, and blew another blast, "No words, base Moor, " quoth Roland, "this hour shall be thy last. "--

XXVII. I wot they met full swiftly, I wot the shock was rude;Down fell the misbeliever, and o'er him Roland stood;Close to his throat the steel he brought, and plucked his beard full sore--"What devil brought thee hither?--speak out or die, false Moor!"--

XXVIII. "O! I serve a noble damsel, a haughty maid of Spain, And in evil day I took my way, that I her grace might gain;For every gift I offered, my lady did disdain, And craved the ears of certain Peers that ride with Charlemagne. "--

XXIX. Then loudly laughed rough Roland--"Full few will be her tears, It was not love her soul did move, when she bade thee beard THE PEERS. "--With that he smote upon his throat, and spurned his crest in twain, "No more, " he cries, "this moon will rise above the woods of Seine. "

THE ESCAPE OF GAYFEROS. 

The story of Gayfer de Bourdeaux is to be found at great length in theRomantic Chronicle of Charlemagne; and it has supplied the Spanishminstrels with subjects for a long series of ballads. 

In that which follows, Gayferos, yet a boy, is represented as hearingfrom his mother the circumstances of his father's death; and as narrowlyescaping with his own life, in consequence of his stepfather's cruelty. 

I. Before her knee the boy did stand, within the dais so fair, The golden shears were in her hand, to clip his curlèd hair;And ever as she clipped the curls, such doleful words she spake, That tears ran from Gayferos' eyes, for his sad mother's sake. 

II. "God grant a beard were on thy face, and strength thine arm within, To fling a spear, or swing a mace, like Roland Paladin!For then, I think, thou wouldst avenge thy father that is dead, Whom envious traitors slaughtered within thy mother's bed. 

III. "Their bridal-gifts were rich and rare, that hate might not be seen;They cut me garments broad and fair--none fairer hath the Queen. "--Then out and spake the little boy--"Each night to God I call, And to his blessèd Mother, to make me strong and tall!"--

IV. The Count he heard Gayferos, in the palace where he lay;--"Now silence, silence, Countess! it is falsehood that you say;I neither slew the man, nor hired another's sword to slay;--But, for that the mother hath desired, be sure the son shall pay!"

V. The Count called to his esquires, (old followers were they, Whom the dead Lord had nurtured for many a merry day)--He bade them take their old Lord's heir, and stop his tender breath--Alas! 'twas piteous but to hear the manner of that death. 

VI. "List, esquires, list, for my command is offspring of mine oath--The stirrup-foot and the hilt-hand see that ye sunder both;--That ye cut out his eyes 'twere best--the safer he will go--And bring a finger and the heart, that I his end may know. "--

VII. The esquires took the little boy aside with them to go;Yet, as they went, they did repent--"O God! must this be so?How shall we think to look for grace, if this poor child we slay, When ranged before Christ Jesu's face at the great judgment day?"--

VIII. While they, not knowing what to do, were standing in such talk, The Countess' little lap-dog bitch by chance did cross their walk;Then out and spake one of the 'squires, (you may hear the words he said, )"I think the coming of this bitch may serve us in good stead--

IX. "Let us take out the bitch's heart, and give it to Galvan;The boy may with a finger part, and be no worser man. "--With that they cut the joint away, and whispered in his ear, That he must wander many a day, nor once those parts come near. 

X. "Your uncle grace and love will show; he is a bounteous man;"--And so they let Gayferos go, and turned them to Galvan. The heart and the small finger upon the board they laid, And of Gayferos' slaughter a cunning story made. 

XI. The Countess, when she hears them, in great grief loudly cries:Meantime the stripling safely unto his uncle hies:--"Now welcome, my fair boy, " he said, "what good news may they beCome with thee to thine uncle's hall?"--"Sad tidings come with me--

XII. "The false Galvan had laid his plan to have me in my grave;But I've escaped him, and am here, my boon from thee to crave:Rise up, rise up, mine uncle, thy brother's blood they've shed;Rise up--they've slain my father within my mother's bed. "[2]

MELISENDRA. 

The following is a version of another of the ballads concerningGayferos. It is the same that is quoted in the chapter of thePuppet-show in Don Quixote. 

"'Child, child, ' said Don Quixote, 'go on directly with your story, anddon't keep us here with your excursions and ramblings out of the road. Itell you there must be a formal process, and legal trial, to provematters of fact. '--'Boy, ' said the master from behind the show, 'do asthe gentleman bids you. Don't run so much upon flourishes, but followyour plain song, without venturing on counterpoints, for fear ofspoiling all'--'I will, sir, ' quoth the boy, and so proceeding: 'Now, sirs, he that you see there a-horseback, wrapt up in the Gascoign-cloak, is Don Gayferos himself, whom his wife, now revenged on the Moor for hisimpudence, seeing from the battlements of the tower, takes him for astranger, and talks with him as such, according to the ballad, 'Quoth Melisendra, if perchance, Sir Traveller, you go for France, For pity's sake, ask when you're there, For Gayferos, my husband dear. '

"'I omit the rest, not to tire you with a long story. It is sufficientthat he makes himself known to her, as you may guess by the joy sheshows; and, accordingly, now see how she lets herself down from thebalcony, to come at her loving husband, and get behind him; but, unhappily, alas! one of the skirts of her gown is caught upon one of thespikes of the balcony, and there she hangs and hovers in the airmiserably, without being able to get down. But see how Heaven ismerciful, and sends relief in the greatest distress! Now Don Gayferosrides up to her, and, not fearing to tear her rich gown, lays hold onit, and at one pull brings her down; and then at one lift sets herastride upon his horse's crupper, bidding her to sit fast, and clap herarms about him, that she might not fall; for the lady Melisendra was notused to that kind of riding. 

"'Observe now, gallants, how the horse neighs, and shows how proud he isof the burden of his brave master and fair mistress. Look, now, how theyturn their backs, and leave the city, and gallop it merrily away towardsParis. Peace be with you, for a peerless couple of true lovers! may yeget safe and sound into your own country, without any lett or illchance in your journey, and live as long as Nestor, in peace andquietness among your friends and relations. '--'Plainness, boy!' criedMaster Peter, 'none of your flights, I beseech you, for affectation isthe devil. '--The boy answered nothing, but going on: 'Now, sirs, ' quothhe, 'some of those idle people, that love to pry into everything, happened to spy Melisendra as she was making her escape, and ranpresently and gave Marsilius notice of it; whereupon he straightcommanded to sound an alarm; and now mind what a din and hurly-burlythere is, and how the city shakes with the ring of the bells backwardsin all the mosques!'--'There you are out, boy, ' said Don Quixote; 'theMoors have no bells, they only use kettle-drums, and a kind of shaulmslike our waits or hautboys; so that your ringing of bells in Sansueña isa mere absurdity, good Master Peter. '--'Nay, sir, ' said Master Peter, giving over ringing, 'if you stand upon these trifles with us, we shallnever please you. Don't be so severe a critic. Are there not a thousandplays that pass with great success and applause, though they have manygreater absurdities, and nonsense in abundance? On, boy, on, let therebe as many impertinences as motes in the sun; no matter, so I get themoney. '--'Well said, ' answered Don Quixote. --'And now, sirs, ' quoth theboy, 'observe what a vast company of glittering horse comes pouring outof the city, in pursuit of the Christian lovers; what a dreadful soundof trumpets, and clarions, and drums, and kettle-drums there is in theair. I fear they will overtake them, and then will the poor wretches bedragged along most barbarously at the tails of their horses, which wouldbe sad indeed. '

"Don Quixote, seeing such a number of Moors, and hearing such an alarm, thought it high time to assist the flying lovers; and starting up, 'Itshall never be said while I live, ' cried he aloud, 'that I suffered sucha wrong to be done to so famous a knight and so daring a lover as DonGayferos. Forbear, then, your unjust pursuit, ye base-born rascals!Stop, or prepare to meet my furious resentment!' Then drawing out hissword, to make good his threats, at one spring he gets to the show, andwith a violent fury lays at the Moorish puppets, cutting and slashing ina most terrible manner: some he overthrows, and beheads others; maimsthis, and cleaves that in pieces. Among the rest of his mercilessstrokes, he thundered one down with such a mighty force, that had notMaster Peter luckily ducked and squatted down, it had certainly choppedoff his head as easily as one might cut an apple. "

I. At Sansueña, [3] in the tower, fair Melisendra lies, Her heart is far away in France, and tears are in her eyes;The twilight shade is thickening laid on Sansueña's plain, Yet wistfully the lady her weary eyes doth strain. 

II. She gazes from the dungeon strong, forth on the road to Paris, Weeping, and wondering why so long her Lord Gayferos tarries, When lo! a knight appears in view--a knight of Christian mien, Upon a milk-white charger he rides the elms between. 

III. She from her window reaches forth her hand a sign to make, "O, if you be a knight of worth, draw near for mercy's sake;For mercy and sweet charity, draw near, Sir Knight to me, And tell me if ye ride to France, or whither bowne ye be. 

IV. "O, if ye be a Christian knight, and if to France you go, I pr'ythee tell Gayferos that you have seen my woe;That you have seen me weeping, here in the Moorish tower, While he is gay by night and day, in hall and lady's bower. 

V. "Seven summers have I waited, seven winters long are spent, Yet word of comfort none he speaks, nor token hath he sent;And if he is weary of my love, and would have me wed a stranger, Still say his love is true to him--nor time nor wrong can change her. "--

VI. The knight on stirrup rising, bids her wipe her tears away, --"My love, no time for weeping, no peril save delay--Come, boldly spring, and lightly leap--no listening Moor is near us, And by dawn of day we'll be far away, "--so spake the Knight Gayferos. 

VII. She has made the sign of the Cross divine, and an Ave she hath said, And she dares the leap both wide and deep--that damsel without dread;And he hath kissed her pale pale cheek, and lifted her behind, Saint Denis speed the milk-white steed--no Moor their path shall find. 

THE MARCH OF BERNARDO DEL CARPIO. 

Of Bernardo del Carpio, we find little or nothing in the French romancesof Charlemagne. He belongs exclusively to Spanish History, or ratherperhaps to Spanish Romance; in which the honour is claimed for him ofslaying the famous Orlando, or Roland, the nephew of Charlemagne, in thefatal field of Roncesvalles. 

The continence which procured for Alonzo, who succeeded to theprecarious throne of the Christians, in the Asturias, about 795, theepithet of the Chaste, was not universal in his family. By an intriguewith Sancho Diaz, Count of Saldaña, or Saldenha, Donna Ximena, sister ofthis virtuous prince, bore a son. Some historians attempt to gloss overthis incident, by alleging that a private marriage had taken placebetween the lovers: but King Alphonso, who was well-nigh sainted forliving only in platonic union with his wife Bertha, took the scandalgreatly to heart. He shut up the peccant princess in a cloister, andimprisoned her gallant in the castle of Luna, where he caused him to bedeprived of sight. Fortunately, his wrath did not extend to theoffspring of their stolen affections, the famous Bernardo del Carpio. When the youth had grown up to manhood, Alphonso, according to theSpanish chroniclers, invited the Emperor Charlemagne into Spain, andhaving neglected to raise up heirs for the kingdom of the Goths in theordinary manner, he proposed the inheritance of his throne as the priceof the alliance of Charles. But the nobility, headed by Bernardo delCarpio, remonstrated against the king's choice of a successor, and wouldon no account consent to receive a Frenchman as heir of their crown. Alphonso himself repented of the invitation he had given Charlemagne, and when that champion of Christendom came to expel the Moors fromSpain, he found the conscientious and chaste Alphonso had united withthe infidels against him. An engagement took place in the renowned passof Roncesvalles, in which the French were defeated, and the celebratedRoland, or Orlando, was slain. The victory was ascribed chiefly to theprowess of Bernardo del Carpio. 

The following ballad describes the enthusiasm excited among the Leonese, when Bernard first raised his standard to oppose the progress ofCharlemagne's army. 

I. With three thousand Men of Leon, from the city Bernard goes, To protect the soil Hispanian from the spear of Frankish foesFrom the city which is planted in the midst between the seas, To preserve the name and glory of old Pelayo's victories. 

II. The peasant hears upon his field the trumpet of the knight, He quits his team for spear and shield, and garniture of might, The shepherd hears it 'mid the mist--he flingeth down his crook, And rushes from the mountain like a tempest-troubled brook. 

III. The youth who shows a maiden's chin, whose brows have ne'er been boundThe helmet's heavy ring within, gains manhood from the sound;The hoary sire beside the fire forgets his feebleness, Once more to feel the cap of steel a warrior's ringlets press. 

IV. As through the glen his spears did gleam, these soldiers from the hills, They swelled his host, as mountain-stream receives the roaring rills;They round his banner flocked, in scorn of haughty Charlemagne, And thus upon their swords are sworn the faithful sons of Spain. 

V. "Free were we born, " 'tis thus they cry, "though to our King we oweThe homage and the fealty behind his crest to go;By God's behest our aid he shares, but God did ne'er command, That we should leave our children heirs of an enslavèd land. 

VI. "Our breasts are not so timorous, nor are our arms so weak, Nor are our veins so bloodless, that we our vow should break, To sell our freedom for the fear of Prince or Paladin, --At least we'll sell our birthright dear, no bloodless prize they'll win. 

VII. "At least King Charles, if God decrees he must be lord of Spain, Shall witness that the Leonese were not aroused in vain;He shall bear witness that we died, as lived our sires of old, Nor only of Numantium's pride shall minstrel tales be told. 

VIII. "THE LION[4] that hath bathed his paws in seas of Libyan gore, Shall he not battle for the laws and liberties of yore?Anointed cravens may give gold to whom it likes them well, But steadfast heart and spirit bold Alphonso ne'er shall sell. "

LADY ALDA'S DREAM. 

The following is an attempt to render one of the most admired of all theSpanish ballads. 

 En Paris esta Doña Alda, la esposa de Don Roldan, Trecientas damas con ella, para la accompañar, Todas visten un vestido, todas calçan un calçar, &c. 

In its whole structure and strain it bears a very remarkable resemblanceto several of our own old ballads--both English and Scottish. 

I. In Paris sits the lady that shall be Sir Roland's bride, Three hundred damsels with her, her bidding to abide;All clothed in the same fashion, both the mantle and the shoon, All eating at one table, within her hall at noon:All, save the Lady Alda, she is lady of them all, She keeps her place upon the dais, and they serve her in her hall;The thread of gold a hundred spin, the lawn a hundred weave, And a hundred play sweet melody within Alda's bower at eve. 

II. With the sound of their sweet playing, the lady falls asleep, And she dreams a doleful dream, and her damsels hear her weep;There is sorrow in her slumber, and she waketh with a cry, And she calleth for her damsels, and swiftly they come nigh. "Now, what is it, Lady Alda, " (you may hear the words they say, )"Bringeth sorrow to thy pillow, and chaseth sleep away?"--"O, my maidens!" quoth the lady, "my heart it is full sore!I have dreamt a dream of evil, and can slumber never more. 

III. "For I was upon a mountain, in a bare and desert place, And I saw a mighty eagle, and a falcon he did chase;And to me the falcon came, and I hid it in my breast, But the mighty bird, pursuing, came and rent away my vest;And he scattered all the feathers, and blood was on his beak, And ever, as he tore and tore, I heard the falcon shriek;--Now read my vision, damsels, now read my dream to me, For my heart may well be heavy that doleful sight to see. "--

IV. Out spake the foremost damsel was in her chamber there--(You may hear the words she says), "O! my lady's dream is fair--The mountain is St. Denis' choir; and thou the falcon art, And the eagle strong that teareth the garment from thy heart, And scattereth the feathers, he is the Paladin--That, when again he comes from Spain, must sleep thy bower within;--Then be blithe of cheer, my lady, for the dream thou must not grieve, It means but that thy bridegroom shall come to thee at eve. "--

V. "If thou hast read my vision, and read it cunningly, "--Thus said the Lady Alda, "thou shalt not lack thy fee. " Butwoe is me for Alda! there was heard, at morning hour, A voice of lamentation within that lady's bower, For there had come to Paris a messenger by night, And his horse it was a-weary, and his visage it was white;And there's weeping in the chamber and there's silence in the hall, For Sir Roland had been slaughtered in the chase of Roncesval. 

THE ADMIRAL GUARINOS. 

This is a translation of the ballad which Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, when at Toboso, overheard a peasant singing, as he was going to his workat daybreak. --"Iba cantando, " says Cervantes, "aquel romance que dice, Mala la vistes Franceses la caça de Roncesvalles. "

I. The day of Roncesvalles was a dismal day for you, Ye men of France, for there the lance of King Charles was broke in two. Ye well may curse that rueful field, for many a noble peer, In fray or fight, the dust did bite, beneath Bernardo's spear. 

II. There captured was Guarinos, King Charles's admiral;Seven Moorish kings surrounded him, and seized him for their thrall;Seven times, when all the chase was o'er, for Guarinos lots they cast;Seven times Marlotes won the throw, and the knight was his at last. 

III. Much joy had then Marlotes, and his captive much did prize, Above all the wealth of Araby, he was precious in his eyes. Within his tent at evening he made the best of cheer, And thus, the banquet done, he spake unto his prisoner. 

IV. "Now, for the sake of Alla, Lord Admiral GuarinosBe thou a Moslem, and much love shall ever rest between us. Two daughters have I--all the day thy handmaid one shall be, The other (and the fairer far) by night shall cherish thee. 

V. "The one shall be thy waiting-maid, thy weary feet to lave, To scatter perfumes on thy head, and fetch thee garments brave;The other--she the pretty--shall deck her bridal bower, And my field and my city they both shall be her dower. 

VI. "If more thou wishest, more I'll give--speak boldly what thy thought is. "--Thus earnestly and kindly to Guarinos said Marlotes;--But not a moment did he take to ponder or to pause, Thus clear and quick the answer of the Christian Captain was:

VII. "Now, God forbid! Marlotes, and Mary, his dear mother, That I should leave the faith of Christ, and bind me to another. For women--I've one wife in France, and I'll wed no more in Spain;I change not faith, I break not vow, for courtesy or gain. "--

VIII. Wroth waxed King Marlotes, when thus he heard him say, And all for ire commanded, he should be led away;Away unto the dungeon keep, beneath its vault to lie, With fetters bound in darkness deep, far off from sun and sky. 

IX. With iron bands they bound his hands. That sore unworthy plightMight well express his helplessness, doomed never more to fight. Again, from cincture down to knee, long bolts of iron he bore, Which signified the knight should ride on charger never more. 

X. Three times alone, in all the year, it is the captive's doom, To see God's daylight bright and clear, instead of dungeon-gloom;Three times alone they bring him out, like Samson long ago, Before the Moorish rabble-rout to be a sport and show. 

XI. On three high feasts they bring him forth, a spectacle to be, The feast of Pasque, and the great day of the Nativity, And on that morn, more solemn yet, when the maidens strip the bowers, And gladden mosque and minaret with the first fruits of the flowers. 

XII. Days come and go of gloom and show. Seven years are come and gone, And now doth fall the festival of the holy Baptist John;Christian and Moslem tilts and jousts, to give it homage due;And rushes on the paths to spread they force the sulky Jew. 

XIII. Marlotes, in his joy and pride, a target high doth rear, Below the Moorish knights must ride and pierce it with the spear;But 'tis so high up in the sky, albeit much they strain, No Moorish lance so far may fly, Marlotes' prize to gain. 

XIV. Wroth waxed King Marlotes, when he beheld them fail, The whisker trembled on his lip, and his cheek for ire was pale;And heralds proclamation made, with trumpets, through the town, --"Nor child shall suck, nor man shall eat, till the mark be tumbled down. "

XV. The cry of proclamation, and the trumpet's haughty sound, Did send an echo to the vault where the admiral was bound. "Now, help me God!" the captive cries, "what means this din so loud?Oh, Queen of Heaven! be vengeance given on these thy haters proud!

XVI. "O! is it that some Pagan gay doth Marlotes' daughter wed, And that they bear my scorned fair in triumph to his bed?Or is it that the day is come--one of the hateful three, When they, with trumpet, fife, and drum, make heathen game of me?"--

XVII. These words the jailer chanced to hear, and thus to him he said, "These tabors, Lord, and trumpets clear, conduct no bride to bed;Nor has the feast come round again, when he that has the right, Commands thee forth, thou foe of Spain, to glad the people's sight. 

XVIII. "This is the joyful morning of John the Baptist's day, When Moor and Christian feasts at home, each in his nation's way;But now our King commands that none his banquet shall begin, Until some knight, by strength or sleight, the spearman's prize do win. "--

XIX. Then out and spake Guarinos, "O! soon each man should feed, Were I but mounted once again on my own gallant steed. O! were I mounted as of old, and harnessed cap-a-pee, Full soon Marlotes' prize I'd hold, whate'er its price may be. 

XX. "Give me my horse, mine old grey horse, so be he is not dead, All gallantly caparisoned, with plate on breast and head, And give the lance I brought from France, and if I win it not, My life shall be the forfeiture--I'll yield it on the spot. "--

XXI. The jailer wondered at his words. Thus to the knight said he, "Seven weary years of chains and gloom have little humbled thee;There's never a man in Spain, I trow, the like so well might bear;An' if thou wilt, I with thy vow will to the King repair. "--

XXII. The jailer put his mantle on, and came unto the King, He found him sitting on the throne, within his listed ring;Close to his ear he planted him, and the story did begin, How bold Guarinos vaunted him the spearman's prize to win. 

XXIII. That, were he mounted but once more on his own gallant grey, And armed with the lance he bore on the Roncesvalles' day, What never Moorish knight could pierce, he would pierce it at a blow, Or give with joy his life-blood fierce, at Marlotes' feet to flow. 

XXIV. Much marvelling, then said the King, "Bring Sir Guarinos forth, And in the Grange go seek ye for his grey steed of worth;His arms are rusty on the wall--seven years have gone, I judge, Since that strong horse has bent his force to be a carrion drudge. 

XXV. "Now this will be a sight indeed, to see the enfeebled lordEssay to mount that ragged steed, and draw that rusty sword;And for the vaunting of his phrase he well deserves to die, So, jailer, gird his harness on, and bring your champion nigh. "--

XXVI. They have girded on his shirt of mail, his cuisses well they've clasped, And they've barred the helm on his visage pale, and his hand the lance hath clasped, And they have caught the old grey horse, the horse he loved of yore, And he stands pawing at the gate--caparisoned once more. 

XXVII. When the knight came out the Moors did shout, and loudly laughed the King, For the horse he pranced and capered, and furiously did fling;But Guarinos whispered in his ear, and looked into his face, Then stood the old charger like a lamb, with a calm and gentle grace. 

XXVIII. O! Lightly did Guarinos vault into the saddle-tree, And slowly riding down made halt before Marlotes' knee;Again the heathen laughed aloud--"All hail, Sir Knight, " quoth he, "Now do thy best, thou champion proud. Thy blood I look to see. "--

XXIX. With that Guarinos, lance in rest, against the scoffer rode, Pierced at one thrust his envious breast, and down his turban trode. Now ride, now ride, Guarinos--nor lance nor rowel spare--Slay, slay, and gallop for thy life. --The land of France lies _there_!

THE COMPLAINT OF THE COUNT OF SALDENHA. 

This ballad is intended to represent the feelings of Don Sancho, Countof Saldenha or Saldaña, while imprisoned by King Alphonso, and, as hesupposed, neglected and forgotten, both by his wife, or rather mistress, Donna Ximena, and by his son, the famous Bernardo del Carpio. 

I. The Count Don Sancho Diaz, the Signior of Saldane, Lies weeping in his prison, for he cannot refrain:--King Alphonso and his sister, of both doth he complain, But most of bold Bernardo, the champion of Spain. 

II. "The weary years I durance brook, how many they have been, When on these hoary hairs I look, may easily be seen;When they brought me to this castle, my curls were black, I ween, Woe worth the day! they have grown grey these rueful walls between. 

III. "They tell me my Bernardo is the doughtiest lance in Spain, But if he were my loyal heir, there's blood in every veinWhereof the voice his heart would hear--his hand would not gainsay;--Though the blood of kings be mixed with mine, it would not have all the sway. 

IV. "Now all the three have scorn of me--unhappy man am I!They leave me without pity--they leave me here to die. A stranger's feud, albeit rude, were little dole or care, But he's my own, both flesh and bone; his scorn is ill to bear. 

V. "From Jailer and from Castellain I hear of hardimentAnd chivalry in listed plain on joust and tourney spent;--I hear of many a battle, in which thy spear is red, But help from thee comes none to me where I am ill bested. 

VI. "Some villain spot is in thy blood to mar its gentle strain, Else would it show forth hardihood for him from whom 'twas ta'en;Thy hope is young, thy heart is strong, but yet a day may be, When thou shalt weep in dungeon deep, and none thy weeping see. "

THE FUNERAL OF THE COUNT OF SALDENHA. 

The ballads concerning Bernardo del Carpio are, upon the whole, inaccordance with his history as given in the _Coronica General_. According to the Chronicle, Bernardo being at last wearied out of allpatience by the cruelty of which his father was the victim, determinedto quit the Court of his King, and seek an alliance among the Moors. Having fortified himself in the Castle of Carpio, he made continualincursions into the territory of Leon, pillaging and plundering whereverhe came. The King at length besieged him in his stronghold, but thedefence was so gallant, that there appeared no prospect of success;whereupon many of the gentlemen in Alphonso's camp entreated the King tooffer Bernardo immediate possession of his father's person, if he wouldsurrender his castle. 

Bernardo at once consented; but the King gave orders to have CountSancho Diaz taken off instantly in his prison. "When he was dead theyclothed him in splendid attire, mounted him on horseback, and so led himtowards Salamanca, where his son was expecting his arrival. As they drewnigh the city, the King and Bernardo rode out to meet them; and whenBernardo saw his father approaching, he exclaimed, --'O God! is the Countof Saldaña indeed coming?'--'Look where he is, ' replied the cruel King;'and now go and greet him whom you have so long desired to see. 'Bernardo went forward and took his father's hand to kiss it; but when hefelt the dead weight of the hand, and saw the livid face of the corpse, he cried aloud, and said, --'Ah, Don Sandiaz, in an evil hour didst thoubeget me!--Thou art dead, and I have given my stronghold for thee, andnow I have lost all. '"

I. All in the centre of the choir Bernardo's knees are bent, Before him for his murdered sire yawns the old monument. 

II. His kinsmen of the Carpio blood are kneeling at his back, With knightly friends and vassals good, all garbed in weeds of black. 

III. He comes to make the obsequies of a basely slaughtered man, And tears are running down from eyes whence ne'er before they ran. 

IV. His head is bowed upon the stone; his heart, albeit full sore, Is strong as when in days bygone he rode o'er Frank and Moor;

V. And now between his teeth he mutters, that none his words can hear;And now the voice of wrath he utters, in curses loud and clear. 

VI. He stoops him o'er his father's shroud, his lips salute the bier;He communes with the corse aloud, as if none else were near. 

VII. His right hand doth his sword unsheath, his left doth pluck his beard;--And while his liegemen held their breath, these were the words they heard:--

VIII. "Go up, go up, thou blessed ghost, into the arms of God;Go, fear not lest revenge be lost, when Carpio's blood hath flowed;

IX. "The steel that drank the blood of France, the arm thy foe that shielded, Still, Father, thirsts that burning lance, and still thy son can wield it. "

BERNARDO AND ALPHONSO. 

The incident recorded in this ballad may be supposed to have occurredimmediately after the funeral of the Count of Saldenha. As to what wasthe end of the knight's history, we are left almost entirely in thedark, both by the Chronicle and by the Romancero. It appears to beintimated, that after his father's death, he once more "took service"among the Moors, who are represented in several of the ballads asaccustomed to exchange offices of courtesy with Bernardo. 

I. With some good ten of his chosen men, Bernardo hath appearedBefore them all in the palace hall, the lying King to beard;With cap in hand and eye on ground, he came in reverend guise, But ever and anon he frowned, and flame broke from his eyes. 

II. "A curse upon thee, " cries the King, "who comest unbid to me;But what from traitor's blood should spring, save traitors like to thee?His sire, Lords, had a traitor's heart; perchance our Champion braveMade think it were a pious part to share Don Sancho's grave. "

III. "Whoever told this tale the King hath rashness to repeat, "Cries Bernard, "here my gage I fling before THE LIAR'S feet!No treason was in Sancho's blood, no stain in mine doth lie--Below the throne what knight will own the coward calumny?

IV. "The blood that I like water shed, when Roland did advance, By secret traitors hired and led, to make us slaves of France;--The life of King Alphonso I saved at Roncesval, --Your words, Lord King, are recompense abundant for it all. 

V. "Your horse was down--your hope was flown--I saw the falchion shine, That soon had drunk your royal blood, had not I ventured mine;But memory soon of service done deserteth the ingrate, And ye've thanked the son for life and crown by the father's bloody fate. 

VI. "Ye swore upon your kingly faith, to set Don Sancho free, But curse upon your paltering breath, the light he ne'er did see;He died in dungeon cold and dim, by Alphonso's base decree, And visage blind, and stiffened limb, were all they gave to me. 

VII. "The King that swerveth from his word hath stained his purple black, No Spanish Lord will draw the sword behind a Liar's back;But noble vengeance shall be mine, an open hate I'll show--The King hath injured Carpio's line, and Bernard is his foe. "

VIII. "Seize--seize him!"--loud the King doth scream--"There are a thousand here--Let his foul blood this instant stream--What! Caitiffs, do ye fear?Seize--seize the traitor!"--But not one to move a finger dareth, --Bernardo standeth by the throne, and calm his sword he bareth. 

IX. He drew the falchion from the sheath, and held it up on high, And all the hall was still as death:--cries Bernard, "Here am I, And here is the sword that owns no lord, excepting heaven and me;Fain would I know who dares his point--King, Condé, or Grandee. "

X. Then to his mouth the horn he drew--(it hung below his cloak)His ten true men the signal knew, and through the ring they broke;With helm on head, and blade in hand, the knights the circle brake, And back the lordlings 'gan to stand, and the false king to quake. 

XI. "Ha! Bernard, " quoth Alphonso, "what means this warlike guise?Ye know full well I jested--ye know your worth I prize. "--But Bernard turned upon his heel, and smiling passed away--Long rued Alphonso and his realm the jesting of that day. 

PART II. 

THE YOUNG CID. 

The Ballads in the Collection of Escobar, entitled "Romancero e Historiadel muy valeroso Cavallero El Cid Ruy Diaz de Bivar, " are said by Mr. Southey to be in general possessed of but little merit. Notwithstandingthe opinion of that great scholar and poet, I have had much pleasure inreading them; and have translated a very few, which may serve, perhaps, as a sufficient specimen. 

The following is a version of that which stands fifth in Escobar:--

 Cavalga Diego Laynez al buen Rey besar la mano, &c. 

I. Now rides Diego Laynez, to kiss the good King's hand, Three hundred men of gentry go with him from his land, Among them, young Rodrigo, the proud Knight of Bivar;The rest on mules are mounted, he on his horse of war. 

II. They ride in glittering gowns of soye, --He harnessed like a lord;There is no gold about the boy, but the crosslet of his sword;The rest have gloves of sweet perfume, --He gauntlets strong of mail;They broidered caps and flaunting plume, --He crest untaught to quail. 

III. All talking with each other thus along their way they passed, But now they've come to Burgos, and met the King at last;When they came near his nobles, a whisper through them ran, --"He rides amidst the gentry that slew the Count Lozan. "--

IV. With very haughty gesture Rodrigo reined his horse, Right scornfully he shouted, when he heard them so discourse, --"If any of his kinsmen or vassals dare appear, The man to give them answer, on horse or foot, is here. "--

V. "The devil ask the question!" thus muttered all the band;--With that they all alighted, to kiss the good King's hand, --All but the proud Rodrigo, he in his saddle stayed, --Then turned to him his father (you may hear the words he said). 

VI. "Now, light, my son, I pray thee, and kiss the good King's hand, He is our lord, Rodrigo; we hold of him our land. "--But when Rodrigo heard him, he looked in sulky sort, --I wot the words he answered they were both cold and short. 

VII. "Had any other said it, his pains had well been paid, But thou, sir, art my father, thy word must be obeyed. "--With that he sprung down lightly, before the King to kneel, But as the knee was bending, out leapt his blade of steel. 

VIII. The King drew back in terror, when he saw the sword was bare;"Stand back, stand back, Rodrigo, in the devil's name beware, Your looks bespeak a creature of father Adam's mould, But in your wild behaviour you're like some lion bold. "

IX. When Rodrigo heard him say so, he leapt into his seat, And thence he made his answer, with visage nothing sweet, --"I'd think it little honour to kiss a kingly palm, And if my fathers kissed it, thereof ashamed I am. "--

X. When he these words had uttered, he turned him from the gate, His true three hundred gentles behind him followed straight;If with good gowns they came that day, with better arms they went;And if their mules behind did stay, with horses they're content. 

XIMENA DEMANDS VENGEANCE. 

This ballad, the sixth in Escobar, represents Ximena Gomez as, inperson, demanding of the King vengeance for the death of her father, whom the young Rodrigo de Bivar had fought and slain. 

I. Within the court at Burgos a clamour doth arise, Of arms on armour clashing, and screams, and shouts, and cries;The good men of the King, that sit his hall around, All suddenly upspring, astonished at the sound. 

II. The King leans from his chamber, from the balcony on high--"What means this furious clamour my palace-porch so nigh?"But when he looked below him, there were horsemen at the gate, And the fair Ximena Gomez, kneeling in woeful state. 

III. Upon her neck, disordered, hung down the lady's hair, And floods of tears were streaming upon her bosom fair. Sore wept she for her father, the Count that had been slain;Loud cursèd she Rodrigo, whose sword his blood did stain. 

IV. They turned to bold Rodrigo, I wot his cheek was red;--With haughty wrath he listened to the words Ximena said--"Good King, I cry for justice. Now, as my voice thou hearest, So God befriend the children, that in thy land thou rearest. 

V. "The King that doth not justice hath forfeited his claim, Both to his kingly station, and to his kingly name;He should not sit at banquet, clad in the royal pall, Nor should the nobles serve him on knee within the hall. 

VI. "Good King, I am descended from barons bright of old, That with Castilian pennons, Pelayo did uphold;But if my strain were lowly, as it is high and clear, Thou still shouldst prop the feeble, and the afflicted hear. 

VII. "For thee, fierce homicide, draw, draw thy sword once more, And pierce the breast which wide I spread thy stroke before;Because I am a woman, my life thou needst not spare, --I am Ximena Gomez, my slaughtered father's heir. 

VIII. "Since thou hast slain the Knight that did our faith defend, And still to shameful flight all the Almanzors send, 'Tis but a little matter that I confront thee so, Come, champion, slay his daughter, she needs must be thy foe. "--

IX. Ximena gazed upon him, but no reply could meet;His fingers held the bridle; he vaulted to his seat. She turned her to the nobles, I wot her cry was loud, But not a man durst follow; slow rode he through the crowd. 

THE CID AND THE FIVE MOORISH KINGS. 

The reader will find the story of this ballad in Mr. Southey's"Chronicle of the Cid. " "And the Moors entered Castile in great power, for there came with them five kings, " &c. Book I. Sect. 4. 

I. With fire and desolation the Moors are in Castile, Five Moorish kings together, and all their vassals leal;They've passed in front of Burgos, through the Oca-Hills they've run, They've plundered Belforado, San Domingo's harm is done. 

II. In Najara and Lograno there's waste and disarray:--And now with Christian captives, a very heavy prey, With many men and women, and boys and girls beside, In joy and exultation to their own realms they ride. 

III. For neither king nor noble would dare their path to cross, Until the good Rodrigo heard of this skaith and loss;In old Bivar the castle he heard the tidings told, (He was as yet a stripling, not twenty summers old. )

IV. He mounted Bavieca, his friends he with him took, He raised the country round him, no more such scorn to brook;He rode to the hills of Oca, where then the Moormen lay, He conquered all the Moormen, and took from them their prey. 

V. To every man had mounted he gave his part of gain, Dispersing the much treasure the Saracens had ta'en;The Kings were all the booty himself had from the war, Them led he to the castle, his stronghold of Bivar. 

VI. He brought them to his mother, proud dame that day was she:--They owned him for their Signior, and then he set them free:Home went they, much commending Rodrigo of Bivar, And sent him lordly tribute, from their Moorish realms afar. 

THE CID'S COURTSHIP. 

See Mr. Southey's "Chronicle of the Cid" (Book I. Sect. V) for this partof the Cid's story, as given in the General Chronicle of Spain. 

I. Now, of Rodrigo de Bivar great was the fame that run, How he five Kings had vanquished, proud Moormen every one;And how, when they consented to hold of him their ground, He freed them from the prison wherein they had been bound. 

II. To the good King Fernando, in Burgos where he lay, Came then Ximena Gomez, and thus to him did say:--"I am Don Gomez' daughter, in Gormaz Count was he;Him slew Rodrigo of Bivar in battle valiantly. 

III. "Now am I come before you, this day a boon to crave, And it is that I to husband may this Rodrigo have;Grant this, and I shall hold me a happy damosell, Much honoured shall I hold me, I shall be married well. 

IV. "I know he's born for thriving, none like him in the land;I know that none in battle against his spear may stand;Forgiveness is well pleasing in God our Saviour's view. And I forgive him freely, for that my sire he slew. "--

V. Right pleasing to Fernando was the thing she did propose;He writes his letter swiftly, and forth his foot-page goes;I wot, when young Rodrigo saw how the King did write, He leapt on Bavieca--I wot his leap was light. 

VI. With his own troop of true men forthwith he took the way, Three hundred friends and kinsmen, all gently born were they;All in one colour mantled, in armour gleaming gay, New were both scarf and scabbard, when they went forth that day. 

VII. The King came out to meet him, with words of hearty cheer;Quoth he, "My good Rodrigo, you are right welcome here;This girl Ximena Gomez would have ye for her lord, Already for the slaughter her grace she doth accord. 

VIII. "I pray you be consenting, my gladness will be great;You shall have lands in plenty, to strengthen your estate. "--"Lord King, " Rodrigo answers, "in this and all besideCommand, and I'll obey you. The girl shall be my bride. "--

IX. But when the fair Ximena came forth to plight her hand, Rodrigo, gazing on her, his face could not command:He stood and blushed before her;--thus at the last said he--"I slew thy sire, Ximena, but not in villany:--

X. "In no disguise I slew him, man against man I stood;There was some wrong between us, and I did shed his blood. I slew a man, I owe a man; fair lady, by God's grace, An honoured husband thou shalt have in thy dead father's place. "

THE CID'S WEDDING. 

The following ballad, which contains some curious traits of rough andantique manners, is not included in Escobar's Collection. There is onethere descriptive of the same event, but apparently executed by a muchmore modern hand. 

I. Within his hall of Burgos the King prepares the feast:He makes his preparation for many a noble guest. It is a joyful city, it is a gallant day, 'Tis the Campeador's wedding, and who will bide away?

II. Layn Calvo, the Lord Bishop, he first comes forth the gate, Behind him comes Ruy Diaz, in all his bridal state;The crowd makes way before them as up the street they go;--For the multitude of people their steps must needs be slow. 

III. The King had taken order that they should rear an arch, From house to house all over, in the way where they must march;They have hung it all with lances, and shields, and glittering helms, Brought by the Campeador from out the Moorish realms. 

IV. They have scattered olive branches and rushes on the street, And the ladies fling down garlands at the Campeador's feet;With tapestry and broidery their balconies between, To do his bridal honour, their walls the burghers screen. 

V. They lead the bulls before them all covered o'er with trappings;The little boys pursue them with hootings and with clappings;The fool, with cap and bladder, upon his ass goes prancing, Amidst troops of captive maidens with bells and cymbals dancing. 

VI. With antics and with fooleries, with shouting and with laughter, They fill the streets of Burgos--and The Devil he comes after, For the King has hired the horned fiend for sixteen maravedis, And there he goes, with hoofs for toes, to terrify the ladies. 

VII. Then comes the bride Ximena--the King he holds her hand;And the Queen, and, all in fur and pall, the nobles of the land;All down the street the ears of wheat are round Ximena flying, But the King lifts off her bosom sweet whatever there is lying. 

VIII. Quoth Suero, when he saw it, (his thought you understand, )"'Tis a fine thing to be a King; but Heaven make me a Hand!"The King was very merry, when he was told of this, And swore the bride ere eventide, must give the boy a kiss. 

IX. The King went always talking, but she held down her head, And seldom gave an answer to anything he said;It was better to be silent, among such a crowd of folk, Than utter words so meaningless as she did when she spoke. 

THE CID AND THE LEPER. 

Like our own Robert the Bruce, the great Spanish hero is represented asexhibiting, on many occasions, great gentleness of disposition andcompassion. But while old Barbour is contented with such simpleanecdotes as that of a poor laundress being suddenly taken ill with thepains of childbirth, and the king stopping the march of his army ratherthan leave her unprotected, the minstrels of Spain, never losing anopportunity of gratifying the superstitious propensities of theiraudience, are sure to let no similar incident in their champion'shistory pass without a miracle. 

I. He has ta'en some twenty gentlemen, along with him to go, For he will pay that ancient vow he to Saint James doth owe;To Compostella, where the shrine doth by the altar stand, The good Rodrigo de Bivar is riding through the land. 

II. Where'er he goes, much alms he throws, to feeble folk and poor;Beside the way for him they pray, him blessings to procure;For, God and Mary Mother, their heavenly grace to win, His hand was ever bountiful: great was his joy therein. 

III. And there, in middle of the path, a leper did appear;In a deep slough the leper lay, none would to help come near. With a loud voice he thence did cry, "For God our Saviour's sake, From out this fearful jeopardy a Christian brother take. "--

IV. When Roderick heard that piteous word, he from his horse came down;For all they said, no stay he made, that noble champion;He reached his hand to pluck him forth, of fear was no account, Then mounted on his steed of worth, and made the leper mount. 

V. Behind him rode the leprous man; when to their hostelrieThey came, he made him eat with him at table cheerfully;While all the rest from that poor guest with loathing shrunk away, To his own bed the wretch he led, beside him there he lay. 

VI. All at the mid-hour of the night, while good Rodrigo slept, A breath came from the leprous man, it through his shoulders crept;Right through the body, at the breast, passed forth that breathing cold;I wot he leaped up with a start, in terrors manifold. 

VII. He groped for him in the bed, but him he could not find, Through the dark chamber groped he, with very anxious mind;Loudly he lifted up his voice, with speed a lamp was brought, Yet nowhere was the leper seen, though far and near they sought. 

VIII. He turned him to his chamber, God wot, perplexèd soreWith that which had befallen--when lo! his face before, There stood a man, all clothed in vesture shining white:Thus said the vision, "Sleepest thou, or wakest thou, Sir Knight?"--

IX. "I sleep not, " quoth Rodrigo; "but tell me who art thou, For, in the midst of darkness, much light is on thy brow?"--"I am the holy Lazarus, I come to speak with thee;I am the same poor leper thou savedst for charity. 

X. "Not vain the trial, nor in vain thy victory hath been;God favours thee, for that my pain thou didst relieve yestreen. There shall be honour with thee, in battle and in peace, Success in all thy doings, and plentiful increase. 

XI. "Strong enemies shall not prevail, thy greatness to undo;Thy name shall make men's cheeks full pale--Christians and Moslem too;A death of honour shalt thou die, such grace to thee is given, Thy soul shall part victoriously, and be received in heaven. "--

XII. When he these gracious words had said, the spirit vanished quite, Rodrigo rose and knelt him down--he knelt till morning light;Unto the Heavenly Father, and Mary Mother dear, He made his prayer right humbly, till dawned the morning clear. 

BAVIECA. 

Montaigne, in his curious Essay, entitled "Des Destriers, " says that allthe world knows everything about Bucephalus. The name of the favouritecharger of the Cid Ruy Diaz, is scarcely less celebrated. Notice istaken of him in almost every one of the hundred ballads concerning thehistory of his master, --and there are two or three of these, of whichthe horse is more truly the hero than his rider. In one of these ballads, the Cid is giving directions about his funeral; he desires that theyshall place his body "in full armour upon Bavieca, " and so conduct himto the church of San Pedro de Cardeña. This was done accordingly; and, says another ballad--

 Truxeron pues a Babieca; Y en mirandole se puso Tan triste como si fuera Mas rasonable que bruto. 

In the Cid's last will, mention is also made of this noble charger. "When ye bury Bavieca, dig deep, " says Ruy Diaz; "for shameful thingwere it, that he should be eat by curs, who hath trampled down so muchcurrish flesh of Moors. "

I. The King looked on him kindly, as on a vassal true;Then to the King Ruy Diaz spake after reverence due, --"O King, the thing is shameful, that any man besideThe liege lord of Castile himself should Bavieca ride:

II. "For neither Spain nor Araby could another charger bringSo good as he, and certes, the best befits my King. But that you may behold him, and know him to the core, I'll make him go as he was wont when his nostrils smelt the Moor. "--

III. With that, the Cid, clad as he was in mantle furred and wide, On Bavieca vaulting, put the rowel in his side;And up and down, and round and round, so fierce was his career, Streamed like a pennon on the wind Ruy Diaz' minivere. 

IV. And all that saw them praised them--they lauded man and horse, As matched well, and rivalless for gallantry and force;Ne'er had they looked on horseman might to this knight come near, Nor on other charger worthy of such a cavalier. 

V. Thus, to and fro a-rushing the fierce and furious steed, He snapt in twain his hither rein:--"God pity now the Cid. ""God pity Diaz, " cried the Lords, --but when they looked again, They saw Ruy Diaz ruling him, with the fragment of his rein;They saw him proudly ruling with gesture firm and calm, Like a true lord commanding--and obeyed as by a lamb. 

VI. And so he led him foaming and panting to the King, But "No, " said Don Alphonso, "it were a shameful thingThat peerless Bavieca should ever be bestridBy any mortal but Bivar--Mount, mount again, my Cid. "

THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF THE CID. 

The last specimen I shall give of the Cid-ballad, is one the subject ofwhich is evidently of the most apocryphal cast. It is, however, so faras I recollect, the only one of all that immense collection that isquoted or alluded to in Don Quixote. "Sancho, " cried Don Quixote, "I amafraid of being excommunicated for having laid violent hands upon a manin holy orders, _Juxta illud; si quis suadente diabolo_, &c. But yet, nowI think on it, I never touched him with my hands, but only with mylance; besides, I did not in the least suspect I had to do with priests, whom I honour and revere as every good Catholic and faithful Christianought to do, but rather took them to be evil spirits. Well, let theworst come to the worst, I remember what befel the Cid Ruy Diaz, when hebroke to pieces the chair of a king's ambassador in the Pope's presence, for which he was excommunicated; which did not hinder the worthy Rodrigode Bivar from behaving himself that day like a valorous knight, and aman of honour. "

I. It was when from Spain across the main the Cid had come to Rome, He chanced to see chairs four and three beneath Saint Peter's dome. "Now tell, I pray, what chairs be they;"--"Seven kings do sit thereon, As well doth suit, all at the foot of the holy Father's throne. "

II. "The Pope he sitteth above them all, that they may kiss his toe, Below the keys the Flower-de-lys doth make a gallant show:For his great puissance, the King of France next to the Pope may sit, The rest more low, all in a row, as doth their station fit. "--

III. "Ha!" quoth the Cid, "now God forbid! it is a shame, I wiss, To see the Castle[5] planted beneath the Flower-de-lys. [6]No harm, I hope, good Father Pope--although I move thy chair. "--In pieces small he kicked it all, ('twas of the ivory fair). 

IV. The Pope's own seat he from his feet did kick it far away, And the Spanish chair he planted upon its place that day;Above them all he planted it, and laughed right bitterly;Looks sour and bad I trow he had, as grim as grim might be. 

V. Now when the Pope was aware of this, he was an angry man, His lips that night, with solemn rite, pronounced the awful ban;The curse of God, who died on rood, was on that sinner's head--To hell and woe man's soul must go if once that curse be said. 

VI. I wot, when the Cid was aware of this, a woful man was he, At dawn of day he came to pray at the blessèd Father's knee:"Absolve me, blessèd Father, have pity upon me, Absolve my soul, and penance I for my sin will dree. "--

VII. "Who is this sinner, " quoth the Pope, "that at my foot doth kneel?"--"I am Rodrigo Diaz--a poor Baron of Castile. "--Much marvelled all were in the hall, when that name they heard him say, --"Rise up, rise up, " the Pope he said, "I do thy guilt away;--

VIII. "I do thy guilt away, " he said--"and my curse I blot it out--God save Rodrigo Diaz, my Christian champion stout;--I trow, if I had known thee, my grief it had been sore, To curse Ruy Diaz de Bivar, God's scourge upon the Moor. "

PART III. 

COUNT ALARCOS AND THE INFANTA SOLISA. 

Mr. Bouterweck has analyzed this ballad, and commented upon it at somelength, in his History of Spanish Literature. See Book I, Section 1. 

He bestows particular praise upon a passage, which the reader will findattempted in the fourth line of stanza xxxi. Of the following version--

 Dedes me aça este hijo amamare por despedida. 

"What modern poet, " says he, "would have dared to imagine that _trait_, at once so natural and touching?"

Mr. Bouterweck seems to be of opinion that the story of the ballad hadbeen taken from some prose romance of chivalry; but I have not been ableto find any trace of it. 

I. Alone, as was her wont, she sate, --within her bower alone;--Alone, and very desolate, Solisa made her moan, Lamenting for her flower of life, that it should pass away, And she be never wooed to wife, nor see a bridal day. 

II. Thus said the sad Infanta--"I will not hide my grief, I'll tell my father of my wrong, and he will yield relief. "--The King, when he beheld her near, "Alas! my child, " said he, "What means this melancholy cheer?--reveal thy grief to me. "--

III. "Good King, " she said, "my mother was buried long ago, She left me to thy keeping, none else my griefs shall know;I fain would have a husband, 'tis time that I should wed, --Forgive the words I utter, with mickle shame they're said. "--

IV. 'Twas thus the King made answer, --"This fault is none of mine, You to the Prince of Hungary your ear would not incline;Yet round us here where lives your peer?--nay, name him if you can, --Except the Count Alarcos, and he's a married man. "--

V. "Ask Count Alarcos, if of yore his word he did not plightTo be my husband evermore, and love me day and night?If he has bound him in new vows, old oaths he cannot break--Alas! I've lost a loyal spouse, for a false lover's sake. "--

VI. The good King sat confounded in silence for some space, At length he made this answer, with very troubled face, --"It was not thus your mother gave counsel you should do;You've done much wrong, my daughter; we're shamed, both I and you. 

VII. "If it be true that you have said, our honour's lost and gone;And while the Countess is in life, remeed for us is none. Though justice were upon our side, ill-talkers would not spare--Speak, daughter, for your mother's dead, whose counsel eased my care. "

VIII. "How can I give you counsel?--but little wit have I;But certes, Count Alarcos may make this Countess die;Let it be noised that sickness cut short her tender life, And then let Count Alarcos come and ask me for his wife. What passed between us long ago, of that be nothing said;Thus none shall our dishonour know, in honour I shall wed. "--

IX. The Count was standing with his friends, thus in the midst he spake--"What fools we be! what pains men dree for a fair woman's sake!I loved a fair one long ago;--though I'm a married man, Sad memory I can ne'er forego, how life and love began. "--

X. While yet the Count was speaking, the good King came full near;He made his salutation with very courteous cheer. "Come hither, Count Alarcos, and dine with me this day, For I have something secret I in your ear must say. "--

XI. The King came from the chapel, when he had heard the mass;With him the Count Alarcos did to his chamber pass;Full nobly were they servèd there, by pages many a one;When all were gone, and they alone, 'twas thus the King begun. --

XII. "What news be these, Alarcos, that you your word did plight, To be a husband to my child, and love her day and night?If more between you there did pass, yourself may know the truth, But shamed is my grey-head--alas!--and scorned Solisa's youth. 

XIII. "I have a heavy word to speak--a lady fair doth lieWithin my daughter's rightful place, and certes! she must die--Let it be noised that sickness cut short her tender life, Then come and woo my daughter, and she shall be your wife:--What passed between you long ago, of that be nothing said, Thus, none shall my dishonour know--in honour you shall wed. "

XIV. Thus spake the Count Alarcos--"The truth I'll not deny, I to the Infanta gave my troth, and broke it shamefully;I feared my King would ne'er consent to give me his fair daughter;But, oh! spare her that's innocent--avoid that sinful slaughter. "--

XV. "She dies, she dies, " the King replies; "from thine own sin it springs, If guiltless blood must wash the blot which stains the blood of kings:Ere morning dawn her life must end, and thine must be the deed, Else thou on shameful block must bend: thereof is no remeed. "

XVI. "Good King, my hand thou mayst command, else treason blots my name!I'll take the life of my dear wife--(God! mine be not the blame!)Alas! that young and sinless heart for others' sin should bleed!Good King, in sorrow I depart. "----"May God your errand speed!"--

XVII. In sorrow he departed, dejectedly he rodeThe weary journey from that place, unto his own abode;He grieved for his fair Countess, dear as his life was she;Sore grieved he for that lady, and for his children three. 

XVIII. The one was yet an infant upon its mother's breast, For though it had three nurses, it liked her milk the best;The others were young children, that had but little wit, Hanging about their mother's knee while nursing she did sit. 

XIX. "Alas!" he said, when he had come within a little space, "How shall I brook the cheerful look of my kind lady's face?To see her coming forth in glee to meet me in my hall, When she so soon a corpse must be, and I the cause of all!"

XX. Just then he saw her at the door with all her babes appear--(The little page had run before to tell his lord was near)"Now welcome home, my lord, my life!--Alas! you droop your headTell, Count Alarcos, tell your wife, what makes your eyes so red?"--

XXI. "I'll tell you all--I'll tell you all: It is not yet the hour;We'll sup together in the hall--I'll tell you in your bower. "The lady brought forth what she had, and down beside him sate;He sat beside her pale and sad, but neither drank nor ate. 

XXII. The children to his side were led (he loved to have them so), Then on the board he laid his head, and out his tears did flow:--"I fain would sleep--I fain would sleep, "--the Count Alarcos said:--Alas! be sure, that sleep was none that night within their bed. 

XXIII. They came together to the bower where they were used to rest, None with them but the little babe that was upon the breast:The Count had barred the chamber doors, they ne'er were barred till then;"Unhappy lady, " he began, "and I most lost of men!"

XXIV. "Now, speak not so, my noble lord, my husband and my life, Unhappy never can she be, that is Alarcos' wife. "--"Alas! unhappy lady, 'tis but little that you know, For in that very word you've said is gathered all your woe. 

XXV. "Long since I loved a lady, --long since I oaths did plight, To be that lady's husband, to love her day and night;Her father is our lord the King, to him the thing is known, And now, that I the news should bring! she claims me for her own. 

XXVI. "Alas! my love, alas! my life, the right is on their side;Ere I had seen your face, sweet wife, she was betrothed my bride;But, oh! that I should speak the word--since in her place you lie, It is the bidding of our Lord, that you this night must die. "--

XXVII. "Are these the wages of my love, so lowly and so leal?--O, kill me not, thou noble Count, when at thy foot I kneel!--But send me to my father's house, where once I dwelt in glee, There will I live a lone chaste life, and rear my children three. "--

XXVIII. "It may not be--mine oath is strong--ere dawn of day you die!"--"O! well 'tis seen how all alone upon the earth am I--My father is an old frail man, --my mother's in her grave, --And dead is stout Don Garcia--Alas! my brother brave!

XXIX. "'Twas at this coward King's command they slew my brother dear, And now I'm helpless in the land:--It is not death I fear, But loth, loth am I to depart, and leave my children so--Now let me lay them to my heart, and kiss them ere I go. "--

XXX. "Kiss him that lies upon thy breast--the rest thou mayst not see. "--"I fain would say an Ave. "--"Then say it speedily. "--She knelt her down upon her knee: "O Lord! behold my case--Judge not my deeds, but look on me in pity and great grace. "--

XXXI. When she had made her orison, up from her knees she rose--"Be kind, Alarcos, to our babes, and pray for my repose--And now give me my boy once more upon my breast to hold, That he may drink one farewell drink, before my breast be cold. "--

XXXII. "Why would you waken the poor child? you see he is asleep--Prepare, dear wife, there is no time, the dawn begins to peep. "--"Now hear me, Count Alarcos! I give thee pardon free--I pardon thee for the love's sake wherewith I've lovèd thee. 

XXXIII. "But they have not my pardon, the King and his proud daughter--The curse of God be on them, for this unchristian slaughter!--I charge them with my dying breath, ere thirty days be gone, To meet me in the realm of death, and at God's awful throne!"--

XXXIV. He drew a kerchief round her neck, he drew it tight and strong, Until she lay quite stiff and cold her chamber floor along;He laid her then within the sheets, and, kneeling by her side, To God and Mary Mother in misery he cried. 

XXXV. Then called he for his esquires:--oh! deep was their dismay, When they into the chamber came, and saw her how she lay;--Thus died she in her innocence, a lady void of wrong, But God took heed of their offence--his vengeance stayed not long. 

XXXVI. Within twelve days, in pain and dole, the Infanta passed away, The cruel King gave up his soul upon the twentieth day;Alarcos followed ere the Moon had made her round complete. --Three guilty spirits stood right soon before God's judgment-seat. 

TALES FROM THEGESTA ROMANORUM. 

CONTENTS. 

 I. --THE EIGHT PENNIES 103 II. --THE THREE TRUTHS 105 III. --THE HUSBAND OF AGLAES 106 IV. --THE THREE CASKETS 111 V. --THE THREE CAKES 116 VI. --THE HERMIT 118 VII. --THE LOST FOOT 121 VIII. --PLACIDUS 122 IX. --DEAD ALEXANDER 131 X. --THE TREE OF PALETINUS 132 XI. --HUNGRY FLIES 132 XII. --THE HUMBLING OF JOVINIAN 133 XIII. --THE TWO PHYSICIANS 139 XIV. --THE FALCON 141 XV. --LET THE LAZIEST BE KING 142 XVI. --THE THREE MAXIMS 143 XVII. --A LOAF FOR A DREAM 146 XVIII. --LOWER THAN THE BEASTS 148 XIX. --OF REAL FRIENDSHIP 151 XX. --ROYAL BOUNTY 152 XXI. --WILY BEGUILED 153 XXII. --THE BASILISK 155 XXIII. --THE TRUMP OF DEATH 155 XXIV. --ALEXANDER AND THE PIRATE 157 XXV. --A TALE OF A PENNY 158 XXVI. --OF AVOIDING IMPRECATIONS 159 XXVII. --A VERSE EXERCISE 161 XXVIII. --BRED IN THE BONE 164 XXIX. --FULGENTIUS 167 XXX. --VENGEANCE DEFERRED 173

I. --THE EIGHT PENNIES. 

When Titus was Emperor of Rome, he made a decree that the natal day ofhis first-born son should be held sacred, and that whosoever violated itby any kind of labour should be put to death. Then he called Virgil tohim, and said, "Good friend, I have made a certain law; we desire you toframe some curious piece of art which may reveal to us every transgressorof the law. " Virgil constructed a magic statue, and caused it to be setup in the midst of the city. By virtue of the secret powers with whichit was invested, it told the emperor whatever was done amiss. And thusby the accusation of the statue, an infinite number of persons wereconvicted and punished. 

Now there was a certain carpenter, called Focus, who pursued hisoccupation every day alike. Once, as he lay in bed, his thoughts turnedupon the accusations of the statue, and the multitudes which it hadcaused to perish. In the morning he clothed himself, and proceeded tothe statue, which he addressed in the following manner: "O statue!statue! because of thy informations, many of our citizens have beentaken and slain. I vow to my God, that if thou accusest _me_, I willbreak thy head. " Having so said, he returned home. 

About the first hour, the emperor, as he was wont, despatched sundrymessengers to the statue, to inquire if the edict had been strictlycomplied with. After they had arrived, and delivered the emperorspleasure, the statue exclaimed: "Friends, look up; what see ye writtenupon my forehead?" They looked, and beheld three sentences which ranthus: "TIMES ARE ALTERED. MEN GROW WORSE. HE WHO SPEAKS TRUTH HAS HISHEAD BROKEN. " "Go, " said the statue, "declare to his majesty what youhave seen and read. " The messengers obeyed, and detailed thecircumstances as they had happened. 

The emperor therefore commanded his guard to arm, and march to the placeon which the statue was erected; and he further ordered, that if any onepresumed to molest it, they should bind him hand and foot, and drag himinto his presence. 

The soldiers approached the statue and said, "Our emperor wills you todeclare the name of the scoundrel who threatens you. "

The statue made answer, "It is Focus the carpenter. Every day heviolates the law, and, moreover, menaces me with a broken head, if Iexpose him. "

Immediately Focus was apprehended, and conducted to the emperor, whosaid, "Friend, what do I hear of thee? Why hast thou broken my law?"

"My lord, " answered Focus, "I cannot keep it; for I am obliged to obtainevery day eight pennies, which, without incessant work, I have not themeans of getting. "

"And why eight pennies?" said the emperor. 

"Every day through the year, " returned the carpenter, "I am bound torepay two pennies which I borrowed in my youth; two I lend; two I lose;and two I spend. "

"For what reason do you this?" asked the emperor. 

"My lord, " he replied, "listen to me. I am bound each day to repay twopennies to my father; for, when I was a boy, my father expended upon medaily the like sum. Now he is poor, and needs my assistance, andtherefore I return what I borrowed formerly. Two other pennies I lend tomy son, who is pursuing his studies; in order, that if by any chance Ishould fall into poverty, he may restore the loan, just as I have doneto his grandfather. Again, I lose two pennies every day on my wife; forshe is contradictious, wilful, and passionate. Now, because of thisdisposition, I account whatsoever is given to her entirely lost. Lastly, two other pennies I expend upon myself in meat and drink. I cannot dowith less, nor can I earn them without unremitting labour. You now knowthe truth; and, I pray you, judge dispassionately and truly. "

"Friend, " said the emperor, "thou hast answered well. Go, and labourearnestly in thy calling. "

Soon after this the emperor died, and Focus the carpenter, on account ofhis singular wisdom, was elected in his stead by the unanimous choice ofthe whole nation. He governed as wisely as he had lived; and at hisdeath, his picture, bearing on the head eight pennies, was repositedamong the effigies of the deceased emperors. 

II. --THE THREE TRUTHS. 

A certain king, named Asmodeus, established an ordinance, by which everymalefactor taken and brought before the judge, should distinctly declarethree truths, against which no exception could be taken, or else behanged. If, however, he did this, his life and property should be safe. It chanced that a certain soldier transgressed the law and fled. He hidhimself in a forest, and there committed many atrocities, despoilingand slaying whomsoever he could lay his hands upon. When the judgeof the district ascertained his haunt, he ordered the forest to besurrounded, and the soldier to be seized, and brought bound to the seatof judgment. 

"You know the law, " said the judge. 

"I do, " returned the other. "If I declare three unquestionable truths Ishall be free; but if not, I must die. "

"True, " replied the judge; "take then advantage of the law's clemency, or undergo the punishment it awards without delay. "

"Cause silence to be kept, " said the soldier undauntedly. 

His wish being complied with, he proceeded in the following manner: "Thefirst truth is this. I protest before ye all, that from my youth up, Ihave been a bad man. "

The judge, hearing this, said to the bystanders, "He says true?" Theyanswered: "Else he had not now been in this situation. " "Go on, then, "said the judge. "What is the second truth?"

"I like not, " exclaimed he, "the dangerous situation in which I stand. "

"Certainly, " said the judge, "we may credit thee. Now then for the thirdtruth, and thou hast saved thy life. "

"Why, " he replied, "if I once get out of this confounded place, I willnever willingly re-enter it. "

"Amen, " said the judge, "thy wit hath preserved thee; go in peace. " Andthus he was saved. 

III. --THE HUSBAND OF AGLAES. 

In Rome some time dwelt a mighty emperor named Philominus, who had oneonly daughter, who was fair and gracious in the sight of every man, whohad to name Aglaes. There was also in the emperor's palace a gentleknight that loved dearly this lady. It befell after on a day, that thisknight talked with this lady, and secretly uttered his desire to her. Then she said courteously, "Seeing you have uttered to me the secrets ofyour heart, I will likewise for your love utter to you the secrets of myheart: and truly I say, that above all other I love you best. " Then saidthe knight, "I purpose to visit the Holy Land, and therefore give meyour troth, that this seven years you shall take no other man, but onlyfor my love to tarry for me so long, and if I come not again by this dayseven years, then take what man you like best. And likewise I promiseyou that within this seven years I will take no wife. " Then said she, "This covenant pleaseth me well. " When this was said, each of them wasbetrothed to other, and then this knight took his leave of the lady, andwent to the Holy Land. 

Shortly after the emperor treated with the king of Hungary for themarriage of his daughter. Then came the king of Hungary to the emperor'spalace, and when he had seen his daughter, he liked marvellous well herbeauty and her behaviour, so that the emperor and the king were accordedin all things as touching the marriage, upon the condition that thedamsel would consent. Then called the emperor the young lady to him, andsaid, "O, my fair daughter, I have provided for thee, that a king shallbe thy husband, if thou list consent; therefore tell me what answer thouwilt give to this. " Then said she to her father, "It pleaseth me well;but one thing, dear father, I entreat of you, if it might please you togrant me: I have vowed to keep my virginity, and not to marry theseseven years; therefore, dear father, I beseech you for all the love thatis between your gracious fatherhood and me, that you name no man to bemy husband till these seven years be ended, and then I shall be ready inall things to fulfil your will. " Then said the emperor, "Sith it is sothat thou hast thus vowed, I will not break thy vow; but when theseseven years be expired, thou shalt have the king of Hungary to thyhusband. "

Then the emperor sent forth his letters to the king of Hungary, prayinghim if it might please him to stay seven years for the love of hisdaughter, and then he should speed without fail. Herewith the king waspleased and content to stay the prefixed day. 

And when the seven years were ended, save a day, the young lady stood inher chamber window, and wept sore, saying, "Woe and alas, as to-morrowmy love promised to be with me again from the Holy Land; and also theking of Hungary to-morrow will be here to marry me, according to myfather's promise; and if my love comes not at a certain hour, then am Iutterly deceived of the inward love I bear to him. "

When the day came, the king hasted toward the emperor, to marry hisdaughter, and was royally arrayed in purple. And while the king wasriding on his way, there came a knight riding on his way, who said, "Iam of the empire of Rome, and now am lately come from the Holy Land, andI am ready to do you the best service I can. " And as they rode talkingby the way, it began to rain so fast that all the king's apparel wassore wet. Then said the knight, "My lord, ye have done foolishly, for asmuch as ye brought not with you your house. " Then said the king: "Whyspeakest thou so? My house is large and broad, and made of stones andmortar, how should I bring then with me my house? Thou speakest like afool. " When this was said, they rode on till they came to a great deepwater, and the king smote his horse with his spurs, and leapt into thewater, so that he was almost drowned. When the knight saw this, and wasover on the other side of the water without peril, he said to the king, "Ye were in peril, and therefore ye did foolishly, because ye broughtnot with you your bridge. " Then said the king, "Thou speakest strangely:my bridge is made of lime and stone, and containeth in quality morethan half a mile; how should I then bear with me my bridge? thereforethou speakest foolishly. " "Well, " said the knight, "my foolishness mayturn you to wisdom. " When the king had ridden a little further, he askedthe knight what time of day it was. Then said the knight, "If any manhath list to eat, it is time of the day to eat. Wherefore, my lord, praytake a _modicum_ with me, for that is no dishonour to you, but greathonour to me before the states of this empire. " Then said the king, "Iwill gladly eat with thee. " They sat both down in a fair vine garden, and there dined together, both the king and the knight. And when dinnerwas done, and that the king had washed, the knight said unto the king, "My lord, ye have done foolishly, for that ye brought not with you yourfather and mother. " Then said the king, "What sayest thou? My father isdead, and my mother is old, and may not travel; how should I then bringthem with me? Therefore, to say the truth, a foolisher man than thou artdid I never hear. " Then said the knight, "Every work is praised at theend. "

When the knight had ridden a little further, and nigh to the emperor'spalace, he asked leave to go from him; for he knew a nearer way to thepalace, to the young lady, that he might come first, and carry her awaywith him. Then said the king, "I pray thee tell me by what place thoupurposest to ride?" Then said the knight, "I shall tell you the truth. This day seven years I left a net in a place, and now I purpose to visitit, and draw it to me, and if it be whole, then will I take it to me, and keep it as a precious jewel; if it be broken, then will I leave it. "And when he had thus said, he took his leave of the king, and rodeforth; but the king kept the broad highway. 

When the emperor heard of the king's coming, he went towards him with agreat company, and royally received him, causing him to shift his wetclothes, and to put on fresh apparel. And when the emperor and the kingwere set at meat, the emperor welcomed him with all the cheer andsolace that he could. And when he had eaten, the emperor asked tidingsof the king. "My lord, " said he, "I shall tell you what I have heardthis day by the way: there came a knight to me, and reverently salutedme; and anon after there fell a great rain, and greatly spoiled myapparel. And anon the knight said, 'Sir, ye have done foolishly, forthat ye brought not with you your house. '" Then said the emperor, "Whatclothing had the knight on?" "A cloak, " quoth the king. Then said theemperor, "Sure that was a wise man, for the house whereof he spake was acloak, and therefore he said to you that you did foolishly, because hadyou come with your cloak, then your clothes had not been spoiled withrain. " Then said the king, "When he had ridden a little further, we cameto a deep water, and I smote my horse with my spurs, and I was almostdrowned, but he rid through the water without any peril. Then said he tome, 'You did foolishly, for that you brought not with you your bridge. '""Verily, " said the emperor, "he said truth, for he called the squiresthe bridge, that should have ridden before you, and assayed the deepnessof the water. " Then said the king, "We rode further, and at the last heprayed me to dine with him. And when he had dined, he said, I didunwisely, because I brought not with me my father and mother. " "Truly, "said the emperor, "he was a wise man, and saith wisely: for he calledyour father and mother, bread and wine, and other victual. " Then saidthe king, "We rode further, and anon after he asked me leave to go fromme, and I asked earnestly whither he went; and he answered again, andsaid, 'This day seven years I left a net in a private place, and now Iwill ride to see it; and if it be broken and torn, then will I leave it, but if it be as I left it, then shall it be unto me right precious. '"

When the emperor heard this, he cried with a loud voice, and said, "Oye my knights and servants, come ye with me speedily unto my daughter'schamber, for surely that is the net of which he spake. " And forthwithhis knights and servants went unto his daughter's chamber, and found hernot, for the aforesaid knight had taken her with him. And thus the kingwas deceived of the damsel, and he went home again to his own countryashamed. 

IV. --THE THREE CASKETS. 

Some time dwelt in Rome a mighty emperor, named Anselm, who had marriedthe king's daughter of Jerusalem, a fair lady, and gracious in the sightof every man, but she was long time with the emperor ere she bare himany child; wherefore the nobles of the empire were very sorrowful, because their lord had no heir of his own body begotten: till at last itbefell, that this Anselm walked after supper, in an evening, into hisgarden, and bethought himself that he had no heir, and how the king ofAmpluy warred on him continually, for so much as he had no son to makedefence in his absence; therefore he was sorrowful, and went to hischamber and slept. Then he thought he saw a vision in his sleep, thatthe morning was more clear than it was wont to be, and that the moon wasmuch paler on the one side than on the other. And after he saw a bird oftwo colours, and by that bird stood two beasts, which fed that littlebird with their heat. And after that came more beasts, and bowing theirbreasts toward the bird, went their way. Then came there divers birdsthat sung sweetly and pleasantly: with that the emperor awaked. 

In the morning early this Anselm remembered his vision, and wonderedmuch what it might signify; wherefore he called to him his philosophers, and all the states of the empire, and told them his dream, charging themto tell him the signification thereof on pain of death, and if theytold him the true interpretation thereof, he promised them good reward. Then said they, "Dear lord, tell us your dream, and we shall declare toyou what it betokens. " Then the emperor told them from the beginning tothe ending, as is aforesaid. When the philosophers heard this, with gladcheer they answered, and said, "Sir, the vision that you saw betokenethgood, for the empire shall be clearer than it is. 

"The moon that is more pale on the one side than on the other, betokeneththe empress, that hath lost part of her colour, through the conceptionof a son that she hath conceived. The little bird betokeneth the sonthat she shall bare. The two beasts that fed this bird betoken the wiseand rich men of the empire which shall obey the son. These other beaststhat bowed their breasts to the bird betoken many other nations thatshall do him homage. The bird that sang so sweetly to this little birdbetokeneth the Romans, who shall rejoice and sing because of his birth. This is the very interpretation of your dream. "

When the emperor heard this, he was right joyful. Soon after that, theempress travailed in childbirth, and was delivered of a fair son, atwhose birth there was great and wonderful joy made. 

When the king of Ampluy heard this, he thought in himself thus: "Lo, Ihave warred against the emperor all the days of my life, and now he hatha son who, when he cometh to full age, will revenge the wrong I havedone against his father; therefore it is better that I send to theemperor and beseech him of truce and peace, that the son may havenothing against me when he cometh to manhood. " When he had thus said tohimself, he wrote to the emperor, beseeching him to have peace. When theemperor saw that the king of Ampluy wrote to him more for fear than forlove, he wrote again to him, that if he would find good and sufficientsureties to keep the peace, and bind himself all the days of his life todo him service and homage, he would receive him to peace. 

When the king had read the tenor of the emperor's letter, he called hiscouncil, praying them to give him counsel how he best might do, astouching this matter. Then said they, "It is good that ye obey theemperor's will and commandment in all things. For first, in that hedesired of you surety for the peace; to this we answer thus: Ye have butone daughter, and the emperor one son, wherefore let a marriage be madebetween them, and that may be a perpetual covenant of peace. Also heasketh homage and tribute, which it is good to fulfil. " Then the kingsent his messengers to the emperor, saying, that he would fulfil hisdesire in all things, if it might please his highness that his son andthe king's daughter might be married together. All this well pleased theemperor, yet he sent again, saying, "If his daughter were a pure maidfrom her birth unto that day, he would consent to that marriage. " Thenwas the king right glad, for his daughter was a pure maid. 

Therefore, when the letters of covenant and compact were sealed, theking furnished a fair ship, wherein he might send his daughter, withmany noble knights, ladies, and great riches, unto the emperor, for tohave his son in marriage. 

And when they were sailing in the sea, towards Rome, a storm arose soextremely and so horribly that the ship brake against a rock, and theywere all drowned save only the young lady, which fixed her hope andheart so greatly on God, that she was saved, and about three of theclock the tempest ceased, and the lady drove forth over the waves inthat broken ship which was cast up again. But a huge whale followedafter, ready to devour both the ship and her. Wherefore this young lady, when night came, smote fire with a stone, wherewith the ship was greatlylightened, and then the whale durst not adventure toward the ship forfear of that light. At the cock-crowing, this young lady was so weary ofthe great tempest and trouble of sea, that she slept, and within alittle while after the fire ceased, and the whale came and devoured thevirgin. And when she awaked and found herself swallowed up in thewhale's belly, she smote fire, and with a knife wounded the whale inmany places, and when the whale felt himself wounded, according to hisnature he began to swim to land. 

There was dwelling at that time in a country near by a noble earl namedPirris, who for his recreation walking on the sea-shore, saw the whalecoming towards the land; wherefore he turned home again, and gathered agreat many of men and women, and came thither again, and fought with thewhale, and wounded him very sore, and as they smote, the maiden that wasin his belly cried with a high voice, and said: "O gentle friends, havemercy and compassion on me, for I am a king's daughter, and a true maidfrom the hour of my birth unto this day. " When the earl heard this hewondered greatly, and opened the side of the whale, and found the younglady, and took her out. And when she was thus delivered, she told himforthwith whose daughter she was, and how she had lost all her goods inthe sea, and how she should have been married unto the emperor's son. And when the earl heard this, he was very glad, and comforted her themore, and kept her with him till she was well refreshed. And in themeantime he sent messengers to the emperor, letting him to know how theking's daughter was saved. 

Then was the emperor right glad of her safety, and coming, had greatcompassion on her, saying, "Ah, good maiden, for the love of my son thouhast suffered much woe; nevertheless, if thou be worthy to be his wife, soon shall I prove. " And when he had thus said, he caused three vesselsto be brought forth. The first was made of pure gold, well beset withprecious stones without, and within full of dead men's bones, andthereupon was engraven this posie: "WHOSO CHOOSETH ME, SHALL FIND THATHE DESERVETH. " The second vessel was made of fine silver, filled withearth and worms, the superscription was thus: "WHOSO CHOOSETH ME, SHALLFIND THAT HIS NATURE DESIRETH. " The third vessel was made of lead, fullwithin of precious stones, and thereupon was insculpt this posie: "WHOSOCHOOSETH ME, SHALL FIND THAT GOD HATH DISPOSED FOR HIM. " These threevessels the emperor showed the maiden, and said: "Lo, here daughter, these be rich vessels. If thou choose one of these, wherein is profit tothee and to others, then shalt thou have my son. And if thou choose thatwherein is no profit to thee, nor to any other, soothly thou shalt notmarry him. "

When the maiden heard this, she lift up her hands to God, and said, "Thou Lord, that knowest all things, grant me grace this hour so tochoose, that I may receive the emperor's son. " And with that she beheldthe first vessel of gold, which was engraven royally, and read thesuperscription, "_Whoso chooseth me, shall find that he deserveth_;"saying thus, "Though this vessel be full precious, and made of puregold, nevertheless I know not what is within, therefore, my dear lord, this vessel will I not choose. "

And then she beheld the second vessel, that was of pure silver, and readthe superscription, "_Whoso chooseth me, shall find that his naturedesireth. _" Thinking thus within herself, "If I choose this vessel, whatis within I know not, but well I know, there shall I find that naturedesireth, and my nature desireth the lust of the flesh, and thereforethis vessel will I not choose. "

When she had seen these two vessels, and had given an answer as touchingthem, she beheld the third vessel of lead, and read the superscription, "_Whoso chooseth me, shall find that God hath disposed. _" Thinkingwithin herself, "This vessel is not very rich, nor outwardly precious, yet the superscription saith, "_Whoso chooseth me, shall find that Godhath disposed_;" and without doubt God never disposeth any harm, therefore, by the leave of God, this vessel will I choose. "

When the emperor heard this, he said, "O fair maiden, open thy vessel, for it is full of precious stones, and see if thou hast well chosen orno. " And when this young lady had opened it, she found it full of finegold and precious stones, as the emperor had told her before. Then saidthe emperor, "Daughter, because thou hast well chosen, thou shalt marrymy son. " And then he appointed the wedding-day; and they were marriedwith great solemnity, and with much honour continued to their lives'end. 

V. --THE THREE CAKES. 

A certain carpenter, in a city near the sea, very covetous, and verywicked, collected a large sum of money, and placed it in the trunk of atree, which he set by his fire-side, and never lost sight of. A placelike this, he thought, no one could suspect: but it happened, that whileall his household slept, the sea overflowed its boundaries, broke downthat side of the building where the log was placed, and carried it away. It floated many miles, and reached, at length, a city in which therelived a person who kept open house. Arising early in the morning, heperceived the trunk of a tree in the water, and thinking it would be ofuse to him, he brought it home. He was a liberal, kind-hearted man; anda great benefactor to the poor. It one day chanced that he entertainedsome pilgrims in his house; and the weather being extremely cold, he cutup the log for firewood. When he had struck two or three blows with theaxe, he heard a rattling sound; and cleaving it in twain, the goldpieces rolled out and about. Greatly rejoiced at the discovery, he putthem by in a safe place, until he should ascertain who was the owner. 

Now the carpenter, bitterly lamenting the loss of his money, travelledfrom place to place in pursuit of it. He came, by accident, to the houseof the hospitable man who had found the trunk. He failed not to mentionthe object of his search; and the host, understanding that the money washis, reflected whether his title to it were good. "I will prove, " saidhe to himself, "if God will that the money should be returned to him. "

Accordingly, he made three cakes, the first of which he filled withearth; the second with the bones of dead men; and in the third he put aquantity of the gold which he had discovered in the trunk. 

"Friend, " said he, addressing the carpenter, "we will eat three cakesmade of the best meat in my house. Choose which you will have. "

The carpenter did as he was directed; he took the cakes and weighed themin his hand, one after another, and finding that with the earth weighheaviest, he chose it. "And if I want more, my worthy host, " added he, "I will have that"--laying his hand upon the cake containing the bones. "You may keep the third cake yourself. "

"I see clearly, " murmured the host, "I see very clearly that God doesnot will the money to be restored to this wretched man. " Callingtherefore the poor and the infirm, the blind and the lame, he opened thecake of gold in the presence of the carpenter, to whom he spoke, "Thoumiserable varlet; this is thine own gold. But thou preferredst the cakeof earth, and dead men's bones. I am persuaded, therefore, that Godwills not that I return thee thy money. " Without delay, he distributedit all amongst the poor, and drove the carpenter away. 

VI. --THE HERMIT. 

There once lived a hermit, who in a remote cave passed day and nightin God's service. Not far from his cell there was a flock kept by ashepherd, who one day fell into a deep sleep, when a robber, seeing himcareless, carried off his sheep. When the keeper awoke, he began toswear in good set terms that he had lost his sheep; and where they weregone to he knew not. But the lord of the flock bade him be put to death. This gave to the hermit great offence. "O heaven, " said he to himself, "seest thou this deed? The innocent suffers for the guilty: why permittestthou such things? If thus injustice triumph, why do I remain here? Iwill again enter the world, and do as other men do. "

And so he left his hermitage, and went again into the world; but Godwilled not that he should be lost: an angel in the form of a man wassent to join him. And so, crossing the hermit's path, he said to him, "Whither bound, my friend?" "I go, " said he, "to yonder city. " "I willgo with you, " replied the angel; "I am a messenger from heaven, come tobe your companion on the way. "

So they walked on together to the city. When they had entered, theybegged for the love of God harbourage during the night, at the house ofa certain soldier, who received them cheerfully and entertained themnobly. The soldier had an only and most dear son lying in the cradle. After supper, their bed-chamber was sumptuously adorned for them; andthe angel and the hermit went to rest. But about the middle of thenight the angel rose, and strangled the sleeping infant. The hermit, horror-struck at what he witnessed, said within himself, "Never canthis be an angel of God. The good soldier gave us everything that wasnecessary; he had but this poor innocent, and he is strangled. " Yet hewas afraid to reprove him. 

In the morning both arose and went forward to another city, in whichthey were honourably entertained at the house of one of the inhabitants. This person had a rich gold cup, which he highly valued; and of which, during the night, the angel robbed him. But still the hermit held hispeace, for great was his fear. 

On the morrow they went forward; and as they walked they came to acertain river, over which was a bridge. They went on the bridge, andabout midway a poor pilgrim met them. "My friend, " said the angel tohim, "show us the way to yonder city. " The pilgrim turned, and pointedwith his finger to the road they were to take; but as he turned theangel seized him by the shoulders, and hurled him into the stream below. At this the terror of the hermit became greater. "It is the devil, " hesaid to himself; "it is the devil, and no good angel! What evil had thepoor man done that he should be drowned?"

He would now have gladly gone alone; but was afraid to speak his mind. About the hour of vespers they came to a city, in which they againsought shelter for the night; but the master of the house where theyapplied sharply refused it. "For the love of heaven, " said the angel, "give us shelter, lest we fall prey to the wolves. " The man pointed to asty. "That, " said he, "has pigs in it; if it please you to lie there youmay, but to no other place will I admit you. " "If we can do no better, "said the angel, "we must accept your ungracious offer. " They did so; andnext morning the angel calling their host, said, "My friend, I give youthis cup;" and he gave him the gold cup he had stolen. The hermit, moreand more amazed at what he saw, said to himself, "Now I am sure this isthe devil. The good man who received us with all kindness he despoiled, and now he gives the plunder to this fellow who refused us a lodging. "

Turning therefore to the angel, he cried, "I will travel with you nomore. I commend you to God. " "Dear friend, " the angel said, "first hearme, and then go thy way. "

THE EXPLANATION. 

"When thou wert in thy hermitage, the owner of the flock unjustly put todeath his servant. True it is he died innocently, and therefore wasin a fit state to enter another world. God permitted him to be slain, foreseeing, that if he lived he would commit a sin, and die beforerepentance followed. But the guilty man who stole the sheep will suffereternally; while the owner of the flock will repair, by alms and goodworks, that which he ignorantly committed. As for the son of thehospitable soldier whom I strangled in the cradle, know, that before theboy was born he performed numerous works of charity and mercy; butafterwards grew parsimonious and covetous in order to enrich the child, of which he was inordinately fond. This was the cause of its death; andnow its distressed parent is again become a devout Christian. Then forthe cup which I purloined from him who received us so kindly, know, thatbefore the cup was made, there was not a more abstemious person in theworld; but afterwards he took such pleasure in it, and drank from it sooften, that he was intoxicated twice or thrice during the day. I tookaway the cup, and he has returned to his former sobriety. Again I castthe pilgrim into the river; and know that he whom I drowned was a goodChristian, but had he proceeded much further, he would have fallen intoa mortal sin. Now he is saved, and reigns in celestial glory. Then, thatI bestowed the cup upon the inhospitable citizen, know nothing is donewithout reason. He suffered us to occupy the swine-house and I gave hima valuable consideration. But _he_ will hereafter reign in hell. Put aguard, therefore, on thy lips, and detract not from the Almighty. For Heknoweth all things. "

The hermit, hearing this, fell at the feet of the angel and entreatedpardon. He returned to his hermitage, and became a good and piousChristian. 

VII. --THE LOST FOOT. 

A certain tyrannical and cruel knight retained in his service a veryfaithful servant. One day, when he had been to the market, he returnedwith this servant through a grove; and by the way lost thirty silvermarks. As soon as he discovered the loss, he questioned his servantabout it. The man solemnly denied all knowledge of the matter, and hespoke truth. But when the money was not to be found, he cut off theservant's foot, and leaving him in that place, rode home. A hermit, hearing the groans and cries of the man, went speedily to his help. Heconfessed him; and being satisfied of his innocence, conveyed him uponhis shoulders to his hermitage. 

Then entering the oratory, he dared to reproach the All-just with wantof justice, inasmuch as he had permitted an innocent man to lose hisfoot. 

For a length of time he continued in tears, and prayers, and reproaches;until at last an angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said, "Hast thounot read in the Psalms, 'God is a just judge, strong and patient?'"

"Often, " answered the hermit meekly, "have I read and believed it frommy heart; but to-day I have erred. That wretched man, whose foot hasbeen cut off, perhaps under the veil of confession deceived me. "

"Tax not the Lord with injustice, " said the angel; "His way is truth, and His judgments equitable. Recollect how often thou hast read, 'Thedecrees of God are unfathomable. ' Know that he who lost his foot, lostit for a former crime. With the same foot he maliciously spurned hismother, and cast her from a chariot--for which eternal condemnationovertook him. The knight, his master, was desirous of purchasing awar-horse, to collect more wealth, to the destruction of his soul; andtherefore, by the just sentence of God, the money which he had providedfor the purchase was lost. Now hear; there is a very poor man with hiswife and little ones, who daily supplicate heaven, and perform everyreligious exercise. He found the money, when otherwise he would havestarved, and therewith procured for himself and family the necessariesof life, entrusting a portion to his confessor to distribute to thepoor. But first he diligently endeavoured to find out the right owner. Not accomplishing this, the poor man applied it to its proper use. Placethen a bridle upon thy thoughts; and no more upbraid the righteousDisposer of all things, as thou but lately didst. For he is just, andstrong, and patient. "

VIII. --PLACIDUS. 

In the reign of Trajan there lived a knight named Placidus, who wascommander-in-chief of the emperor's armies. He was very merciful, but aworshipper of idols. His wife too was an idolater. They had two sons, brought up in all magnificence, and from the kindness and goodness oftheir hearts, they deserved a revelation of the way of truth. 

As he was one day following the chase, Placidus discovered a herd ofdeer, amongst which was one remarkable for size and beauty. Separatingitself from the rest, it plunged into the thickest part of the brake. While the hunters, therefore, occupied themselves with the remainder ofthe herd, Placidus swiftly followed this deer's track. The stag scaleda lofty precipice, and Placidus, approaching as near as he could, considered how it might be followed yet. But as he regarded it withfixed attention, there appeared upon the centre of the brow, the form ofthe cross, which glittered with more splendour than the noonday sun. Upon this cross an image of Jesus Christ was suspended; and the stagthus addressed the hunter: "Why dost thou persecute me, Placidus? Forthy sake have I assumed the shape of this animal. I am Christ, whom thouignorantly worshippest. Thine alms have gone up before me, and thereforeI come; but as thou hast hunted this stag, so will I hunt thee. "

Some indeed assert that the image, hanging between the deer's antlers, said these things. However that may be, Placidus, filled with terror, fell from his horse; and in about an hour, returning to himself, arosefrom the earth and said, "Declare what thou wouldst have, that I maybelieve in thee. "

"I am Christ, O Placidus! I created heaven and earth; I caused the lightto arise, and divided it from the darkness. I appointed days, andseasons, and years. I formed man out of the dust of the earth; and Ibecame incarnate for the salvation of mankind. I was crucified, andburied; and on the third day I rose again. "

When Placidus understood these sublime truths, he fell again upon theearth, and exclaimed: "I believe, O Lord, that thou hast done all this;and that thou art He who bringest back the wanderer. "

The Lord answered: "If thou believest this, go into the city and bebaptized. "

"Wouldst thou, O Lord, that I tell what has befallen me to my wife andchildren, that they also may believe?"

"Do so; tell them, that they also may be cleansed from their iniquities. And on the morrow return hither, where I will appear again, and show youof the future. "

Placidus, therefore, went to his own home, and told all that had passedto his wife. But she too had had a revelation; and in like manner hadbeen enjoined to believe in Christ, together with her children. So theyhastened to the city of Rome, where they were entertained and baptizedwith great joy. Placidus was called Eustacius, and his wife, Theosbyta;the two sons, Theosbytus and Agapetus. 

In the morning, Eustacius, according to custom, went out to hunt, andcoming with his attendants near the place, he dispersed them, as if forthe purpose of discovering the prey. Immediately the vision of yesterdayreappeared, and prostrating himself, he said, "I implore thee, O Lord, to manifest thyself according to thy word. "

"Blessed art thou, Eustacius, because thou hast received the laver ofmy grace, and thereby overcome the devil. Now hast thou trod him todust, who beguiled thee. Now will thy fidelity appear; for the devil, whom thou hast deserted, will rage against thee in many ways. Much mustthou undergo ere thou possessest the crown of victory. Much must thousuffer from the dignified vanity of the world; and much from spiritualintolerance. Fail not, therefore; nor look back upon thy formercondition. Thou must be as another Job; but from the very depth of thyhumiliation, I will restore thee to the height of earthly splendour. Choose, then, whether thou wouldst prefer thy trials at the end oflife. "

Eustacius replied: "If it become me, O Lord, to be exposed to trials, let them presently approach; but do thou uphold me, and supply me withpatient strength. "

"Be bold, Eustacius: my grace shall support your souls. " Saying thus, the Lord ascended into heaven. After which Eustacius returned home tohis wife, and explained to her what had been decreed. 

In a few days a pestilence carried off the whole of their men-servantsand maid-servants; and before long the sheep, horses, and cattle alsoperished. Robbers plundered their habitation, and despoiled them ofevery ornament; while he himself, together with his wife and sons, flednaked and in the deepest distress. But devoutly they worshipped God; andapprehensive of an Egyptian redness, went secretly away. Thus were theyreduced to utter poverty. The king and the senate, greatly afflictedwith their general's calamities, sought for, but found not the slightesttrace of him. 

In the meantime this unhappy family approached the sea; and finding aship ready to sail, they embarked in it. The master of the vesselobserving that the wife of Eustacius was very beautiful, determined tosecure her; and when they had crossed the sea, demanded a large sum ofmoney for their passage, which, as he anticipated, they did not possess. Notwithstanding the vehement and indignant protestations of Eustacius, he seized upon his wife; and beckoning to the mariners, commanded themto cast the unfortunate husband headlong into the sea. Perceiving, therefore, that all opposition was useless, he took up his two children, and departed with much and heavy sorrow. "Merciful heaven, " he exclaimed, as he wept over his bereaved offspring, "your poor mother is lost; and, in a strange land, in the arms of a strange lord, must lament her fate. "

Travelling along, he came to a river, the water of which ran so high, that it appeared hazardous in an eminent degree to cross with both thechildren at the same time. One, therefore, he placed carefully upon thebank, and then passed over with the other in his arms. This effected, helaid it upon the ground, and returned immediately for the remainingchild. But in the midst of the river, accidentally glancing his eyeback, he beheld a wolf hastily snatch up the child, and run with it intoan adjoining wood. Half maddened at a sight so truly afflicting, heturned to rescue it from the destruction with which it was threatened;but at that instant a huge lion approached the child he had left; andseizing it, presently disappeared. To follow was useless, for he was inthe middle of the water. Giving himself up, therefore, to his desperatesituation, he began to lament and to pluck away his hair, and would havecast himself into the stream, had not Divine Providence preserved him. 

Certain shepherds, however, observing the lion carrying off the child inhis teeth, pursued him with dogs, and by the peculiar dispensation ofheaven it was dropped unhurt. As for the other, some ploughmen witnessingthe adventure, shouted lustily after the wolf, and succeeded inliberating the poor victim from its jaws. Now it happened that both theshepherds and ploughmen resided in the same village, and brought up thechildren amongst them. But Eustacius knew nothing of this, and hisaffliction was so poignant that he was unable to control his complaints. "Alas!" he would say, "once I nourished like a luxuriant tree, but now Iam altogether blighted. Once I was encompassed with military ensigns andbands of armed men; now I am a single being in the universe. I have lostall my children and everything that I possessed. I remember, O Lord, that thou saidst my trials should resemble Job's; behold they exceedthem. For although he was destitute, he had a couch, however vile, torepose upon; I, alas! have nothing. He had compassionating friends;while I, besides the loss of my children, am left a prey to the savagebeasts. His wife remained, but mine is forcibly carried off. Assuage myanguish, O Lord, and place a bridle upon my lips, lest I utterfoolishness, and stand up against thee. " With such words he gave freecourse to the fulness of his heart; and after much travel, entered avillage, where he abode. In this place he continued for fifteen years, as the hired servant of one of the villagers. 

To return to the two boys. They were educated in the sameneighbourhood, but had no knowledge of their consanguinity. And as forthe wife of Eustacius, she preserved her purity, and suffered not theinfamous usage which she had to fear. After some time her persecutordied. 

In the meanwhile the Roman emperor was beset by his enemies, andrecollecting how valiantly Placidus had behaved himself in similarstraits, his grief at the deplorable change of fortune was renewed. Hedespatched soldiers through various parts of the world in pursuit ofthem; and promised to the discoverer infinite rewards and honours. Ithappened that some of the emissaries, being of those who had attendedupon the person of Placidus, came into the country in which he laboured, and one of them he recognized by his gait. The sight of these menbrought back to the exile's mind the situation of wealth and honourwhich he had once possessed; and being filled with fresh trouble at therecollection--"O Lord!" he exclaimed, "even as beyond expectation I haveseen these people again, so let me be restored to my beloved wife. Of mychildren I speak not; for I know too well that they are devoured by wildbeasts. "

At that moment a voice whispered, "Be faithful, Eustacius, and thou wiltshortly recover thy lost honours, and again look upon thy wife andoffspring. "

Now when the soldiers met Placidus they knew not who he was; andaccosting him, they asked if he were acquainted with any foreigner namedPlacidus, with his wife and two sons. He replied that he did not, butrequested that they would rest in his house. And so he took them home, and waited on them. And here, as before, at the recollection of hisformer splendour, his tears flowed. Unable to contain himself, hewent out of doors, and when he had washed his face he re-entered, andcontinued his service. By-and-by one said to the other, "Surely this manbears great resemblance to him we inquire after. " "Of a truth, " answeredhis companion, "you say well. Let us examine if he possess a sabre-markon his head, which he received in action. " They did so, and finding ascar which indicated a similar wound, they leaped up and embraced him, and inquired after his wife and sons. 

He told his adventures; and the neighbours coming in, listened withwonder to the account delivered by the soldiers of his militaryachievements and former magnificence. Then, obeying the command of theemperor, they clothed him in sumptuous apparel. On the fifteenth daythey reached the imperial court, and the emperor, apprised of hiscoming, went out to meet him, and saluted him with great gladness. Eustacius told all that had befallen him. He was then invested with thecommand of the army, and restored to every office that he had heldbefore his departure. 

He now therefore prepared with energy to encounter their enemies. Hedrew together from all parts the young men of the country; and it fellto the lot of the village where his own children were educated, to sendtwo to the army; and these very youths were selected by the inhabitantsas the best and bravest of their number. They appeared before thegeneral, and their elegant manners, so much above their station, unitedto a singular propriety of conduct, won his esteem. He placed them inthe van of his troops, and began his march against the enemy. Now thespot on which he pitched his tent was near his wife's abode; and, strange to say, the sons themselves, in the general distribution of thesoldiers, were quartered with their own mother, but all the whileignorant with whom they were stationed. 

About mid-day, the lads sitting together, related the various chances towhich their infancy had been subject; and the mother, who was at nogreat distance, became an attentive listener. "Of what I was while achild, " said the elder of the brothers, "I remember nothing, exceptthat my beloved father was a leader of a company of soldiers; and thatmy mother, who was very beautiful, had two sons, of whom I was theelder. We left home with our parents during the night, and embarking onboard a vessel that immediately put to sea, sailed I know not whither. Our mother remained in the ship, but wherefore I am also ignorant. Inthe meantime, our father carried my brother and myself in his arms, andme he left upon the nearer bank of a river, until he had borne theyounger of us across. But when he was returning to me, a wolf dartedfrom a thicket and bore him off in his mouth. Before he could hastenback to him, a prodigious lion seized upon me, and carried me into aneighbouring wood. But shepherds delivered me, and brought me up amongstthem. "

The younger brother here burst into a flood of tears, and exclaimed, "Surely I have found my brother; for they who brought me up frequentlydeclared that I was saved from the jaws of a wolf. " They exchangedembraces, and the mother, who listened, felt a strong conviction thatthey were her own children. She was silent, however, and the next daywent to the commander of the forces, and begged leave to go into her owncountry. "I am a Roman woman, " said she, "and a stranger in theseparts. "

As she uttered these words, her eye fixed with an earnest and anxiousgaze upon the countenance of him she addressed. It was her husband, whomshe now for the first time recollected; and she threw herself at hisfeet, unable to contain her joy. "My lord, " cried the glad woman, "Ientreat you to tell something of your past life; for unless I greatlymistake, you are Placidus, the master of the soldiery, since known bythe name of Eustacius, whom our blessed Saviour converted and tried bytemptations. I am _his_ wife, taken from him at sea by a wretch, who yetspared me from the worst. I had two sons, Agapetus and Theosbytus. "

These words recalled Eustacius to himself. Time and sorrow had made muchchange in both, but the recognition was full of happiness. They embracedand wept, giving glory to God as the God of all consolation. The wifethen said, "My lord, what has become of our children?" "Alas!" repliedhe, "they were carried off by wild beasts;" and he told the manner oftheir loss. "Give thanks, " said his wife, "give manifold thanks to theLord; for as His Providence hath revealed our existence to each other, so will He give us back our beloved offspring. " "Did I not tell you, "returned he, "that wild beasts had devoured them?"

"True; but yesternight as I sat in the garden I overheard two young mentell of their childhood, and whom I believe to be our sons. Ask them, and they will tell you. "

Messengers were immediately despatched for this purpose, and a fewquestions convinced Eustacius of the full completion of his happiness. They fell upon each other's neck and wept aloud. It was a joyfuloccasion; the whole army shared the joy of their general. A splendidvictory ensued. Before their return the Emperor Trajan died, and wassucceeded by Adrian, more wicked even than his predecessor. However, hereceived the conqueror and his family with great magnificence, andsumptuously entertained them at his own table. But the day following theemperor would have proceeded to the temple of his idols to sacrifice, inconsequence of the late victory, and desired his guests to accompanyhim. "My lord, " said Eustacius, "I worship the God of the Christians;and Him only do I serve and propitiate with sacrifice. "

Enraged at an opposition he had not contemplated, he placed the man whohad freed Rome from a foreign yoke, with his whole family, in the arena, and let loose a ferocious lion upon them. But the lion, to theastonishment of all, held down his head before them, as if in reverence. On which the ungrateful emperor ordered a brazen ox to be fabricated, and heated to the highest degree. In this his victims were cast alive;but with prayer and supplication they commended themselves to the mercyof God, and three days after, being taken out of the furnace in thepresence of the emperor, it appeared as if they had died tranquillyin bed. Not a hair of their heads was scorched, nor was there thesmallest perceptible change, more than the easiest transition from lifeoccasions. The Christians buried their corpses in the most honourablemanner, and over them constructed an oratory. They perished in the firstyear of Adrian, A. D. 120, in the kalends of November; or, as some write, the 12th of the kalends of October. 

IX. --DEAD ALEXANDER. 

We read, that at the death of Alexander a golden sepulchre wasconstructed, and that a number of philosophers assembled round it. Onesaid: "Yesterday, Alexander made a treasure of gold, and now gold makesa treasure of him. " Another observed: "Yesterday, the whole world wasnot enough to satiate his ambition; to-day, three or four ells of clothare more than sufficient. " A third said: "Yesterday, Alexander commandedthe people; to-day, the people command him. " Another said: "Yesterday, Alexander could enfranchise thousands; to-day, he cannot free himselffrom the bonds of death. " Another remarked: "Yesterday, he pressed theearth; to-day, it oppresses him. " "Yesterday, " continued another, "allmen feared Alexander; to-day, men repute him nothing. " Another said:"Yesterday, Alexander had a multitude of friends; to-day, not one. "Another said: "Yesterday, Alexander led on an army; to-day that armybears him to the grave. "

X. --THE TREE OF PALETINUS. 

Valerius tells us, that a man named Paletinus one day burst into tears;and calling his son and his neighbours around him, said, "Alas! alas! Ihave now growing in my garden a fatal tree, on which my first poor wifehung herself, then my second, and after that my third. Have I nottherefore cause for wretchedness?" "Truly, " said one who was calledArrius, "I marvel that you should weep at such unusual good fortune!Give me, I pray you, two or three sprigs of that gentle tree, which Iwill divide with my neighbours, and thereby enable every man to indulgehis spouse. " Paletinus complied with his friend's request; and everafter found this tree the most productive part of his estate. 

XI. --HUNGRY FLIES. 

Josephus mentions that Tiberius Cæsar, inquiring why the governors ofprovinces remain so long in office, was answered by an example. "I haveseen, " said the respondent, "an infirm man covered with ulcers, grievously tormented by a swarm of flies. When asked why he did not usea flap and drive off his tormentors, he answered, 'The very circumstancewhich you think would relieve me would, in effect, cause tenfoldsuffering. For by driving away the flies now saturated with my blood, Ishould afford an opportunity to those that were empty and hungry tosupply their place. And who doubts that the biting of a hungry insect isten thousand times more painful than that of one completely gorged, unless the person attacked be stone, and not flesh. '"

XII. --THE HUMBLING OF JOVINIAN. 

When Jovinian was emperor, he had very great power, and as he lay in bedreflecting upon the extent of his dominions, his heart was elated. 

"Is there, " he impiously asked, "is there any other god than me?" Amidsuch thoughts he fell asleep. 

In the morning, he reviewed his troops, and said, "My friends, afterbreakfast we will hunt. "

Preparations being made accordingly, he set out with a large retinue. During the chase, the emperor felt such extreme oppression from theheat, that he believed his very existence depended upon a cold bath. Ashe anxiously looked around, he discovered a sheet of water at no greatdistance. "Remain here, " said he to his guard, "until I have refreshedmyself in yonder stream. " Then spurring his steed, he rode hastily tothe edge of the water. Alighting, he stripped off his clothes, andexperienced the greatest pleasure from its invigorating freshness andcoolness. But whilst he was thus employed, a person similar to him inevery respect--in countenance and gesture--arrayed himself unperceivedin the emperor's dress, and then mounting his horse, rode off to theattendants. The resemblance to the sovereign was such, that no doubt wasentertained of the reality; and straightway command was issued for theirreturn to the palace. 

Jovinian, however, having quitted the water, sought in every possibledirection for his horse and clothes, and to his utter astonishment, could find neither. Vexed beyond measure at the circumstance (for he wascompletely naked, and saw no one near to assist him) he began to reflectupon what course he should pursue. "Miserable man that I am, " said he, "to what a strait am I reduced! There is, I remember, a knight wholives close by; I will go to him, and command his attendance andservice. I will then ride on to the palace and strictly investigate thecause of this extraordinary conduct. Some shall smart for it. "

Jovinian proceeded, naked and ashamed, to the castle of the aforesaidknight, and beat loudly at the gate. The porter, without unclosing thewicket, inquired the cause of the knocking. "Open the gate, " said theenraged emperor, "and you will see who I am. " The gate was opened; andthe porter, struck with the strange appearance he exhibited, replied, "In the name of all that is marvellous, what are you?" "I am, " said he, "Jovinian, your emperor; go to your lord, and command him from me tosupply the wants of his sovereign. I have lost both horse and clothes. ""Infamous ribald!" shouted the porter, "just before thy approach, theEmperor Jovinian, accompanied by the officers of his household, enteredthe palace. My lord both went and returned with him; and but even nowsat with him at meat. But because thou hast called thyself the emperor, however madly, my lord shall know of thy presumption. " The porterentered, and related what had passed. Jovinian was introduced, but theknight retained not the slightest recollection of his master, althoughthe emperor remembered him. "Who are you?" said the knight, "and what isyour name?" "I am the Emperor Jovinian, " rejoined he; "canst thou haveforgotten me? At such a time I promoted thee to a military command. ""Why, thou most audacious scoundrel, " said the knight, "darest thou callthyself the emperor? I rode with him myself to the palace, from whence Iam this moment returned. But thy impudence shall not go without itsreward. Flog him, " said he, turning to his servants. "Flog him soundly, and drive him away. "

This sentence was immediately executed, and the poor emperor, burstinginto a convulsion of tears, exclaimed, "Oh, my God, is it possible thatone whom I have so much honoured and exalted should do this? Not contentwith pretending ignorance of my person, he orders these mercilessvillains to abuse me! However, it will not be long unavenged. There is acertain duke, one of my privy councillors, to whom I will make known mycalamity. At least, he will enable me to return decently to the palace. "To him, therefore, Jovinian proceeded, and the gate was opened at hisknock. But the porter, beholding a naked man, exclaimed in the greatestamaze, "Friend, who are you, and why come you here in such a guise?" Hereplied, "I am your emperor; I have accidentally lost my clothes and myhorse, and I have come for succour to your lord. Inform the duke, therefore, that I have business with him. " The porter, more and moreastonished, entered the hall, and told of the man outside. "Bring himin, " said the duke. He was brought in, but neither did he recognize theperson of the emperor. "What art thou?" was again asked, and answered asbefore. "Poor mad wretch, " said the duke, "a short time since, Ireturned from the palace, where I left the very emperor thou assumest tobe. But ignorant whether thou art more fool or knave, we will administersuch remedy as may suit both. Carry him to prison, and feed him withbread and water. " The command was no sooner delivered, than obeyed; andthe following day his naked body was submitted to the lash, and againcast into the dungeon. 

Thus afflicted, he gave himself up to the wretchedness of his untowardcondition. In the agony of his heart, he said: "What shall I do? Oh!what will be my destiny? I am loaded with the coarsest contumely, andexposed to the malicious observation of my people. It were better tohasten immediately to my palace, and there discover myself--my wife willknow me; surely, my wife will know me!" Escaping, therefore, from hisconfinement, he approached the palace and beat upon the gate. The samequestions were repeated, and the same answers returned. "Who art thou?"said the porter. "It is strange, " replied the aggrieved emperor, "it isstrange that thou shouldst not know me; thou, who hast served me solong!" "Served _thee_!" returned the porter indignantly; "thou liestabominably. I have served none but the emperor. " "Why, " said the other, "thou knowest that I am he. Yet, though you disregard my words, go, Iimplore you, to the empress; communicate what I will tell thee, and bythese signs, bid her send the imperial robes, of which some roguehas deprived me. The signs I tell thee of are known to none but toourselves. " "In verity, " said the porter, "thou art specially mad; atthis very moment my lord sits at table with the empress herself. Nevertheless, out of regard for thy singular merits, I will intimate thydeclaration within; and rest assured thou wilt presently find thyselfmost royally beaten. " The porter went accordingly, and related what hehad heard. But the empress became very sorrowful, and said: "Oh, mylord, what am I to think? The most hidden passages of our lives arerevealed by an obscene fellow at the gate, and repeated to me by theporter, on the strength of which he declares himself the emperor, and myespoused lord!" When the fictitious monarch was apprised of this, hecommanded him to be brought in. He had no sooner entered, than a largedog, which couched upon the hearth, and had been much cherished by him, flew at his throat, and, but for timely prevention, would have killedhim. A falcon also, seated upon her perch, no sooner beheld him than shebroke her jesses and flew out of the hall. Then the pretended emperor, addressing those who stood about him, said: "My friends, hear what Iwill ask of yon ribald. Who are you? and what do you want?" "Thesequestions, " said the suffering man, "are very strange. You know I am theemperor and master of this place. " The other, turning to the nobles whosat or stood at the table, continued: "Tell me, on your allegiance, which of us two is your lord and master?" "Your majesty asks us an easything, " replied they, "and need not to remind us of our allegiance. Thatobscene wretch cannot be our sovereign. You alone are he, whom we haveknown from childhood; and we intreat that this fellow may be severelypunished as a warning to others how they give scope to their madpresumption. " Then turning to the empress, the usurper said: "Tell me, my lady, on the faith you have sworn, do you know this man who callshimself thy lord and emperor?" She answered: "My lord, how can you asksuch a question? Have I not known thee more than thirty years, and bornethee many children? Yet, at one thing I do admire. How can this fellowhave acquired so intimate a knowledge of what has passed between us?"

The pretended emperor made no reply, but addressing the real one, said:"Friend, how darest thou to call thyself emperor? We sentence thee, forthis unexampled impudence, to be drawn, without loss of time, at thetail of a horse. And if thou utterest the same words again, thou shaltbe doomed to an ignominious death. " He then commanded his guards to seethe sentence put in force, but to preserve his life. The unfortunateemperor was now almost distracted; and urged by his despair, wishedvehemently for death. "Why was I born?" he exclaimed. "My friends shunme, and my wife and children will not acknowledge me. But there is myconfessor, still. To him will I go; perhaps he will recollect me, because he has often received my confessions. " He went accordingly, andknocked at the window of his cell. "Who is there?" said the confessor. "The Emperor Jovinian, " was the reply; "open the window and I will speakto thee. " The window was opened; but no sooner had he looked out than heclosed it again in great haste. "Depart from me, " said he, "accursedthing: thou art not the emperor, but the devil incarnate. " This completedthe miseries of the persecuted man; and he tore his hair, and plucked uphis beard by the roots. "Woe is me, " he cried, "for what strange doom amI reserved?" At this crisis, the impious words which, in the arroganceof his heart, he had uttered, crossed his recollection. Immediately hebeat again at the window of the confessor's cell, and exclaimed: "Forthe love of Him who was suspended from the cross, hear my confession. "The recluse opened the window, and said, "I will do this with pleasure;"and then Jovinian acquainted him with every particular of his past life;and principally how he had lifted himself up against his Maker. 

The confession made, and absolution given, the recluse looked out of hiswindow, and directly knew him. "Blessed be the most high God, " said he, "now I do know thee. I have here a few garments: clothe thyself, and goto the palace. I trust that they also will recognize thee. " The emperordid as the confessor directed. The porter opened the gate, and made alow obeisance to him. "Dost thou know me?" said he. "Very well, mylord!" replied the menial; "but I marvel that I did not observe you goout. " Entering the hall of his mansion, Jovinian was received by allwith a profound reverence. The strange emperor was at that time inanother apartment with the queen; and a certain knight going to him, said, "My lord, there is one in the hall to whom everybody bends; he somuch resembles you, that we know not which is the emperor. " Hearingthis, the usurper said to the empress, "Go and see if you know him. " Shewent, and returned greatly surprised at what she saw. "Oh, my lord, "said she, "I declare to you that I know not whom to trust. " "Then, "returned he, "I will go and determine you. " And taking her hand he ledher into the hall and placed her on the throne beside him. Addressingthe assembly, he said, "By the oaths you have taken, declare which ofus is your emperor. " The empress answered: "It is incumbent on me tospeak first; but heaven is my witness, that I am unable to determinewhich is he. " And so said all. Then the feigned emperor spoke thus: "Myfriends, hearken! That man is your king and your lord. He exaltedhimself to the disparagement of his Maker; and God, therefore, scourgedand hid him from your knowledge. But his repentance removes the rod; hehas now made ample satisfaction, and again let your obedience wait uponhim. Commend yourselves to the protection of heaven. " So saying, hedisappeared. The emperor gave thanks to God, and surrendering to Him allhis soul, lived happily and finished his days in peace. 

XIII. --THE TWO PHYSICIANS. 

Two physicians once lived in a city, who were admirably skilled inmedicine, insomuch that all the sick who took their prescriptions werehealed; and it thence became a question with the inhabitants, which ofthem was the best. After a while, a dispute arose between them upon thispoint. 

Said one, "My friend, why should discord or envy or anger separate us;let us make the trial, and whosoever is inferior in skill shall servethe other. "

"But how, " replied his friend, "is this to be brought about?"

The first physician answered: "Hear me. I will pluck out your eyeswithout doing you the smallest injury, and lay them before you on thetable; and when you desire it I will replace them as perfect andserviceable as they were before. If, in like manner, you can performthis, we will then be esteemed equal, and walk as brethren through theworld. But, remember, he who fails in the attempt shall become theservant of the other. "

"I am well pleased, " returned his fellow, "to do as you say. " Whereuponhe who made the proposition took out his instruments and extracted theeyes, besmearing the sockets and the outer part of the lids with acertain rich ointment. 

"My dear friend, " said he, "what do you perceive?"

"Of a surety, " cried the other, "I see nothing. I want the use of myeyes, but I feel no pain from their loss. I pray you, however, restorethem to their places as you promised. "

"Willingly, " said his friend. He again touched the inner and outer partof the lids with the ointment, and then, with much precision, insertedthe balls into their sockets. "How do you see now?" asked he. 

"Excellently, " returned the other, "nor do I feel the least pain. ""Well, then, " continued the first, "it now remains for you to treat mein a similar manner. " "I am ready, " he said. And accordingly taking theinstruments, as the first had done, he smeared the upper and under partsof the eye with a peculiar ointment, drew out the eyes and placed themupon the table. The patient felt no pain, but added, "I wish you wouldhasten to restore them. " The operator cheerfully complied; but as heprepared his implements, a crow entered by an open window, and seeingthe eyes upon the table, snatched one of them up, and flew away with it. The physician, vexed at what had happened, said to himself, "If I do notrestore the eye to my companion, I must become his slave. " At thatmoment a goat, browsing at no great distance, attracted his observation. Instantly he ran to it, drew out one of his eyes, and put it into theplace of the lost one. 

"My dear friend, " exclaimed the operator, "how do things appear toyou?"

"Neither in extracting nor in replacing, " he answered, "did I suffer theleast pain; but--bless me!--one eye looks up to the trees!"

"Ah!" replied the first, "this is the very perfection of medicine. Neither of us is superior; henceforward we will be friends, as we areequals; and banish far off that spirit of contention which has destroyedour peace. " The goat-eyed man of physic acquiesced; they lived from thistime in the greatest amity. 

XIV. --THE FALCON. 

In the reign of Pompey there lived a fair and amiable lady, and near toher dwelt a handsome, noble soldier. He often visited her, and professedmuch honourable love. The soldier coming once to see her, observed afalcon upon her wrist, which he greatly admired. "Dear lady, " said he, "if you love me, give me that beautiful bird. " "I consent, " returnedshe, "but on one condition, that you do not attach yourself so much toit as to rob me of your society. " "Far be such ingratitude from yourservant, " cried the soldier, "I would not forsake you on any account;and believe me, this generosity binds me more than ever to love you. "

The lady presented the falcon to him; and bidding her farewell, hereturned to his own castle. But he liked the bird so much, that heforgot his promise to the lady, and never thought of her except when hesported with the falcon. She sent messengers to him, but it was of nouse; he came not: and at last she wrote a very urgent letter, entreatinghim, without the least delay, to hasten to her and bring the falconalong with him. 

He acquiesced; and the lady, after salutation, asked him to let hertouch the bird. But when she had it in her hands, she wrenched its headfrom the body. "Madam, " said the vexed soldier, "what have you done?" Towhich the lady answered, "Be not offended, but rather rejoice at what Ihave done. That falcon was the cause of your absence, and I killed himthat I might enjoy your company as I was wont. " The soldier, satisfiedwith the reason, became once more faithful in his love. 

APPLICATION. 

My beloved, the king is our heavenly Father; the lady, our human naturejoined to the divinity in Christ. The soldier is any Christian, and thefalcon, temporal prosperity. 

XV. --LET THE LAZIEST BE KING. 

The Emperor Pliny had three sons, to whom he was very indulgent. Hewished to dispose of his kingdom, and calling the three into hispresence, spoke thus: "The laziest of you shall reign after my death. "

"Then, " answered the elder, "the kingdom must be mine; for I am so lazy, that sitting once by the fire, I burnt my legs, because I was tooslothful to withdraw them. "

The second son said, "The kingdom should properly be mine, for if I hada rope round my neck, and held a sword in my hand, my idleness is such, that I should not put forth my hand to cut the rope. "

"But I, " said the third son, "ought to be preferred to you both; for Ioutdo both in sloth. While I lay upon my bed, water dropped from aboveupon my eyes; and though, from the nature of the water, I was in dangerof becoming blind, I neither could nor would turn my head ever so littleto the right hand or to the left. " The emperor, hearing this, bequeathedthe kingdom to him, thinking him the laziest of the three. 

XVI. --THE THREE MAXIMS. 

Domitian was a very wise and just prince, and suffered no offender toescape. It happened that as he once sat at table, a certain merchantknocked at the gate. The porter opened it, and asked what he pleased towant. 

"I have brought some useful things for sale, " answered the merchant. Theporter introduced him, and he very humbly made obeisance to the emperor. 

"My friend, " said the emperor, "what merchandise have you to disposeof?"

"Three maxims of especial wisdom and excellence, my lord. "

"And how much will you take for your maxims?"

"A thousand florins. "

"And so, " said the king, "if they are of no use to me I lose my money?"

"My lord, " answered the merchant, "if the maxims do not stand you instead, I will return the money. "

"Very well, " said the emperor. "Let us hear your maxims. "

"The first, my lord, is this: 'Whatever you do, do wisely; and think ofthe consequences. ' The second is: 'Never leave the _highway_ for a_byway_. ' And, thirdly: 'Never stay all night as a guest in that housewhere you find the master an old man and his wife a young woman. ' Thesethree maxims, if you attend to them, will be extremely serviceable. "

The emperor, being of the same opinion, ordered him to be paid athousand florins; and so pleased was he with the first, that hecommanded it to be inscribed in his court, in his bed-chamber, and inevery place where he was accustomed to walk, and even upon thetable-cloths from which he ate. 

Now the rigid justice of the emperor occasioned a conspiracy among thevicious and refractory of his subjects; and finding the means ofaccomplishing their purposes somewhat difficult, they engaged a barber, by large promises, to cut his throat as he shaved him. 

When the emperor, therefore, was to be shaved, the barber lathered hisbeard, and began to operate upon it; but casting his eyes over the towelwhich he had fastened round the royal neck, he perceived woven thereon, "Whatever you do, do wisely, and think of the consequences. " Theinscription startled the tonsor, and he said to himself, "I am to-dayhired to destroy this man. If I do it, my end will be ignominious; Ishall be condemned to the most shameful death. Therefore, whatsoever Ido, it is good to consider the end, as the writing testifies. " Thesecogitations disturbed the barber so much that his hand trembled, and therazor fell to the ground. The emperor, seeing this, inquired the cause. 

"Oh, my lord, " said the barber, "have mercy upon me: I was hired thisday to destroy you; but accidentally, or rather by the will of God, Iread the inscription on the towel, 'Whatever you do, do wisely, andthink of the consequences. ' Whereby, considering that, of a surety, theconsequence would be my own destruction, my hand trembled so much, thatI lost all command over it. "

"Well, " thought the emperor, "this first maxim hath assuredly saved mylife: in a good hour was it purchased. My friend, " said he to thebarber, "on condition that you be faithful hereafter, I pardon you. "

The noblemen who had conspired against the emperor, finding that theirproject had failed, consulted with one another what they were to donext. 

"On such a day, " said one, "he journeys to a particular city; we willhide ourselves in a bypath, through which, in all probability, he willpass, and so kill him. "

The counsel was approved. 

The king, as had been expected, prepared to set out; and riding on tillhe came to a cross-way, much less circuitous than the high road, hisknights said, "My lord, it will be better for you to go this way, thanto pass along the broad road; it is considerably nearer. "

The king pondered the matter within himself. "The second maxim, " thoughthe, "admonishes me never to forsake the highway for a byway. I willadhere to that maxim. "

Then turning to his soldiers, "I shall not quit the public road; butyou, if it please you, may proceed by that path, and prepare for myapproach. " Accordingly a number of them went; and the ambush, imaginingthat the king rode in their company, fell upon them and put the greaterpart to the sword. When the news reached the king, he secretlyexclaimed, "My second maxim hath also saved my life. "

Seeing, therefore, that by cunning they were unable to slay their lord, the conspirators again took counsel, and it was observed, that on acertain day he would lodge in a particular house, "because, " said they, "there is no other fit for his reception. Let us then agree with themaster of that house, and his wife, for a sum of money to kill theemperor as he lies in bed. "

This was agreed to. 

But when the emperor had come into the city, and had been lodged in thehouse to which the conspirators referred, he commanded his host to becalled into his presence. Observing that he was an old man, the emperorsaid, "Have you not a wife?"

"Yes, my lord. "

"I wish to see her. "

The lady came; and when it appeared that she was very young--noteighteen years of age--the king said hastily to his chamberlain, "Away, prepare me a bed in another house. I will remain here no longer. "

"My lord, " replied he, "be it as you please. But they have madeeverything ready for you: were it not better to lie where you are, forin the whole city there is not so commodious a place. "

"I tell you, " answered the emperor, "I will sleep elsewhere. "

The chamberlain, therefore, removed; and the king went privately toanother residence, saying to the soldiers about him, "Remain here, ifyou like; but join me early in the morning. "

Now while they slept, the old man and his wife arose, and not findingthe king, put to death all the soldiers who had remained. In themorning, when the murder was discovered, the emperor gave thanks to Godfor his escape. "Oh, " cried he, "if I had continued here, I should havebeen destroyed. So the third maxim hath also preserved me. "

But the old man and his wife, with the whole of their family, werecrucified. The emperor retained the three maxims in memory during life, and ended his days in peace. 

XVII. --A LOAF FOR A DREAM. 

There were once three friends who agreed to make a pilgrimage together. It happened that their provisions fell short, and having but one loafbetween them, they were nearly famished. 

"Should this loaf, " they said to each other, "be divided amongst us, there will not be enough for any one. Let us then take counseltogether, and consider how the bread is to be disposed of. "

"Suppose we sleep upon the way, " replied one of them; "and whosoeverhath the most wonderful dream shall possess the loaf. "

The other two acquiesced, and settled themselves to sleep. 

But he who gave the advice, arose while they were sleeping, and ate upthe bread, not leaving a single crumb for his companions. When he hadfinished he awoke them. 

"Get up quickly, " said he, "and tell us your dreams. "

"My friends, " answered the first, "I have had a very marvellous vision. A golden ladder reached up to heaven, by which angels ascended anddescended. They took my soul from my body, and conveyed it to thatblessed place where I beheld the Holy Trinity; and where I felt such anoverflow of joy, as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard. This is my dream. "

"And I, " said the second, "beheld the devils with iron instruments, bywhich they dragged my soul from the body, and plunging it into hellflames, most grievously tormented me, saying, 'As long as God reigns inheaven this will be your portion. '"

"Now then, " said the third, who had eaten the bread, "hear my dream. Itappeared as if an angel came and addressed me in the following manner:'My friend, would you see what is become of your companions?' I answered, 'Yes, Lord. We have but one loaf among us, and I fear that they have runoff with it. ' 'You are mistaken, ' he rejoined, 'it lies beside us;follow me. ' He immediately led me to the gate of heaven, and by hiscommand I put in my head and saw you; and I thought that you weresnatched up into heaven and sat upon a throne of gold, while richwines and delicate meats stood around you. Then said the angel, 'Yourcompanion, you see, has an abundance of good things, and dwells in allpleasures. There he will remain for ever; for he has entered a celestialkingdom, and cannot return. Come now where your other associate isplaced. ' I followed, and he led me to hell-gates, where I beheld you intorment, as you just now said. Yet they furnished you, even there, withbread and wine in abundance. I expressed my sorrow at seeing you inmisery, and you replied, 'As long as God reigns in heaven here I mustremain, for I have merited it. Do you then rise up quickly, and eat allthe bread, since you will see neither me nor my companion again. ' Icomplied with your wishes; arose, and ate the bread. "

XVIII. --LOWER THAN THE BEASTS. 

In the reign of a certain king there lived a proud and oppressiveseneschal. Now near the royal palace was a forest well stocked withgame; and by the direction of this person various pits were dug there, and covered with leaves, for the purpose of entrapping the beasts. Ithappened that the seneschal himself went into this forest, and with muchexaltation of heart exclaimed internally, "Lives there a being in theempire more powerful than I am?" This braggart thought was scarcelyformed, ere he rode upon one of his own pitfalls, and immediatelydisappeared. 

The same day had been taken a lion, a monkey, and a serpent. Terrifiedat the situation into which fate had thrown him, he cried out lustily;and his noise awoke a poor man called Guido, who had come with his assinto that forest for firewood, by the sale of which he got his bread. Hastening to the mouth of the pit, and finding the cause of the noise, he was promised great wealth if he would lift the seneschal out. 

"My friend, " answered Guido, "I have no means of obtaining a livelihoodexcept by the faggots which I collect; if I neglect this for one day, Ishall starve. "

The seneschal renewed his promises of enriching him. Guido went back tothe city, and returned with a long cord, which he let down into the pit, and bade the seneschal bind it round his waist. But before he could doso, the lion leaped forward, and seizing upon the cord, was drawn up inhis stead. Immediately, in high glee, the beast ran off into the wood. The rope again descended, and the monkey having noticed the success ofthe lion, vaulted above the man's head, and shaking the cord, was inlike manner set at liberty. Without staying to return thanks, he hurriedoff to his haunts. A third time the cord was let down, and the serpenttwining around it, was drawn up, and escaped. 

"O my good friend, " said the seneschal, "the beasts are gone, now drawme up quickly, I pray you. "

Guido complied, and afterwards succeeded in drawing up his horse, whichthe seneschal instantly mounted and rode back to the palace. 

Guido returned home; and his wife observing that he had come withoutwood, was very dejected, and inquired the cause. He related what hadoccurred, and the riches he was to receive for his service. The wife'scountenance brightened, and early in the morning she posted off herhusband to the palace. But the seneschal denied all knowledge of him, and ordered him to be whipped for his presumption. The porter executedthe directions, and beat him so severely that he left him half dead. Assoon as Guido's wife understood this, she saddled their ass, and broughthim home. The sickness which ensued, consumed the whole of their littleproperty; but as soon as he had recovered, he went back to his usualoccupation in the wood. 

Whilst he was thus employed, he saw afar off ten asses laden with packs, and a lion by the last of them, coming along the path. On lookingnarrowly at this beast, he remembered that it was the same which he hadfreed from its imprisonment in the pit. The lion signified with his footthat he should take the loaded asses, and go home. This Guido did, andthe lion followed. When he had come to his own door, the noble beastfawned upon him, and wagging his tail as if in triumph, ran back to thewoods. Guido caused proclamation to be made in different churches, [7]that if any asses had been lost, the owners should come to him; but noone appearing to demand them, he opened the packages, and to his greatjoy discovered them full of money. 

On the second day Guido returned to the forest, but forgot an ironinstrument to cleave the wood. He looked up, and saw the monkey whom hehad set free; and the animal, by help of teeth and nails, worked forhim. Guido then loaded his asses and went home. 

The next day he renewed his visit to the forest; and sitting down toprepare his axe, discerned the serpent, whose escape he had aided, carrying a stone in its mouth of three colours; the one white, anotherblack, and the third red. It opened its mouth and let the stone fallinto Guido's lap. Having done this, it departed. Guido took the stone toa skilful lapidary, who had no sooner inspected it than he knew itsvirtues, and would willingly have paid him a hundred florins for it. ButGuido refused; and by means of that singular stone, obtained greatwealth, and was promoted to a military command. 

The emperor having heard of the extraordinary qualities which itpossessed, desired to see it. Guido went accordingly; and the emperorwas so struck with its uncommon beauty, that he wished to purchase it atany rate; and threatened, if Guido refused compliance, to banish himthe kingdom. 

"My lord, " answered he, "I will sell the stone; but let me say onething--if the price be not given, it shall be presently restored to me. "

He demanded three hundred florins, and then taking it from a smallcoffer, put it into the emperor's hands. Full of admiration, heexclaimed, "Tell me where you procured this beautiful stone?"

This he did; and related from the beginning the seneschal's accident andsubsequent ingratitude. He told how severely he had been whipped by hiscommand; and the benefits he had received from the lion, the monkey, andserpent. 

Much moved at the recital, the emperor sent for the seneschal, and said, "What is this I hear of thee?" He was unable to reply. "O wretch!"continued the emperor--"monster of ingratitude! Guido liberated thee fromthe most imminent danger, and for this thou hast nearly destroyed him. Dost thou see how even irrational things have rendered him good for theservice he performed? but thou hast returned evil for good. Therefore Ideprive thee of thy dignity, which I will bestow upon Guido; and Ifurther adjudge you to be hung on a cross. " This decree infinitelyrejoiced the noblemen of the empire; and Guido, full of honours andyears, ended his days in peace. 

XIX. --OF REAL FRIENDSHIP. 

A certain king had an only son whom he much loved. The young man wasdesirous of travelling, and obtained his father's leave to travel. Afteran absence of seven years he returned, and his father, overjoyed at hisarrival, asked what friends he had made. "Three, " said the son, "thefirst of whom I love more than myself; the second, as much as myself;and the third, little or nothing. "

"You say well, " returned the father; "but it is a good thing to provethem before you need their help. Therefore kill a pig, put it into asack, and go at night to the house of him whom you love best, and saythat you have accidentally killed a man, and if the body should be foundI shall condemn you to an ignominious death. Intreat him if he everloved you, to give his help in this extremity. " The son did so; and thefriend answered, "Since you have rashly destroyed a man, you must needsbe crucified. Now because you were my friend, I will bestow upon youthree or four ells of cloth to wrap your body in. "

The youth hearing this, went in much indignation to the second of hisfriends, and told the same story. He received him like the first, andsaid, "Do you believe me mad, that I should expose myself to such peril?But since I have called you my friend, I will accompany you to thecross, and console you as much as possible upon the way. "

This liberal proposal not meeting the prince's approbation, he went tothe third, and said, "I am ashamed to speak what I have done; but alas!I have accidentally slain a man. " "My friend, " answered the other, "Iwill readily lay down my life in your defence; and should you becondemned to expiate your misfortune on the cross, I will be crucifiedeither for you or with you. " _This_ man, therefore, proved that he washis friend. 

XX. --ROYAL BOUNTY. 

A king issued a proclamation, that whosoever would come to him shouldobtain all they asked. The noble and the rich desired dukedoms, orcounties, or knighthood; and some treasures of silver and gold. Butwhatsoever they desired they had. Then came the poor and the simple, and solicited a like boon. 

"Ye come late, " said the king, "the noble and the rich have alreadybeen, and have carried away all I possess. " This reply troubled themexceedingly; and the king, moved by their concern, said, "My friends, though I have given away all my wealth, I have still the sovereignpower; no one asked for that. I appoint you, therefore, to be theirjudges and masters. "

When this came to the ears of the rich, they were extremely disturbed, and said to the king, "My lord, we are greatly troubled at yourappointing these poor wretches our rulers; it were better for us to diethan admit such servitude. "

"Sirs, " answered the king, "I do you no wrong: whatever you asked Igave; insomuch that nothing remains to me but the supreme power. Nevertheless, I will give you counsel. Whosoever of you has enough tosupport life, let him bestow the superfluity upon these poor people. They will then live honestly and comfortably, and upon these conditionsI will resume the sovereignty and keep it, while you avoid the servitudeyou fear. " And thus it was done. 

XXI. --WILY BEGUILED. 

A thief went one night to the house of a rich man, and scaling the roof, peeped through a hole to see whether any part of the family were yetstirring. The master of the house, suspecting something, said secretlyto his wife, "Ask me in a loud voice how I got my property, and do notstop until I bid you. "

The woman complied, and began to shout, "My dear husband, pray tell me, since you never were a merchant, how you came by all the wealth youhave. "

"My love, " answered her husband, "do not ask such foolish questions. "

But she persisted in her inquiries; and at length, as if overcome by herurgency, he said, "Keep what I am going to tell you a secret, and youshall know. "

"Oh! trust me. "

"Well, then, you must know that I was a thief, and got what I now enjoyby nightly depredations. "

"It is strange, " said the wife, "that you were never taken. "

"Why, " he replied, "my master, who was a skilful clerk, taught me aparticular word, which, when I went on the tops of people's houses, Ipronounced, and thus escaped detection. "

"Tell me, I conjure you, " returned the lady, "what that powerful wordwas. "

"Hear, then; but never mention it again, or we shall lose all ourproperty. "

"Be sure of that, " said the lady; "it shall never be repeated. "

"It was--is there no one within hearing?--the mighty word was 'FALSE. '"

The lady, apparently quite satisfied, fell asleep; and her husbandfeigned it. He snored lustily, and the thief above, who had heard theirconversation with much pleasure, aided by the light of the moon, descended, repeating seven times the cabalistic sound. But being toomuch occupied with the charm to mind his footing, he stepped through thewindow into the house; and in the fall dislocated his leg and arm, andlay half dead upon the floor. The owner of the mansion, hearing thenoise, and well knowing the reason, though he pretended ignorance, asked"What was the matter?" "Oh!" groaned the suffering thief, "_False_falls. " In the morning he was taken before the judge, and afterwardssuspended on a cross. 

XXII. --THE BASILISK. 

Alexander the Great was lord of the whole world. He once collected alarge army, and besieged a certain city, around which many knights andothers were killed without any visible wound. Much surprised at this, hecalled together his philosophers, and said, "My masters, how is this? Mysoldiers die, and there is no apparent wound!" "No wonder, " repliedthey; "under the walls of the city is a basilisk, whose look infectsyour soldiers, and they die of the pestilence it creates. " "And whatremedy is there for this?" said the king. 

"Place a glass in a high place between the army and the wall under whichthe basilisk cowers; and no sooner shall he behold it, than his ownfigure, reflected in the mirror, shall return the poison upon himself, and kill him. " Alexander took their advice, and thus saved hisfollowers. 

APPLICATION. 

My beloved, look into the glass of _reflection_, and by remembrance ofhuman frailty destroy the vices which time breeds. 

XXIII. --THE TRUMP OF DEATH. 

A king made a law, by which whosoever was suddenly to be put to death, in the morning, before sunrise should be saluted with songs andtrumpets; and, arrayed in black garments, should receive judgment. Thisking made a great feast; and convoked all the nobles of his kingdom, whoappeared accordingly. The most skilful musicians were assembled, andthere was much sweet melody. 

But the king was discontented and out of humour; his countenanceexpressed intense sorrow, and sighs and groans rose from his heart. Thecourtiers were all amazed; but none dared ask the cause of his sadness. At last, the king's brother whispered to him the surprise of his guests, and intreated that he might understand the cause of his grief. "Go homenow, " answered the king; "to-morrow you shall know. " This was done. 

Early in the morning the king caused the trumpets to sound before hisbrother's house, and the guards to bring him to the court. The brother, greatly alarmed at the sounding of the trumpets, arose, and put onblack. When he came before the king, the king commanded a deep pit tobe dug, and a rotten chair, with four decayed feet, to be slightlysuspended over it. In this chair he made his brother sit; above his headhe caused a sword to hang, attached to one silk thread; and four men, each armed with a very sharp sword, to stand near him, one before andone behind; a third on the right hand, and the fourth on the left. Whenthey were thus placed, the king said, "The moment I give the word, strike him to the heart. "

Trumpets, and all other kind of musical instruments, were brought; and atable, covered with various dishes, was set before him. "My dearbrother, " said the king, "what is the cause of your sorrow? Here are thegreatest delicacies, the most enrapturing harmony; why do you notrejoice?"

"How can I rejoice?" answered he. "In the morning, trumpets sounded formy death; and I am now placed upon a frail chair, in which, if I moveever so little, I shall probably be thrown upon the pointed swordbeneath. If I raise my head, the weapon above will pierce to my brain. Besides this, the four torturers around stand ready to kill me at yourbidding. These things considered, were I lord of the universe I couldnot rejoice. "

"Now, then, " answered the king, "I will reply to your question ofyesterday. I am, on my throne, as you on that frail chair. For my bodyis its emblem, supported by four decayed feet, that is, by the fourelements. The pit below me is hell. Above my head is the sword of divinejustice, ready to take life from my body. Before me is the sword ofdeath; behind, the sword of sin, ready to accuse me at the tribunal ofGod. The weapon on the right hand is the devil; and that on the left, isthe worms which after death shall gnaw my body. And, considering allthese circumstances, how can _I_ rejoice? If you to-day feared me, whoam mortal, how much more ought I to dread my Creator and my Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ? Go, dearest brother, and be careful that you donot again ask such questions. "

The brother rose from his unpleasant seat, and rendering thanks to theking for the lesson he had given him, firmly resolved to amend his life. All who were present commended the ingenuity of the royal reproof. 

XXIV. --ALEXANDER AND THE PIRATE. 

Augustine tells us in his book, "De Civitate Dei, " that Diomedes, in apiratical galley, for a long time infested the sea, plundering andsinking many ships. Being captured by command of Alexander, before whomhe was brought, the king inquired how he dared to molest the seas. "Howdarest _thou_, " replied he, "molest the earth? Because I am master onlyof a single galley, I am termed a robber; but you, who oppress the worldwith huge squadrons, are called a king and a conqueror. Would my fortunechange I might become better; but as you are the more fortunate, somuch are you the worse. " "I will change thy fortune, " said Alexander, "lest fortune should be blamed by thy malignity. " Thus he became rich;and from a robber was made a prince and a dispenser of justice. 

XXV. --A TALE OF A PENNY. 

There was an emperor whose porter was very shrewd. He earnestly besoughthis master that he might have the custody of a city for a single month, and receive, by way of tax, one penny from every crook-backed, one-eyed, scabby, leprous, or ruptured person. The emperor admitted his request, and confirmed the gift under his own seal. 

Accordingly, the porter was installed in his office; and as the peopleentered the city he took note of their defects, and charged them inaccordance with the grant. It happened that a hunch-backed fellow oneday entered, and the porter made his demand. Hunch-back protested thathe would pay nothing. 

The porter immediately laid hands upon him, and accidentally raising hiscap, discovered that he was _one-eyed_ also. He demanded two penniesforthwith. 

The other still more vehemently opposed, and would have fled; but theporter catching hold of his head, the cap came off, and disclosed a bald_scab_; whereupon he required three pennies. 

Hunch-back, very much enraged, persisted in his refusal, and began tostruggle with the porter. This caused an exposure of his arms, by whichit became manifest that he was _leprous_. The fourth penny was thereforelaid claim to; and the scuffle continuing, revealed a _rupture_, whichmade a fifth. 

Thus, a fellow unjustly refusing to pay a rightful demand of _one_penny, was necessitated, much against his inclination, to pay _five_. 

XXVI. --OF AVOIDING IMPRECATIONS. 

Gervase of Tilbury relates a very remarkable occurrence, but at the sametime full of excellent caution and prudent exhortation. 

During the reign of the Roman emperor Otto, there was, in the bishopricof Girona, in Catalonia, a very high mountain, whose ascent wasextremely arduous, and, except in one place, inaccessible. On the summitwas an unfathomable lake of black water. Here also stood, as it isreported, a palace of demons, with a large gate, continually closed; butthe palace itself, as well as its inhabitants, existed in invisibility. If any one cast a stone or other hard substance into this lake, thedemons exhibited their anger by furious storms. In one part of themountain was perpetual snow and ice, with abundance of crystal. At itsfoot flowed a river, whose sands were of gold; and the precious metalthus obtained, was denominated, by the vulgar, its _cloak_. The mountainitself and the parts adjacent, furnished silver; and its inexhaustiblefertility was not the least surprising. 

Not far from hence lived a certain farmer, who was much occupied withdomestic matters, and troubled exceedingly by the incessant squalling ofhis little girl; insomuch, that at length wearied out by the torment, in a moment of fretfulness he wished his infant at the devil. Thisincautious desire was scarcely uttered, ere the girl was seized by aninvisible hand, and carried off. Seven years afterwards, a personjourneying at the foot of the mountain near the farmer's dwelling, distinguished a man hurrying along at a prodigious rate, and utteringthe most doleful complaints. He stopped to inquire the occasion; andwas told, that for the space of seven years last passed, he had beencommitted to the custody of the demons upon that mountain, who dailymade use of him as of a chariot, in consequence of an unwary exclamationto that effect. The traveller startled at an assertion so extraordinary, and a little incredulous, was informed that his neighbour had sufferedin a similar degree; for that having hastily committed his daughter totheir power, they had instantly borne her off. He added, that thedemons, weary of instructing the girl, would willingly restore her, provided the father presented himself on the mountain and there receivedher. 

The auditor, thunder-struck at this communication, doubted whether heshould conceal things so incredible, or relate them as he had heard. Hedetermined, at last, to declare the girl's situation to her father; andhastening, accordingly, found him still bewailing the lengthened absenceof his daughter. Ascertaining the cause, he went on to state what he hadheard from the man whom the devils used as a chariot. "Therefore, " saidhe, "I recommend you, attesting the divine name, to demand of thesedevils the restitution of your daughter. " Amazed at what was imparted tohim, the father deliberated upon the best method of proceeding; andfinally, pursued the counsel of the traveller. Ascending the mountain, he passed forward to the lake, and adjured the demons to restore thegirl whom his folly had committed to them. Suddenly a violent blastswept by him, and a girl of lofty stature stood in his presence. Hereyes were wild and wandering, and her bones and sinews were scarcelycovered with skin. Her horrible countenance discovered no sign ofsensibility; and, ignorant of all language, she scarcely could beacknowledged for a human being. The father, wondering at her strangeappearance, and doubtful whether she should be taken to his own home ornot, posted to the bishop of Girona, and with a sorrowful aspectdetailed what had befallen him; at the same time requesting his advice. The bishop, as a religious man, and one entrusted with a charge of somuch importance, narrated every circumstance respecting the girl to hisdiocese. He warned them against rashly committing their fortunes to thepower of concealed demons; and showed that our adversary the devil, as araging lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour; that he will slaythose who are given to him, and hold them in eternal bonds. 

The man who was used by the devils as a chariot, a long time remained inthis miserable situation. But his subsequent faith and discretionemancipated him. He stated that near the above-mentioned place there wasan extensive subterranean palace, whose entrance was by a single gate, enveloped in the thickest darkness. Through this portal the devils, whohad been on embassies to various parts of the world, returned, andcommunicated to their fellows what they had done. No one could tell ofwhat the palace was constructed, save themselves, and those who passedunder their yoke to eternal damnation. From all which, my beloved, wemay gather the dangers we are exposed to, and how cautious we should beof invoking the devil to our assistance, as well as of committing ourfamily to his power. Let us guard our hearts, and beware that he catchnot up the sinful soul, and plunge it into the lake of everlastingmisery; where there is snow and ice unthawed; crystal, that reflects theawakened and agonized conscience perpetually burning with immortal fire. 

XXVII. --A VERSE EXERCISE. 

Alexander had an only son called Celestinus, whom he loved with theutmost tenderness. He desired to have him well instructed; and sendingfor a certain philosopher, said, "Sir, instruct my son, and I will payyou bountifully. " The philosopher agreed, and took the boy home withhim. He diligently performed his duty; and it happened, that one dayentering a meadow with his pupil, they saw a horse lying on the ground, grievously affected with the mange. Near the animal two sheep were tiedtogether, which busily cropped the grass that grew around them. It sochanced that the sheep were on each side of the horse, and the cord withwhich they were bound passed over his back, and chafing the sores, galled him exceedingly. Disturbed by this, he got up; but the cord, thenloaded with the weight of the sheep, afflicted him more and more; andfilled with fury, he began to run off at a great speed, dragging alongthe unfortunate sheep. And in equal proportion to their resistance wasthe increase of the horse's suffering, for the cord, having worn itselfinto a hollow, sunk, at every struggle, deeper into the wound. 

Adjoining the meadow was the house of a miller, toward which the horse, impelled by the anguish of his wound, galloped, and entered, with thesheep hanging as we have said. The house was then unoccupied; but therewas a fire burning upon the hearth; and the horse plunging and strikinghis hoofs, so scattered the fire, that the flame caught hold of thebuilding, and burnt all to ashes, together with the horse and the sheep. "Young man, " said the preceptor to his pupil, "you have witnessed thebeginning, the middle, and the end of this incident: make me somecorrect verses upon it; and show me why the house was burnt. Unless youdo this, I promise I will punish you severely. "

Celestinus, during the absence of his master, applied himself diligentlyto study, but he was unable to do his task. This much troubled him; andthe devil, ever on the alert, met him in the likeness of a man, andsaid, "My son, what has made you so sorrowful?"

_Celest. _ "Never mind; it is no use telling you. "

_Devil. _ "You know not that; tell me, and I will help you. "

_Celest. _ "I am charged, under a heavy punishment, to make some versesabout a scabby horse and two sheep, and I don't know how. "

_Devil. _ "Young man, I am the devil in a human form, and the best poetgoing; care nothing about your master, but promise to serve mefaithfully, and I will compose such delectable verses for you that theyshall excel those of your pedagogue himself. "

Celestinus, tempted by this insidious proposal, gave his word to servehim faithfully if he fulfilled his engagement. 

The devil then produced the following verses:--

 Bound by a thong, that passed along A horse's mangy hide; Two sheep there lay, as I you say, One upon either side. 

 The steed uprose, and upward goes Each sheep with dangling breech; Borne by the horse's rapid course, The miller's hut they reach. 

 Scattering the fire, with reckless ire, The rafters caught the flame; And bleating breed and scabby steed Were roasted in the same. 

 Now had that wight, that miller hight, Vouchsafed his house to keep; Ere he returned, it had not burned, Nor burned his horse and sheep. [8]

The boy, made happy by the present, returned home. 

_Master. _ "My child, have you stolen your verses, or made them?"

_Celest. _ "I made them, sir. "

He then read what we have given above; and the master, struck with thegreatest astonishment at their uncommon beauty, exclaimed, "My dear boy, tell me if any one made these verses for you?"

_Celest. _ "No, sir; no one did. "

_Master. _ "Unless you tell me the truth, I will flog you till the bloodrun. "

The lad, fearful of what might follow, declared all that occurred, andhow he had bound himself to the devil. The preceptor, grieved at thecommunication, induced the youth to confess himself, and renounce thisfearful confederacy. When this was done he became a holy man; and aftera well-spent life, gave up his soul to God. 

XXVIII. --BRED IN THE BONE. 

There reigned some time in Rome a wise and mighty emperor, named Anselm, who did bear in his arms a shield of silver with five red roses. Thisemperor had three sons, whom he loved much. He had also continual warwith the king of Egypt, in which war he lost all his temporal goodsexcept a precious tree. It fortuned after on a day that he gavebattle to the same king of Egypt, wherein he was grievously wounded;nevertheless, he obtained the victory, notwithstanding he had his deadlywound. Wherefore, while he lay at point of death, he called unto hiseldest son, and said: "My dear and well-beloved son, all my temporalriches are spent, and almost nothing is left me but a precious tree, thewhich stands in the midst of my empire. I give to thee all that is underthe earth and above the earth of the same tree. " "O my reverendfather, " quoth he, "I thank you much. "

Then said the emperor, "Call to me my second son. " Anon the eldest son, greatly joying of his father's gift, called in his brother. And when hecame, the emperor said, "My dear son, I may not make my testament, forasmuch as I have spent all my goods, except a tree which stands inthe midst of mine empire, of the which tree, I bequeath to thee all thatis great and small. " Then answered he and said, "My reverend father, Ithank you much. "

Then said the emperor, "Call to me my third son. " And so it was done. And when he was come the emperor said, "My dear son, I must die of thesewounds, and I have only a precious tree, of which I have given thybrethren their portion, and to thee I bequeath thy portion; for I willthat thou have of the said tree all that is wet and dry. " Then said hisson, "Father, I thank you. "

Soon after the emperor had made his bequest, he died. And the eldest sontook possession of the tree. Now when the second son heard this, he cameto him, saying, "My brother, by what law or title occupy you this tree?""Dear brother, " quoth he, "I occupy it by this title: my father gave meall that is under the earth, and above of the said tree, by reasonthereof the tree is mine. " "Unknowing to thee, " quoth the second brother, "he gave unto me all that is great and small of the said tree, andtherefore I have as great right in the tree as you. " This hearing, thethird son he came to them and said, "My well-beloved brethren, itbehoveth you not to strive for this tree, for I have as much right inthe tree as ye, for by the law ye wot that the last will and testamentought to stand, for of truth he gave me of the said tree all that is wetand dry, and therefore the tree by right is mine; but forasmuch as yourwords are of great force and mine also, my counsel is that we be judgedby reason, for it is not good nor commendable that strife or dissensionshould be among us. Here beside dwelleth a king full of reason; therefore, to avoid strife, let us go to him, and each of us lay his right beforehim, and as he shall judge, let us stand to his judgment. " Then said hisbrethren, "Thy counsel is good. " Wherefore they went all three unto theking of reason, and each of them severally showeth forth his right untohim, as it is said before. 

When the king had heard the titles, he rehearsed them all againseverally, first saying to the eldest son thus: "You say, " quoth theking, "that your father gave you all that is under the earth and abovethe earth of the said tree. And to the second brother he bequeathed allthat is great and small of that tree. And to the third brother he gaveall that is wet and dry. "

And with that he laid the law to them, and said that this will ought tostand. 

"Now, my dear friends, briefly I shall satisfy all your requests;" andwhen he had thus said, he turned him unto the eldest brother, saying, "My dear friend, if you list to abide the judgment of right, it behovethyou to be letten blood of the right arm. " "My lord, " quoth he, "yourwill shall be done. " Then the king called for a discreet physician, commanding him to let him blood. 

When the eldest son was letten blood, the king said unto them all three, "My dear friends, where is your father buried?" Then answered they, andsaid, "Forsooth, my lord, in such a place. " Anon the king commanded todig in the ground for the body, and to take a bone out of his breast, and to bury the body again: and so it was done. And when the bone wastaken out, the king commanded that it should be laid in the blood of theelder brother, and it should lie till it had received kindly the blood, and then to be laid in the sun and dried, and after that it shouldbe washed with clear water. His servants fulfilled all that he hadcommanded: and when they began to wash, the blood vanished clean away;when the king saw this, he said to the second son, "It behoveth thatthou be letten blood, as thy brother was. " Then said he, "My lord's willshall be fulfilled, " and anon he was done unto like as his brother wasin all things, and when they began to wash the bone, the blood vanishedaway. Then said the king to the third son, "It behoveth thee to beletten blood likewise. " He answered and said, "My lord, it pleaseth mewell so to be. " When the youngest brother was letten blood, and doneunto in all things as the two brethren were before, then the king'sservants began to wash the bone, but neither for washing nor rubbingmight they do away the blood of the bone, but it ever appeared bloody:when the king saw this, he said, "It appeareth openly now that thisblood is of the nature of the bone, thou art his true son, and the othertwo are bastards. I judge thee the tree for evermore. "

XXIX. --FULGENTIUS. 

In Rome some time dwelt a mighty emperor named Martin, which for entireaffection kept with him his brother's son, whom men called Fulgentius. With this Martin dwelt also a knight that was steward of the empire, anduncle unto the emperor, which envied this Fulgentius, studying day andnight how he might bring the emperor and this youth at debate. Whereforethe steward on a day went to the emperor, and said, "My lord, " quoth he, "I that am your true servant, am bound in duty to warn your highness, ifI hear anything that toucheth your honour, wherefore I have such thingsthat I must needs utter it in secret to your majesty between us two. "Then said the emperor, "Good friend, say on what thee list. "

"My most dear lord, " quoth the steward, "Fulgentius, your cousin andyour nigh kinsman, hath defamed you wonderfully and shamefully throughoutall your whole empire, saying that your breath stinketh, and that it isdeath to him to serve your cup. " Then the emperor was grievouslydispleased, and almost beside himself for anger, and said unto him thus:"I pray thee, good friend, tell me the very truth, if that my breathstinketh as he saith?" "My lord, " quoth the steward, "ye may believeme, I never perceived a sweeter breath in my days than yours is. ""Then, " said the emperor, "I pray thee, good friend, tell me how I maybring this thing to good proof. "

The steward answered and said: "My lord, " quoth he, "ye shall right wellunderstand the truth; for to-morrow next when he serveth you of your cup, ye shall see that he will turn away his face from you, because of yourbreath, and this is the most certain proof that may be had of thisthing. " "Verily, " quoth the emperor, "a truer proof cannot be had ofthis thing. " Therefore anon, when the steward heard this, he wentstraight to Fulgentius, and took him aside, saying thus: "Dear friend, thou art near kinsman and also nephew unto my lord the emperor, thereforeif thou wilt be thankful unto me, I will tell thee of a fault whereof mylord the emperor complaineth oft, and thinks to put thee from him, except it be the sooner amended, and that will be a great reproof tothee. " Then said this Fulgentius: "Ah, good sir, for his love that diedupon the cross, tell me why my lord is so sore moved with me, for I amready to amend my fault in all that I can or may, and for to be ruled byyour discreet counsel. "

"Thy breath, " quoth the steward, "stinketh so sore, that his drink dothhim no good, so grievous unto him is the stinking breath of thy mouth. "Then said Fulgentius unto the steward: "Truly; that perceived I nevertill now. But what think ye of my breath? I pray you tell me the verytruth. " "Truly, " quoth the steward, "it stinketh greatly and foul. " Andthis Fulgentius believed all that he had said, and was right sorrowfulin his mind, and prayed the steward of his counsel and help in thiswoeful case. Then said the steward unto him, "If that thou wilt do mycounsel, I shall bring this matter to a good conclusion; wherefore do asI shall tell thee. 

"I counsel thee for the best, and also warn thee that when thou servestmy lord the emperor of his cup, that thou turn thy face away from him, so that he may not smell thy stinking breath, until the time that thouhast provided thee of some remedy therefore. "

Then was Fulgentius right glad, and sware to him that he would do by hiscounsel. 

Not long after it befell that this young man Fulgentius served his lordas he was wont to do, and therewith suddenly he turned his face from thelord the emperor, as the steward had taught him. 

And when the emperor perceived the avoiding of his head, he smote thisyoung Fulgentius on the breast with his foot, and said to him thus: "Othou lewd varlet; now I see well it is true that I have heard of thee, and therefore go thou anon out of my sight, that I may see thee no morein this place. " And with that this young Fulgentius wept full sore, andavoided the place, and went out of his sight. 

And when this was done, the emperor called unto him his steward, andsaid, "How may I rid this varlet from the world, that thus hath defamedme?" "My most dear lord, " quoth the steward, "right well you shall haveyour intent. 

"For here beside, within these three miles, ye have brickmakers, whichdaily make great fire, for to burn brick, and also they make lime;therefore, my lord, send to them this night, charge them upon pain ofdeath, that whosoever cometh to them first in the morning, saying tothem thus, 'My lord commandeth them to fulfil his will, ' that they takehim and cast him into the furnace and burn him: and this night commandyou this Fulgentius, that he go early in the morning to your workmen, and that he ask them whether they have fulfilled your will which theywere commanded or not; and then shall they, according to yourcommandment, cast him into the fire, and thus shall he die an evildeath. "

"Surely, " quoth the emperor, "thy counsel is good; therefore call to methat varlet Fulgentius. " And when the young man was come to theemperor's presence, he said to him thus: "I charge thee upon pain ofdeath, that thou rise early in the morning, and go to the burners oflime and brick, and that thou be with them early before the sun rise, three miles from this house, and charge them in my behalf, that theyfulfil my commandment, or else they shall die a most shameful death. "

Then spake this Fulgentius: "My lord, if God send me my life, I shallfulfil your will, were it that I go to the world's end. "

When Fulgentius had this charge, he could not sleep for thought, that hemust rise early to fulfil his lord's commandment. The emperor aboutmidnight sent a messenger on horseback unto his brickmakers, commanding, that upon pain of death, that whosoever came to them first in themorning, saying unto them (as is before rehearsed) they should take himand bind him, and cast him into the fire, and burn him to the barebones. 

The brickmakers answered and said, it should be done. Then the messengerreturns home again, and told the emperor that his commandment should bediligently fulfilled. 

Early in the morning following, Fulgentius arose and prepared himtowards his way, and as he went, he heard a bell ring to service, wherefore he went to hear service, and after the end of service he fellasleep, and there slept a long while so soundly, that the priest, nornone other, might awake him. 

The steward desiring inwardly to hear of his death, about two of theclock he went to the workmen, and said unto them thus: "Sirs, " quoth he, "have ye done the emperor's commandment or not?"

The brickmakers answered him and said: "No, truly, we have not yet donehis commandment, but it shall be done, " and with that they laid hands onhim. Then cried the steward, and said, "Good sirs, save my life, for theemperor commanded that Fulgentius should be put to death. " Then saidthey, "The messenger told us not so, but he bade us, that whosoever camefirst in the morning, saying, as you have said, that we should take him, and cast him into the furnace, and burn him to ashes. " And with thatthey threw him into the fire. 

And when he was burnt, Fulgentius came to them and said, "Good sirs, have you done my lord's commandment?" "Yea, soothly, " said they, "andtherefore go ye again to the emperor, and tell him so. " Then saidFulgentius, "For Christ's love, tell me that commandment?"

"We had in commandment, " said they, "upon pain of death, that whosoevercame to us first in the morning, and said like as thou hast said, thatwe should take him and cast him into the furnace. But before thee camethe steward and therefore on him have we fulfilled the emperor'scommandment; now he is burnt to the bare bones. "

When Fulgentius heard this, he thanked God that he had so preserved himfrom death; therefore he took his leave of the workmen, and went againto the palace. 

When the emperor saw him, he was almost distract of his wits for anger, and thus he said, "Hast thou been with the brickmakers, and fulfilled mycommandment?" "Soothly, my gracious lord, I have been there, but ere Iam there, your commandment was fulfilled. " "How may that be true, " quoththe emperor. 

"Forsooth, " said Fulgentius, "the steward came to them afore me, andsaid that I should have said, so they took him and threw him into thefurnace; and if I had come any earlier, so would they have done to me, and therefore I thank God that he hath preserved me from death. "

Then said the emperor, "Tell me the truth of such questions as I shalldemand of thee. " Then said Fulgentius to the emperor, "You never foundme in any falsehood, and therefore I greatly wonder why ye have ordainedsuch a death for me; for well ye know that I am your own brother's son. "Then said the emperor to Fulgentius: "It is no wonder, for that death Iordained for thee, through counsel of the steward, because thou didstdefame me throughout all my empire, saying, that my breath did stink sogrievously, that it was death to thee, and in token thereof thouturnedst away thy face when thou servedst me of my cup, and that I sawwith mine eyes; and for this cause I ordained for thee such a death; andyet thou shalt die, except I hear a better excuse. "

Then answered Fulgentius, and said, "Ah, dear lord, if it might pleaseyour highness for to hear me, I shall show you a subtle and deceitfulimagination. " "Say on, " quoth the emperor. 

"The steward, " quoth Fulgentius, "that is now dead, came to me and said, that ye told unto him that my breath did stink, and thereupon hecounselled me, that when I served you of your cup, I should turn my faceaway; I take God to witness, I lie not. "

When the emperor heard this, he believed him, and said, "O my nephew, now I see, through the right wise judgment of God, the steward is burnt, and his own wickedness and envy is fallen on himself, for he ordainedthis malice against thee, and therefore thou art much bound to AlmightyGod that hath preserved thee from death. "

XXX. --VENGEANCE DEFERRED. 

A law was made at Rome, that no man should marry for beauty, but forriches only; and that no woman should be united to a poor man, unless heshould by some means acquire wealth equal to her own. A certain poorknight solicited the hand of a rich lady, but she reminded him of thelaw, and desired him to use the best means of complying with it, inorder to effect their union. He departed in great sorrow; and after muchinquiry, was informed of a rich duke, who had been blind from the day ofhis birth. Him he resolved to murder, and obtain his wealth; but foundthat he was protected in the daytime by several armed domestics, and atnight by the vigilance of a faithful dog. He contrived, however, to killthe dog with an arrow, and immediately afterwards the master; with whosemoney he returned to the lady. He informed her that he had accomplishedhis purpose; and being asked how this had been done in so short a spaceof time, he told all that had happened. 

The lady desired, before the marriage should take place, that he wouldgo to the spot where the duke was buried, lay himself on his tomb, listen to what he might hear, and then report it to her. The knightarmed himself, and went accordingly. In the middle of the night he hearda voice saying, "O duke, that liest here, what askest thou that I can dofor thee?" The answer was, "O Jesus, thou upright judge, all that Irequire is vengeance for my blood unjustly spilt. " The voice rejoined, "Thirty years from this time thy wish shall be fulfilled. " The knight, extremely terrified, returned with the news to the lady. She reflectedthat thirty years were a long time, and resolved on the marriage. Duringthe whole thirty years the parties remained in perfect happiness. 

When the thirty years were nearly passed, the knight built a strongcastle, and over one of the gates, in a conspicuous place, caused thefollowing verses to be written--

 "In my distress, religious aid I sought: But my distress relieved, I held it nought. The wolf was sick, a lamb he seemed to be; But health restored, a wolf again was he. "

Interrogated as to the meaning of these enigmatical lines, the knight atonce explained them, by relating his own story, and added, that in eightdays time the thirty years would expire. 

He invited all his friends to a feast at that date, and when the day wasarrived, the guests placed at table, and the minstrels attuning theirinstruments of music, a beautiful bird flew in at the window, and beganto sing with uncommon sweetness. The knight listened attentively andsaid, "I fear this bird prognosticates misfortune. " He then took hisbow, and shot an arrow into it, in presence of all the company. Instantly the castle divided into two parts, and, with the knight, hiswife, and all who were in it, was precipitated to the lowest depth ofthe infernal regions. The story adds, that on the spot where the castlestood, there is now a spacious lake, on which no substance whateverfloats, but is immediately plunged to the bottom. 

A DISCOURSEOF THEMOST FAMOUS DR. JOHN FAUSTUS, OF WITTENBURG, IN GERMANY. CONJURER AND NECROMANCER;

_WHEREIN IS DECLARED MANY STRANGE THINGSTHAT HIMSELF HAD SEEN AND DONE INTHE EARTH AND AIR, WITH HISBRINGING UP, HIS TRAVELS, STUDIES, AND LAST END. _

THE FAMOUS HISTORYOFDOCTOR FAUSTUS. 

CHAPTER I. 

_Of his Parentage and Birth. _

John Faustus, born in the town of Rhodes, being in the province ofWeimar, in Germany, his father a poor husbandman, and not able well tobring him up, yet having an uncle at Wittenburg, a rich man, and withoutissue, took this Faustus from his father, and made him his heir, insomuch that his father was no more troubled with him, for he remainedwith his uncle at Wittenburg, where he was kept at the university in thesame city, to study Divinity; but Faustus being of a naughty mind, andotherwise addicted, plyed not his studies, but betook himself to otherexercises, which his uncle oftentimes hearing, rebuked him for it; asEli oftentimes rebuked his children for sinning against the Lord, evenso this good old man laboured to have Faustus apply his study toDivinity, that he might come to the knowledge of God and his law. But itis manifest that many virtuous parents have wicked children, as Cain, Reuben, Absolom, and such like, have been to their parents. So Faustushaving godly parents, who seeing him to be of a toward wit, weredesirous to bring him up in those virtuous studies, namely, of Divinity;but he gave himself secretly to necromancy, and conjuration, insomuchthat few or none could perceive his profession. 

But to the purpose, Faustus continued at study in the university, andwas by the rectors, and sixteen masters afterwards, examined how he hadprofited in his studies, and being found by them, that none of his timewere able to argue with him in divinity, or for the excellency of hiswisdom to compare with him, with one consent they made him Doctor ofDivinity. But Doctor Faustus, within short time after he had obtainedhis degree, fell into such fantasies, and deep cogitations, that he wasmocked of many, and of the most part of the students was called theSpeculator, and sometimes he would throw the Scriptures from him, asthough he had no care of his former profession, so that he began a mostungodly life, as hereafter more at large may appear, for the old proverbsaith, "Who can hold what will away?" So, who can hold Faustus from thedevil, that seeks after him with all his endeavours; for he accompaniedhimself with divers that were seen in those devilish arts, and that hadthe Chaldean, Persian, Hebrew, Arabian, and Greek tongues, usingfigures, characters, conjurations, incantations, with many otherceremonies belonging to those infernal arts, as necromancy, charms, soothsaying, witchcraft, enchantment, being delighted with their books, words, and names so well, that he studied day and night therein, insomuch that he could not abide to be called Doctor of Divinity, but waxed a worldly man, and named himself an astrologian, and amathematician, and for a shadow sometimes a physician, and did greatcures, namely with herbs, roots, waters, drinks, receipts and glysters;and without doubt he was passing wise and excellent perfect in HolyScripture. But he that knoweth his master's will, and doth it not, isworthy to be beaten with many stripes. It is written, "No man can servetwo masters, and thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. " But Faustusthrew all this in the wind, and made his soul of no estimation, regarding more his worldly pleasures than the joys to come; therefore atthe day of judgment, there is no hope of his redemption. 

CHAPTER II. 

_How Doctor Faustus began to practise his devilish Art, and how heconjured the Devil, making him to appear, and meet him on themorrow-morning at his own House. _

You have heard before that all Faustus's mind was to study the arts ofnecromancy and conjuration, the which exercise he followed day andnight, and taking to him the wings of an eagle thought to fly over thewhole world, and to know the secrets of heaven and earth, for hisspeculation was so wonderful, being expert in using his vocabula, figures, characters, conjuration, and other ceremonial actions, that inall haste he put in practice to bring the devil before him, and takinghis way to a thick wood near to Wittenburg, called in the German tongue, Spisser Holt, that is in English, the Spisser's Wood, as Faustus wouldoftentimes boast of it among the crew, being in jollity, he came intothe wood one evening into the cross-way, where he made with a wand acircle in the dust, and within that many more circles and characters;and thus he past away the time until it was nine or ten of the clock inthe night, then began Dr. Faustus to call on Mephistophiles the Spirit, and to charge him in the name of Belzebub, to appear there presently, without any long stay. 

Then presently the devil began so great a rumour in the wood, as ifheaven and earth would have come together, with wind, and the treesbowed their tops to the ground, then fell the devil to roar, as if thewhole wood had been full of lions, and suddenly about the circle runthe devil, as if a thousand waggons had been running together onpaved-stones. After this, at the four corners of the wood it thunderedhorribly, with such lightning, as the whole world to his seeming hadbeen on fire. Faustus all this while, half amazed at the devil's so longtarrying, and doubting whether he were best to abide any more suchhorrible conjurings, thought to leave his circle, and depart, whereuponthe devil made him such music of all sorts, as if the nymphs themselveshad been in place: whereat Faustus revived, and stood stoutly in hiscircle, expecting his purpose, and began again to conjure the spiritMephistophiles in the name of the Prince of Devils, to appear in hislikeness: whereat suddenly, over his head hung hovering in the air amighty dragon; then calls Faustus again after his devilish manner, atwhich there was a monstrous cry in the wood, as if hell had been open, and all the tormented souls cursing their condition. 

Presently, not three fathoms above his head, fell a flame in manner oflightning, and changed itself into a globe; yet Faustus feared it not, but did persuade himself that the devil should give him his requestbefore he would leave. Oftentimes after to his companions he would boastthat he had the stoutest head under the cope of heaven at command. Whereat they answered, They knew no stouter than the Pope or Emperor. But Dr. Faustus said, "The head that is my servant, is above all uponearth;" and repeated certain words out of St. Paul to the Ephesians, tomake his argument good, "The Prince of the World is upon earth and underheaven. " Well, let us come again to his conjuration, where we left himat the fiery globe; Faustus, vexed at his spirit's so long tarrying, used his charms, with full purpose not to depart before he had hisintent; and crying on Mephistophiles the spirit, suddenly the globeopened, and sprung up in the height of a man, so burning a time, in theend it converted to the shape of a fiery man. This pleasant beast ranabout the circle a great while, and lastly appeared in the manner of aGray Friar, asking Faustus what was his request. 

Faustus commanded, that the next morning at twelve of the clock, heshould appear to him at his house; but the devil would in no wise grantit. Faustus began to conjure him again, in the name of Belzebub, that heshould fulfil his request; whereupon the spirit agreed, and so theydeparted each on his way. 

CHAPTER III. 

_The Conference of Doctor Faustus, with his Spirit Mephistophiles, theMorning following at his own House. _

Dr. Faustus, having commanded the spirit to be with him, at his hourappointed, he came and appeared in his chamber, demanding of Faustuswhat his desire was. Then began Dr. Faustus anew with him, to conjurehim, That he would be obedient unto him, and to answer him certainarticles, to fulfil them in all points:

 1. That the spirit would serve him, and be obedient unto him in all things that he asked of him, from that hour until the hour of his death. 

 2. Further, anything that he desired of him, he should bring him. 

 3. Also that in all Faustus's demands and interrogations, the spirit should tell him nothing but that which was true. 

Hereupon the spirit answered, and laid his case forth, that he had nosuch power of himself until he had first given his prince (that wasruler over him) to understand thereof, and to know if he could obtain somuch of his lord: "Therefore speak farther, that I may do thy wholedesire to my prince; for it is not in my power to fulfil without hisleave. "

"Show me the cause why?" said Faustus. 

The spirit answered Faustus: "Thou shalt understand, that with us it iseven as well a kingdom as with you on earth; yea, we have our rulers andservants, as I myself am one; and we have our whole number the legion, for although that Lucifer is thrust and fallen out of heaven, throughhis pride and high mind, yet he hath notwithstanding a legion of devilsat his command, that we call the Oriental Princes, for his power isinfinite; also there is a power in meridie, in septentrio, in occidente, and for that Lucifer hath his kingdom under heaven; we must change andgive ourselves to men, to serve them at their pleasure. It is alsocertain, we have not as yet opened to any man the truth of our dwelling, neither of our ruling, neither what our power is; neither have we givenany man any gift, or learned him anything, except he promise to beours. "

Dr. Faustus upon this arose where he sat, and said, "I will have myrequest, and yet I will not be damned. "

The spirit answered: "Then shalt thou want thy desire, and yet art thoumine notwithstanding; if any men would detain thee, it is but in vain, for thy infidelity hath confounded thee. "

Hereupon spake Faustus: "Get thee hence from me, and take St. Valentine'sfarewell, and Crisman with thee; yet I conjure thee, that thou be hereat evening, and bethink thyself of what I have asked thee; ask thyprince's counsel therein. "

Mephistophiles the spirit, thus answered, vanished away, leaving Faustusin his study, where he sat pondering with himself how he might obtainhis request of the devil, without the loss of his soul; yet he was fullyresolved in himself, rather than to want his pleasure, to do what thespirit and his lord should condition upon. 

CHAPTER IV. 

_The second Time of the Spirit's appearing to Faustus at his House, andtheir Parley. _

Faustus continued in his devilish cogitations, never moving out of theplace where the spirit left him, such was his fervent love to the devil;the night approaching, this swift-flying spirit appeared to Faustus, offering himself with all submission to his service, with full authorityfrom his prince, to do whatsoever he would request; if so be Faustuswould promise to be his. "This answer I bring thee, an answer must thoumake by me again: yet I will hear what is thy desire, because thou hastsworn to me to be here at this time. "

Dr. Faustus gave him this answer, though faintly for his soul's sake, that his request was none other, but to become a devil, or at least alimb of him, and that the spirit should agree to these articlesfollowing:

 1. That he might be a spirit in shape and quality. 

 2. That Mephistophiles should be his servant at his command. 

 3. That Mephistophiles should bring him anything, and do for him whatsoever he desired. 

 4. That all times he would be in the house invisible to all men, except only to himself, and at his command to show himself. 

 5. That Mephistophiles should at all times appear at his command, in what form or shape soever he would. 

Upon these points the spirit answered Dr. Faustus. That all this shouldbe granted him, and fulfilled, and more if he would agree unto him uponcertain articles as followeth:

 1. That Dr. Faustus should give himself to the lord Lucifer, body and soul. 

 2. For confirmation of the same, he should make him a writing written in his own blood. 

 3. That he would be an enemy to all Christian people. 

 4. That he would deny the Christian belief. 

 5. That he let not any man change his opinion, if so be any man should go about to dissuade or withdraw him from it. 

Farther the spirit promised Faustus to give him certain years to livein health and pleasure, and when such years were expired, that thenFaustus would be fetched away; and if he would hold these articles andconditions, that then he should have whatsoever his heart would wish ordesire; and that Faustus should quickly perceive himself to be a spiritin all manner of actions whatsoever. Hereupon Dr. Faustus's mind wasinflamed, that he forgot his soul, and promises Mephistophiles to holdall things as he mentioned them: he thought the devil was not so blackas they used to paint him, nor hell so hot as the people say. 

CHAPTER V. 

_The third Parley between Dr. Faustus and Mephistophiles about aConclusion. _

After Dr. Faustus had made his promise to the devil, in the morningbetimes he called the spirit before him, and commanded him, that heshould always come to him like a friar, after the order of St. Francis, with a bell in his hand like St. Anthony, and to ring it once or twicebefore he appeared, that he might know of his certain coming: thenFaustus demanded of his spirit what was his name?

The spirit answered, "My name is as thou sayest, Mephistophiles, and Iam a prince, but a servant to Lucifer, and all the circuit fromseptentrio to the meridian, I rule under him. "

Even at these words was this wicked wretch Faustus inflamed, to hearhimself to have gotten so great a potentate to serve him, forgetting theLord his Maker, and Christ his Redeemer, he became an enemy to allmankind; yea, worse than the giants, whom the poets said to climb thehills to make war with the gods, not unlike the enemy of God and Christ, that for his pride was cast into hell; so likewise Faustus forgot, thathigh climbers catch the greatest falls, and sweet meats have oft sourestsauce. 

After a while Faustus promised Mephistophiles to write and make hisobligation with all assurance of the articles in the chapter beforerehearsed: a pitiful case, Christian reader, for certainly this letteror obligation was found in his house, after his most lamentable end, with all the rest of his damnable practices used in his whole life. 

Wherefore I wish all Christians to take example by this wicked doctor, and to be comforted in Christ, concerning themselves with that vocationwhereunto it has pleased God to call them, and not so esteem the vaindelights of this life as did this unhappy Faustus in giving his soul tothe devil: and to confirm it the more assuredly, he took a smallpenknife, and pricked a vein in his left hand, and for certaintythereupon were seen on his hand these words written, as if they had beenwritten in his own blood, O HOMO FUGE; whereat the spirit vanished, butFaustus continued in his damnable mind. 

CHAPTER VI. 

_How Dr. Faustus set his Blood in a Saucer on warm Ashes, and writ asfolloweth:_

 I, John Faustus, _doctor, do openly acknowledge with mine own hand, to the great force and strengthening of this letter, that since I began to study, and speculate the course and nature of the elements, I have not found, through the gift that is given me from above, any such learning and wisdom that can bring me to my desire and for that I find that men are unable to instruct me any farther in the matter; now have I, Dr. Faustus, to the hellish prince of Orient, and his messenger Mephistophiles, given both body and soul, upon such conditions, that they shall learn me, and fulfil my desires in all things, as they have promised and vowed unto me, with due obedience unto me, according to the articles mentioned between us. _

 Farther, I do covenant and grant _with them by these presents, that at the end of twenty-four years next ensuing, the date of this present letter, they being expired, and I in the mean time, during the said years, be served of them at my will, they accomplishing my desires to the full in all points as we are agreed: that then I give to them all power to do with me at their pleasure, to rule, to send, fetch or carry me or mine, be it either body, soul, flesh, blood or goods, into their habitation, be it wheresoever: and hereupon I defy God and his Christ, all the Host of Heaven, and all living creatures that bear the shape of God; yea, all that live: And again I say it, and it shall be so, and to the more strengthening of this writing, I have written it with my own hand and blood, being in perfect memory: and hereupon I subscribe to it with my name and title, calling all the infernal, middle, and supreme powers to witness of this my letter and subscription. _

 John Faustus. 

 _Approved in the elements, and the spiritual doctor. _

CHAPTER VII. 

_How Mephistophiles came for his Writing, and in what manner heappeared, and his Sights he showed him; and how he caused him tokeep a Copy of his own Writing. _

Dr. Faustus sitting pensive, having but one only boy with him, suddenlythere appeared his spirit Mephistophiles in likeness of a very man, fromwhom issued most horrible fiery flames, insomuch that the boy wasafraid, but being hardened by his master, he bid him stand still, and heshould 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 hisspirit into his counting-house until he had seen more. Anon was heard arushing of armed men, and trampling of horses; this ceasing, came akennel of hounds, and they chased a great hart in the hall, and therethe hart was slain. Faustus took heart, came forth and looked upon thehart, but presently before him there was a lion and a dragon together, fighting so fiercely, that Faustus thought they would have thrown downthe house; but the dragon overcame the lion, and so they vanished. Afterthis came in a peacock and peahen; the cock, bruising of his tail, turning to the female, beat her, and so vanished. Afterward followed afurious bull, that with a full fierceness ran upon Faustus, but comingnear him vanished away. Afterward followed a great old ape; this apeoffered Faustus the hand, but he refused; so the ape ran out of the hallagain. Hereupon fell a mist in the hall, that Faustus saw no light, butit lasted not; and so soon as it was gone, there lay before Faustus twogreat sacks, one full of gold, another of silver. 

Lastly, was heard by Faustus all manner of instruments of music, asorgans, clarigolds, lutes, viols, citterns, waits, hornpipes, flutes, anomes, harps, and all manner of other instruments, which so ravishedhis mind, that he thought he had been in another world, forgot both bodyand soul, insomuch that he was minded never to change his opinionconcerning that which he had done. 

Hereat came Mephistophiles into the hall to Faustus, in apparel likeunto a friar, to whom Faustus spake: "Thou hast done me a wonderfulpleasure in showing me this pastime; if thou continue as thou hastbegun, 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 ofme, that shalt thou have, conditionally hold thy promise, and give methy 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 acopy thereof, and gave the devil the one, and kept in store the other. Thus the spirit and Faustus were agreed, and dwelt together; no doubtthere was a virtuous house-keeping. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

_The manner how Faustus proceeded in this damnable Life, and ofthe diligent Service that Mephistophiles used towards him. _

Dr. Faustus having given his soul to the devil, renouncing all thepowers of heaven, confirming all his lamentable action with his ownblood, and having already delivered his writing now into the devil'shand, the which so puffed up his heart, that he forgot the mind of aman, and thought himself to be a spirit. 

Thus Faustus dwelt at his uncle's house at Wittenburg, who died, andbequeathed it in his testament to his cousin Faustus. 

Faustus kept a boy with him, that was his scholar, an unhappy wag, called Christopher Wagner, to whom this sport and life that he saw hismaster followed, seemed pleasant. Faustus loved the boy well, hoping tomake him as good or better seen in his hellish exercises than himself, and he was fellow with Mephistophiles. Otherwise Faustus had no companyin his house but himself and boy, and spirit that ever was diligent atFaustus's command, going about the house, clothed like a friar, with alittle bell in his hand, seen of none but Faustus. 

For victuals and other necessaries, Mephistophiles brought him at hispleasure from the Duke of Saxony, the Duke of Bavaria, and the Bishop ofSalisburg; and they had many times their best wine stolen out of theircellars by Mephistophiles, likewise their provisions for their owntable. Such meat as Faustus wished for, his spirit brought him in. Besides that, Faustus himself was become so cunning, that when he openedhis window, what fowl soever he wished for, it came presently flyinginto the house, were it never so dainty. Moreover, Faustus and his boywent in sumptuous apparel, the which Mephistophiles stole from themercers at Norenburg, Aspurg, Franckford, and Tipzig; for it was hardfor them to find a lock to keep out such a thief. All their maintenancewas but stolen and borrowed ware; and thus they lived an odious life inthe sight of God, though as yet the world were unacquainted with theirwickedness. It must be so, for their fruits be none other, as Christsaith in John, where he calls the devil a thief and murderer; and thatfound Faustus, for he stole him away both body and soul. 

CHAPTER IX. 

_How Dr. Faustus would have married, and how the Devil had almost killedhim for it. _

Dr. Faustus continued thus in this epicurish life day and night, believed not that there was a God, hell, or devil: he thought thatsoul and body died together, and had quite forgot divinity, or theimmortality of the soul, but stood in that damnable heresy day andnight, and bethinking himself of a wife, called Mephistophiles tocouncil: which would in no case agree, demanding of him if he wouldbreak the covenant made with him, or if he had forgot it. "Hast thou, "quoth Mephistophiles, "sworn thyself an enemy to God and to allcreatures? To this I answer thee, Thou canst not marry, thou canst notserve two masters, God and my prince; for wedlock is a chief institutionordained of God, and that thou hast promised to defy as we do all, andthat hast thou not only done, but moreover thou hast confirmed it withthy blood, persuade thyself that what thou dost in contempt of wedlock, it is all to thy own delight. Therefore, Faustus, look well about thee, and bethink thyself better, and I wish thee to change thy mind, for ifthou keep not what thou hast promised in thy writing, we will tear theein pieces like the dust under thy feet. Therefore, sweet Faustus, thinkwith what unquiet life, anger, strife, and debate thou shalt live inwhen thou takest a wife. Therefore change thy mind. "

Dr. Faustus was with these speeches in despair; and as all that haveforsaken the Lord can build upon no good foundation, so this wretcheddoctor having forsook the rock, fell into despair with himself, fearing, if he should motion matrimony any more, that the devil should tear himin pieces. "For this time, " quoth he to Mephistophiles, "I am notminded to marry. " "Then dost thou well, " answered his spirit. 

But within two hours after Faustus called again to his spirit, who camein his old manner like a friar. Then Faustus said unto him, "I am notable to resist or bridle my fancy; I must and will have a wife, and Ipray thee give thy consent to it. " Suddenly upon these words came such awhirlwind about the place that Faustus thought the whole house wouldhave come down; all the doors of the house flew off the hooks. After allthis his house was full of smoke, and the floor covered with ashes;which, when Dr. Faustus perceived, he would have gone upstairs, andflying up he was taken and thrown down into the hall, that he was notable to stir hand nor foot; then round about him ran a monstrous circleof fire, never standing still, that Faustus cried as he lay, andthought there to have been burned. Then cried he out to his spiritMephistophiles for help, promising him he would live, for all this, ashe had vowed by his handwriting. Hereupon appeared unto him an uglydevil, so dreadful and monstrous to behold, that Faustus durst not lookon him. The devil said, "What wouldst thou have, Faustus? How likestthou thy wedding? What mind art thou in now?" Faustus answered, he hadforgot his promise, desiring of him pardon, and he would talk no more ofsuch things. "Thou art best so to do;" and so vanished from him. 

After appeared unto him his friar Mephistophiles, with a bell in hishand, and spake to Faustus: "It is no jesting with us; hold thou thatwhich thou hast vowed, and we will perform that which we have promised;and more than that, thou shalt have thy heart's desire of what womansoever thou wilt, be she alive or dead, and so long as thou wilt thoushalt keep her by thee. " These words pleased Faustus wonderful well, andrepented himself that he was so foolish to wish himself married, thatmight have any woman in the whole city brought him at his command, thewhich he practised and persevered in a long time. 

CHAPTER X. 

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

Dr. Faustus living in all manner of pleasure that his heart coulddesire, continuing of his amorous drifts, his delicate fare, and costlyapparel, called on a time his Mephistophiles to him, who being come, brought him a book in his hand of all manner of devilish and enchantingarts, the which he gave Faustus, saying, "Hold, my Faustus; work now thyheart's desire. " The copy of this enchanting book was afterwards foundby 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 thyhelp. "

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

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

Mephistophiles answered: "My lord Lucifer was a fair angel, created ofGod as immortal, and being placed in the Seraphims, which are above theCherubims, he would have presumed upon the Throne of God, with intent tothrust God out of his seat; upon this presumption the Lord cast him downheadlong, and where before he was an angel of light, now dwells indarkness, not able to come near his first place, without God send forhim to appear before him; as Raphael, unto the lower degree of angels, that have their conversation with men, he may come, but not unto thesecond 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 masterLucifer fell; and thus far, Faustus, because thou art one of the belovedchildren of the lord Lucifer, following thy mind in manner as he didhis, I have shortly resolved thy request, and more I will do for thee atthy pleasure. "

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

CHAPTER XI. 

_How Dr. Faustus dreamed that he had seen Hell in his Sleep, and how hequestioned with the Spirit of matters concerning Hell, with the Spirit'sanswer. _

The night following after Faustus's communication with Mephistophiles, as concerning the fall of Lucifer, Dr. Faustus dreamed that he hadseen a part of hell, but in what manner it was, or in what place, heknew not, whereby he was much troubled in mind, and called unto himMephistophiles his spirit, saying unto him, "I pray thee resolve me inthis doubt: What is hell? What substance is it of? In what place standsit? And when was it made?"

Mephistophiles answered: "Faustus, thou shalt know, that before the fallof my lord Lucifer there was no hell, but even then was hell ordained. It is no substance, but a confused thing; for I tell thee, that beforeall elements were made, or the earth seen, the spirit of God moved uponthe waters, and darkness was over all; but when God said, 'Let there belight, ' it was at his word, and the light was on God's right hand, andhe praised the light. Judge thou farther, God stood in the middle, thedarkness was on his left hand, in the which my Lord was bound in chainsuntil the day of judgment. In this confused hell is nought to find but asulphurish fire, and stinking mist or fog. Farther, we devils know notwhat substance it is of, but a confused thing; for as the bubble ofwater flieth before the wind, so doth hell before the breath of God. Moreover, the devils know not how God hath laid the foundation of ourhell, nor where it is; but to be short, Faustus, we know that hell hathneither bottom nor end. "

CHAPTER XII. 

_The second Question put forth by Dr. Faustus to his Spirit, whatKingdoms were in Hell, how many, and what were the Rulers' names. _

Faustus spake again to his spirit, saying, "Thou speakest of wonderfulthings: I pray thee now tell me what kingdoms are there in your hell?How many are there? What they are called? And who rules them?"

The spirit answered him: "My Faustus, know that hell is, as thou wouldstthink with thyself, another world, in the which we have our being underthe earth, even to the heavens; within the circumference whereof arecontained ten kingdoms, namely, 1. Lacus Mortis. 2. Stagnum Ignis. 3. Terra Tenebrosa. 4. Tartarus. 5. Terra Oblivionis. 6. Gehenna. 7. Erebus. 8. Barathrum. 9. Styx. 10. Acheron. The which kingdoms aregoverned by five kings, that is, Lucifer in the Orient, Belzebub inSeptentrio, Belial in Meredie, Ascheroth in the Occident, and Phlegetonin the midst of them all; whose rules and dominions have no end untilthe day of doom; and thus far, Faustus, hast thou heard of our rule andkingdom. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

_Another Question put forth by Dr. Faustus to his Spirit, concerning hisLord Lucifer, with the sorrow that Faustus fell afterwards into. _

Dr. Faustus began again to reason with Mephistophiles, requiring him totell in what form and shape, and in what estimation his lord Luciferwas, when he was in favour with God. 

Whereupon his spirit required of him three days' respite, which Faustusgranted. 

The three days being expired, Mephistophiles gave him this answer:"Faustus, my lord Lucifer (so called now for that he was banished out ofthe clear light of heaven) was at the first an angel of God, yea, he wasso of God ordained for shape, pomp, authority, worthiness, and dwelling, that he far exceeded all the other creatures of God, yea, or gold andprecious stones; and so illuminated that he far surpassed the brightnessof the sun, and all other stars where God placed him on the cherubims;he had a kingly office, and was always before God's seat, to the end hemight be the more perfect in all his being; but when he began to behigh-minded, proud, and so presumptuous, that he would usurp the seat ofGod's Majesty, then was he banished out from amongst the heavenlypowers, separated from their abiding, into the manner of a fiery stone, that no water is able to quench, but continually burneth until the endof the world. "

Dr. Faustus, when he had heard the words of his spirit, began to ponderwith himself, having divers and sundry opinions in his head, and verypensively, saying nothing to his spirit, he went into his chamber andlaid him on his bed, recording the words of Mephistophiles, which sopierced his heart that he fell into sighing and great lamentation, crying out, "Alas! Ah, woe is me! What have I done? Even so shall itcome to pass with me: am I not also a creature of God's making, bearinghis own image and similitude, into whom he hath breathed the spirit oflife and immortality, unto whom he hath made all things living subject;but woe is me! My haughty mind, proud aspiring stomach, and filthyflesh, hath brought my soul into perpetual damnation, yea, pride hathabused my understanding, insomuch that I have forgot my Maker, theSpirit of God is departed from me; I have promised the devil my soul, and therefore it is but a folly for me to hope for grace, but it must beeven with me as with Lucifer, thrown into perpetual burning fire: ah!woe is me that ever I was born. "

In this perplexity lay this miserable Dr. Faustus, having quite forgothis faith in Christ, never falling to repentance truly, thereby toattain the grace and holy Spirit of God again, the which would have beenable to have resisted the strong assaults of Satan; for although he hadmade him a promise, yet he might have remembered, through truerepentance sinners may once come again into the favour of God, whichfaith the faithful firmly hold, knowing they that kill the body are notable to hurt the soul; but he was in all his opinions doubtful, withoutfaith or hope, and so he continued. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

_Another disputation betwixt Dr. Faustus and his Spirit, of the Powerof the Devil, and his Envy to Mankind. _

After Faustus had a while pondered and sorrowed with himself on hiswretched estate, he called again Mephistophiles unto him, commanding himto tell him the judgment, rule, power, attempts, tyranny, and temptationof the devil; and why he was moved to such kind of living?

Whereupon the spirit answered to this question: "That thou demandest ofme will turn thee to no small discontentment; therefore thou shouldstnot have desired of me such matters, for it toucheth the secrets of ourkingdom, although I cannot deny to resolve thy request: therefore know, Faustus, that so soon as my lord Lucifer fell from Heaven, he becamemortal enemy both to God and man, and hath used, as now he doth, allmanner of tyranny to the destruction of man, as is manifested by diversexamples: one falling suddenly dead, another hangs himself, anotherdrowns himself, others stab themselves, others unlawfully despair, andso come to utter confusion. The first Adam, that was made perfect to thesimilitude of God, was by my lord's policy the whole decay of man; yea, Faustus, in him was the beginning and first tyranny of my lord Luciferto man. The like did he with Cain; the same with the children of Israelwhen they worshipped strange gods, and fell to whoredom with strangewomen; the like with Saul; so did he by the seven husbands of her thatafter was the wife of Tobias; likewise Dagon, our fellow, brought todestruction fifty thousand men, whereupon the ark of God was stolen, andBelial made David to number his men, whereupon were slain sixtythousand. Also he deceived King Solomon, that worshipped the gods of theheathen: and there are such spirits innumerable, that can come by men, and tempt them, and drive them to sin, and weaken their belief; for werule the hearts of kings and princes, stirring them up to war andbloodshed, and to this intent do we spread ourselves through all theworld, as the utter enemies of God and his Son Christ--yea, and all thatworship them, and that thou knowest by thyself, Faustus. How have wedealt by thee?"

To this said Faustus: "Then thou didst also beguile me?"

"I did what I could to help thee forward, for as soon as I saw how thyheart did despise thy degree taken in divinity, and didst study tosearch and know the secrets of our kingdom, then did I enter into thee, giving thee divers foul and filthy cogitations, pricking thee forward inthy intent, persuading thee thou couldst never attain to thy desire tillthou hadst the help of some devil; and when thou wast delighted in this, then took I root in thee, and so firmly, that thou gavest thyself to usboth body and soul, which thou canst not deny. "

Hereat answered Faustus: "Thou sayest true; I cannot deny it. Ah, woe isme, most miserable Faustus! How have I been deceived! Had I not had adesire to know too much, I had not been in this case; for having studiedthe lives of the holy saints and prophets, and thereby thought tounderstand sufficient heavenly matters, I thought myself not worthy tobe called Dr. Faustus if I should not also know the secrets of hell, andbe associated with the furious fiends thereof; now, therefore, must I berewarded accordingly. "

Which speeches being uttered, Faustus went very sorrowful away from hisspirit. 

CHAPTER XV. 

_How Dr. Faustus desired again of his Spirit, to know the Secrets andPains of Hell; and whether those damned Devils, and their Company, might ever come to the Favour and Love of God again. _

Dr. Faustus was pondering with himself how he might get loose from sodamnable an end as he had given himself unto, both soul and body; buthis repenting was like that of Cain and Judas--he thought his singreater than God could forgive; hereupon resting his mind, he looked upto heaven, but saw nothing therein, for his heart was so possessed ofthe devil that he could think of nought else but of hell and the painsthereof. 

Wherefore in all haste he called unto him his spirit Mephistophiles, desiring him to tell him some more of the secrets of hell; what pain thedamned are in, and how they were tormented; and whether the damned soulsmight get again the favour of God, and so be released out of theirtorments or not. 

Whereupon the spirit answered: "My Faustus, thou mayst well leave toquestion any more of such matters, for they will but disquiet thy mind;I pray thee, what meanest thou, thinkest thou through these thyfantasies to escape us? No, for if thou shouldst climb up to heaven, there to hide thyself, yet would I thrust thee down again; for thou artmine, and thou belongest to our society. Therefore, sweet Faustus, thouwilt repent this thy foolish demand, except thou be content that I shalltell thee nothing. "

Quoth Faustus, ragingly: "I will know, or I will not live, whereforedispatch and tell me. "

To whom Mephistophiles answered: "Faustus, it is no trouble unto me atall to tell thee; and therefore since thou forcest me thereto, I willtell thee things to the terror of thy soul, if thou wilt abide thehearing: thou wilt have me to tell thee of the secrets of hell, and ofthe pains thereof. Know, Faustus, that hell hath many figures, semblances, and names; but it cannot be named or figured in such sort tothe living that are damned, as it is to those that are dead, and do bothsee and feel the torments thereof: for hell is said to be deadly, out ofwhich came never any to life again but one, but he is nothing for theeto reckon upon; hell is bloodthirsty, and is never satisfied: hell is avalley into which the damned souls fall; for so soon as the soul is outof man's body, it would gladly go to the place from whence it came, andclimbeth up above the highest hills, even to the heavens, where being bythe angels of the first model denied entertainment (in consideration oftheir evil life spent on earth), they fall into the deepest pit orvalley, that hath no bottom, into a perpetual fire which shall never bequenched; for like as the flint thrown in the water loseth not virtue, neither is the fire extinguished, even so the hellish fire isunquenchable: and even as the flint-stone in the fire burns red hot, andconsumeth not, so likewise the damned souls in our hellish fire are everburning, but their pain never diminishing. Therefore is hell called theeverlasting pain, in which is never hope for mercy; so it is calledutter darkness, in which we see neither the light, the sun, moon, norstars; and were our darkness like the darkness of night, yet were therehope of mercy: but ours is perpetual darkness, clean exempt from theface of God. Hell hath also a place within it, called Chasma, outof which issueth all manner of thunders and lightnings, with suchshriekings and wailings, that oftentimes the very devils themselvesstand in fear thereof; for one while it sendeth forth wind, withexceeding snow, hail, and rain, congealing the water into ice, withthe which the damned are frozen, gnash their teeth, howl, and cry, yet cannot die. Other whiles, it sendeth forth most horrible hotmists, or fogs, with flashing of flames of fire and brimstone, whereinthe sorrowful souls of the damned lie broiling in their reiteratedtorments. Yea, Faustus, hell is called a prison, wherein the damnedlie continually bound; it is called Pernicies and Exitium, death, destruction, hurtfulness, mischief, a mischance, a pitiful and evilthing, world without end. We have also with us in hell a ladder, reaching of exceeding height, as though the top of the same would touchthe heaven, to which the damned ascend to seek the blessing of God, butthrough their infidelity, when they are at very highest degree, theyfall down again into their former miseries, complaining of the heat ofthat unquenchable fire; yea, sweet Faustus, so much understand thou ofhell, the while thou art desirous to know the secrets of our kingdom. And mark, Faustus, hell is the nurse of death, the heat of fire, theshadow of heaven and earth, the oblivion of all goodness; the painsunspeakable, the griefs unremovable, the dwelling of the devils. Dragons, serpents, adders, toads, crocodiles, and all manner of venomousand noisome creatures; the puddle of sin, the stinking far ascendingfrom the Stygian lake, brimstone, pitch, and all manner of uncleanmetals, the perpetual and unquenchable fire, the end of whose miserieswas never purposed by God. Yea, yea, Faustus, thou sayest I shall, Imust, nay, I will tell thee the secrets of our kingdom, for thou buyestit dearly, and thou must and shalt be partaker of our torments, that, asthe Lord said, shall never cease, for hell, the woman's belly, and theearth, are never satisfied; there shalt thou abide horrible torments, howling, crying, burning, freezing, melting, swimming in a labyrinth ofmiseries, scolding, smoking in thine eyes, stinking in thy nose, hoarseness in thy speech, deafness in thy ears, trembling in thy hands, biting thine own tongue with pain, thy heart crushed as with a press, thy bones broken, the devils tossing firebrands unto thee: yea, thywhole carcass tossed upon muck-forks from one devil to another; yea, Faustus, then wilt thou wish for death, and he will fly from thee, thineunspeakable torments shall be every day augmented more and more, for thegreater the sin the greater is the punishment. How likest thou this, myFaustus? A resolution answerable to thy request. 

"Lastly, Thou wilt have me tell thee that which only belongeth to God, which is, if it be possible for the damned to come again into the favourof God, or not. Why, Faustus, thou knowest that this is against thypromise; for why shouldst thou desire to know that having already giventhy soul to the devil, to have the pleasure of the world, and to knowthe secrets of hell; therefore thou art damned, and how canst thou thencome again to the favour of God? Wherefore I discreetly answer, no; forwhomsoever God hath forsaken and thrown into hell must there abide hiswrath and indignation in that unquenchable fire, where is no hope ofmercy to be looked for, but abiding his perpetual pains, world withoutend: for even as much it availeth thee, Faustus, to hope for the favourof God again as Lucifer himself; who indeed, although he and we have ahope, yet it is to small avail and taketh none effect, for out of thatplace God will neither hear crying nor singing; if he do, thou shalthave a little remorse, as Dives, Cain, and Judas had. What helpeth theemperor, king, prince, duke, earl, baron, lord, knight, esquire, orgentleman, to cry for mercy being there? Nothing; for if on earth theywould not be tyrants and self-willed, rich with covetousness, proud withpomp, gluttons, drunkards, whoremongers, backbiters, robbers, murderers, blasphemers, and such like, then were there some hope to be looked for;therefore, my Faustus, as thou comest to hell with these qualities thoumayst say with Cain, 'My sins are greater than can be forgiven;' go hangthyself with Judas; and lastly, be contented to suffer torments withDives. Therefore know, Faustus, that the damned have neither end nortime appointed in the which they may hope to be released; for if therewere any such hope that they, by throwing one drop of water out of thesea in a day until it were dry, or there were one heap of sand as highas from the earth to the heavens, that a bird carrying away but one cornin a day, at the end of this so long labour, that yet they might hope atthe last God would have mercy on them, they would be comforted; but nowthere is no hope that God once thinks upon them, or that their howlingshall ever be heard; yea, so impossible it is for thee to hide thyselffrom God, as it is impossible for thee to remove the mountains, or toempty the sea, or to tell the drops of rain that have fallen from heavenuntil this day, or to tell what there is most of in the world; yea, andas for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, even so impossible itis for thee, Faustus, and the rest of the damned, to come again into thefavour of God. And thus, Faustus, hast thou heard my last sentence, andI pray thee, how dost thou like it? But know this, that I counsel theeto let me be unmolested hereafter with such disputations, or else will Ivex thee every limb to thy small contentment. "

Dr. Faustus parted from his spirit very pensive and sorrowful, layinghim on his bed, altogether doubtful of the grace and favour of God, wherefore he fell into fantastical cogitations. Fain he would have hadhis soul at liberty again, but the devil had so blinded him, and hadtaken such deep root in his heart, that he could never think to craveGod's mercy; or, if by chance he had any good motion, straightways thedevil would thrust in a fair lady into his chamber, which fell tokissing and dalliance with him, through which means he threw the godlymotions in the wind, going forward still in his wicked practice, to theutter ruin both of body and soul. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

_Another Question put forth by Dr. Faustus to his Spirit Mephistophilesof his own Estate. _

Dr. Faustus being yet desirous to hear more strange things, called hisspirit unto him, saying, "My Mephistophiles, I have yet another suitunto thee, which I pray thee deny me not to resolve me of. "

"Faustus, " quoth the spirit, "I am loth to reason with thee any further, for thou art never satisfied in thy mind, but always bringest me a new. "

"Yet, I pray thee, this once, " quoth Faustus, "do me so much favour asto tell me the truth in this matter, and hereafter I will be no more soearnest with thee. "

The spirit was altogether against it; but yet once more he would abidehim. "Well, " said the spirit to Faustus, "what demandest thou of me. "

Faustus said, "I would gladly know of thee if thou wert a man in mannerand form as I am, what wouldst thou do to please both God and man?"

Whereat the spirit smiled, saying, "My Faustus, if I was a man as thouart, and that God had adorned me with those gifts of nature which thouonce hadst, even so long as the breath of God were by and within me, would I humble myself unto his majesty, endeavouring all that I could tokeep his commandments, praise him and glorify him, that I might continuein his favour, so were I sure to enjoy the eternal joy and felicity ofhis kingdom. "

Faustus said, "But that I have not done. "

"No, thou sayest truth, " quoth Mephistophiles, "thou hast not done it;but thou hast denied the Lord thy Maker which gave thee the breath oflife, speech, hearing, sight, and all other thy reasonable senses, thatthou mightest understand his will and pleasure, to live to the glory andhonour of his name, and to the advancement of thy body and soul. Him, Isay, being thy Maker, hast thou denied and defied; yea, wickedly hastthou applied that excellent gift of understanding, and given thy soul tothe devil; therefore give none the blame but thine own self-will, thyproud and aspiring mind, which hath brought thee unto the wrath of Godand utter damnation. "

"This is most true, " quoth Faustus; "but tell me, Mephistophiles, wouldthou be in my case as I am now?"

"Yea, " saith the spirit (and with that fetched a great sigh), "for yet Iwould so humble myself that I would win the favour of God. "

"Then, " said Dr. Faustus, "it were time enough for me if I amended. "

"True, " said Mephistophiles, "if it were not for thy great sins, whichare so odious and detestable in the sight of God, that it is too latefor thee, for the wrath of God resteth upon thee. "

"Leave off, " quoth Faustus, "and tell me my question to my greatercomfort. "

CHAPTER XVII. 

HERE FOLLOWETH THE SECOND PART OF DR. FAUSTUS HIS LIFE AND PRACTICES, UNTIL HIS END. 

Dr. Faustus having received denial of his spirit to be resolved any morein such questions propounded, forgot all good works, and fell to be acalendar-maker by the help of his spirit, and also in short time to be agood astronomer or astrologian. He had learned so perfectly of hisspirit the course of the sun, moon, and stars, that he had the mostfamous name of all the mathematicians that lived in his time, as maywell appear by his works dedicated unto sundry dukes and lords, for hedid nothing without the advice of his spirit, which learned him topresage of matters to come, which have come to pass since his death. Thelike praise won he with his calendars and almanack-making; for when hepresaged of anything, operations, and alterations of the weather orelements, as wind, rain, fogs, snow, hail, moist, dry, warm, cold, thunder, lightning, it fell so duly out, as if an angel of heaven hadforewarned it. He did not, like the unskilful astronomers in our time, that set in winter, cold moist air, frosty, and in the dog days, hot, dry, thunder, fire, and such like; but he set in all his works the dayand hour, when, where, and how it should happen. If any wonderful thingswere at hand, as mortality, famine, plague, wars, he would set the timeand place, in true and just order, when it would come to pass. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

_A Question put forth by Dr. Faustus to his Spirit, concerningAstronomy. _

Now Faustus falling to practice, and making his prognostications, he wasdoubtful in many points, wherefore he called unto him Mephistophiles hisspirit, saying, "I find the ground of the science very difficult toattain unto; for when that I confer Astronomia and Astrologia, as themathematicians and ancient writers have left in memory, I find themvary, and very much to disagree; wherefore I pray thee to teach me thetruth of this matter. "

To whom his spirit answered: "Faustus, thou shalt know that thepractitioners or speculators, or at least the first inventors of thesearts, have done nothing of themselves certain, whereupon thou maystattain to the true prognosticating or presaging of things concerning theheavens, or of the influence of the planets; for if by chance some onemathematician or astronomer have left behind him anything worthy ofmemory, they have so blinded it with enigmatical words, blindcharacters, and such obscure figures, that it is impossible for anyearthly man to attain the knowledge thereof without the aid of somespirits, or else the special gift of God, for such as are the hiddenworks of God from men, yet do we spirits, that fly and fleet allelements, know such; and there is nothing to be done, or by the heavensportended, but we know it, except only the day of doom. Wherefore, Faustus, learn of me: I will teach thee the course and re-course of theplanets, the cause of winter and summer, the exaltation and declinationof the sun, and eclipse of the moon, the distance and height of thepoles and every fixed star, the nature and opposition of theelements--fire, air, water, and earth--and all that is contained inthem; yea, herein there is nothing hidden from me, but only the filthyessence which once thou hadst, Faustus, at liberty, but now thou hastlost it past recovery; therefore, leaving that which will not be againhad, learn now of me to make thunder, lightning, hail, snow, and rain;the clouds to rend the earth; and craggy rocks to shake and split insunder; the seas to swell and roar, and overrun their marks. Knowestthou not that the deeper the sun shines the hotter it pierces; so themore thy art is famous whilst thou art here, the greater shall be thyname when thou art gone. Knowest thou not that the earth is frozen, cold, and dry; the water running, cold and moist; the air flying, hotand moist; the fire consuming, hot and dry: yea, Faustus, so must thyheart be inflamed like the fire to mount on high. Learn, Faustus, to flylike myself, as swift as thought from one kingdom to another: to sit atprinces' tables, to eat their dainty fare, to have thy pleasure of theirladies, wives, and concubines; to use all their jewels and costly robesas things belonging unto thee, and not unto them. Learn of me, Faustus, to run through walls, doors, and gates of stone and iron; to creep intothe earth like a worm, or swim in the water like a fish; to fly in theair like a bird, and to live and nourish thyself in the fire like asalamander: so shalt thou be famous, renowned, far spoken of, andextolled for thy skill; going on knives not hurting thy feet, carryingfire in thy bosom and not burning thy shirt; seeing through the heavensas through a crystal, wherein is placed the planets, with all the restof the presaging comets--the whole circuit of the world from east towest, north and south. There shalt thou know, Faustus, whereof the fierysphere above, and the signs of the Zodiac doth not burn and consume thewhole face of the earth, being hindered by placing the two moistelements between them--the airy clouds and wavering waves of water. Yea, Faustus, I will learn thee the secrets of Nature; what the cause is, that the sun in summer, being at the highest, giveth all his heatdownwards on the earth; and being winter at the lowest, giveth all hisheat upwards into the heavens; that the snow should be of so greatvirtue as the honey, and the Lady Saturnia in occulto more hot than thesun in manifesto. Come on, my Faustus; I will make thee as perfect inthese ways as myself; I will learn thee to go invisible, to find out themines both of gold and silver, the fodines of precious stones--as thecarbuncle, the diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz, jacinth, granat, jaspies, amethyst: use all these at thy pleasure--take thy heart'sdesire. Thy time, Faustus, weareth away; then why wilt thou not take thypleasure of the world? Come up, we will go unto kings at their owncourts, and at their most sumptuous banquets be their guests. Ifwillingly they invite us not, then by force we will serve our own turnwith their best meat and daintest wine. "

"Agreed, " quoth Faustus; "but let me pause a while upon this thou hasteven now declared unto me. "

CHAPTER XIX. 

_How Dr. Faustus fell into Despair with himself, for having put aquestion unto his Spirit; they fell at Variance, whereupon the Rout ofDevils appeared unto him, threatening him sharply. _

Dr. Faustus resolved with himself the speeches of his spirit, and becameso woeful and sorrowful in his cogitations that he thought himselfalready frying in the hottest flame of hell; and lying in this muse, suddenly there appeared unto him his spirit, demanding what thing sogrieved and troubled his conscience?

Whereat Dr. Faustus gave no answer. Yet the spirit lay very earnestlyupon him to know the cause, and if it were possible he would find aremedy for his grief and ease him of his sorrows. 

To whom Faustus answered, "I have taken thee unto me as a servant to domy service, and thy service will be very dear unto me; yet I cannot haveany diligence of thee farther than thou list thyself, neither dost thouin anything as it becometh thee. "

The spirit replied: "My Faustus, thou knowest that I was never againstthy commandment as yet, but ready to serve and resolve thy questions, although I am not bound unto thee in such respects as concern the hurtof our kingdom; yet was I always willing to answer thee, and so am Istill: therefore, my Faustus, say on boldly, what is thy will andpleasure?"

At which words the spirit stole away the heart of Faustus, who spake inthis sort: "Mephistophiles, tell me how and after what sort God made theworld and all the creatures in it? And why man was made after the imageof God?"

The spirit hearing this, answered Faustus: "Thou knowest that all thisis in vain for thee to ask. I know that thou art sorry for what thouhast done, but it availeth thee not; for I will tear thee in a thousandpieces if thou change not thy opinions. " And hereat he vanished away. 

Whereat Faustus, all sorrowful that he had put forth such a question, fell to weeping and to howling bitterly, not for his sins towards God, but that the devil was departed from him so suddenly in such a rage. Andbeing in this perplexity, he was suddenly taken with such extreme cold, as if he would have frozen in the place where he sat, in which thegreatest devil in hell appeared unto him, with certain of his hideousand infernal company, in most ugly shapes, that it was impossible tothink upon; and traversing the chamber round about where Faustus sat, Faustus thought to himself, "Now are they come for me, though my timebe not come, and that because I have asked such questions of my servantMephistophiles. " At whose cogitations the chiefest devil, which was thelord unto whom he gave his soul, that was Lucifer, spake in this sort:"Faustus, I have seen thy thoughts, which are not as thou hast vowedunto me, by the virtue of this letter [and showed him the obligationwhich he had written with his own blood]; wherefore I am come to visitthee, and to show thee some of our hellish pastimes, in hope that willdraw and confirm thy mind a little more steadfast unto us. "

"Content, " quoth Faustus: "go to, let me see what pastime you can make. "

At which words the great devil in his likeness sate him down by Faustus, commanding the rest of his devils to appear in the form as if they werein hell. First entered Belial, in form of a bear, with curled black hairto the ground, his ears standing upright; within his ears were as red asblood, out of which issued flames of fire; his teeth were at least afoot long, and as white as snow, with a tail three ells long at theleast, having two wings, one behind each arm; and thus one after anotherthey appeared to Faustus in form as they were in hell. Lucifer himselfsate in a manner of a man all hairy, but of brown colour like asquirrel, curled, and his tail curling upwards on his back as thesquirrels use. I think he could crack nuts too like a squirrel. Afterhim came Belzebub in curled hair of a horse-flesh colour, his head likethe head of a bull, with a mighty pair of horns, and two long ears downto the ground, and two wings on his back, with two pricking things likehorns; out of his wings issued flames of fire; his tail was like acow's. Then came Astaroth in the form of a worm, going upright on histail, and had no feet, but a tail like a glow-worm; under his chops grewtwo short hands, and his back was coal black; his belly thick in themiddle, yellow, like gold, having many bristles on his back like ahedgehog. After him came Cannagosta, being white and grey mixed, exceeding curled and hairy; he had a head like the head of an ass, and atail like a cat, and claws like an ox, lacking nothing of an ell broad. Then came Anobis: this devil had a head like a dog, white and blackhair; in shape like a hog, saving that he had but two feet--one underhis throat, the other at his tail; he was four ells long, with hangingears like a blood-hound. After him came Dithican: he was a short thief, in form of a large bird, with shining feathers, and four feet; his neckwas green, and body red, and his feet black. The last was calledBrachus, with very short feet, like a hedgehog, yellow and green; theupper side of his body was brown, and the belly like blue flames offire, the tail red like the tail of a monkey. The rest of the devilswere in form of unreasonable beasts, as swine, harts, bears, wolves, apes, buffes, goats, antelopes, elephants, dragons, horses, asses, lions, cats, snakes, toads, and all manner of ugly odious serpents andworms; yet came in such sort that every one at his entry into the hallmade their reverence unto Lucifer, and so took their places, standing inorder as they came until they had filled the whole hall, wherewithsuddenly fell a most horrible thunder-clap, that the house shook as ifit would have fallen unto the ground; upon which every monster had amuck-fork in his hand, holding them towards Faustus as though they wouldhave run a tilt at him; which, when Faustus perceived, he thought uponthe words of Mephistophiles, when he told him how the souls in hell weretormented, being cast from devil to devil upon muck-forks, he thoughtverily to have been tormented there by them in like sort. 

But Lucifer perceiving his thought, spake to him, "My Faustus, howlikest thou this crew of mine?"

Quoth Faustus, "Why came you not in another manner of shape?"

Lucifer replied: "We cannot change our hellish form, we have showedourselves here as we are there; yet can we blind men's eyes in suchsort, that when we will, we appear unto them as if we were men or angelsof light, although our dwelling be in darkness. "

Then said Faustus, "I like not so many of you together. "

Whereupon Lucifer commanded them to depart, except seven of theprincipal; forthwith they presently vanished, which Faustus perceiving, he was somewhat better comforted, and spake to Lucifer, "Where is myservant Mephistophiles? let me see if he can do the like. "

Whereupon came a fierce dragon flying, and spitting fire round about thehouse, and coming towards Lucifer, made reverence, and then changedhimself to the form of a friar, saying, "Faustus, what wilt thou?"

Faustus said, "I will that thou teach me to transform myself in likesort, as thou and the rest have done. "

Then Lucifer put forth his paw and gave Faustus a book, saying, "Hold, do what thou wilt. "

Which he looking upon, straightways changed himself into a hog, theninto a worm, then into a dragon, and finding thus for his purpose itliked him well. 

Quoth he to Lucifer, "And how cometh it that so many filthy forms are inthe world?"

Lucifer answered, "They are ordained of God, as plagues unto men, and soshalt thou be plagued, " quoth he; whereupon came scorpions, wasps, emets, bees, and gnats, which fell to stinging and biting him, and allthe whole house was filled with a most horrible stinking fog, insomuchthat Faustus saw nothing, but still was tormented; wherefore he criedfor help, saying, "Mephistophiles, my faithful servant, where art thou?Help, help, I pray thee. "

Hereat the spirit answered nothing, but Lucifer himself said, "Ho, ho, ho, Faustus, how likest thou the creation of the world?"

And incontinent it was clear again, and the devils and all the filthycattle were vanished, only Faustus was left alone, seeing nothing, buthearing the sweetest music that ever he heard before; at which he was soravished with delight, that he forgot his fears he was in before, and itrepented him that he had seen no more of their pastime. 

CHAPTER XX. 

_How Dr. Faustus desired to see Hell, and of the manner how he was usedtherein. _

Dr. Faustus bethinking how his time went away, and how he had spenteight years thereof, he meant to spend the rest to his better contentment, intending quite to forget any such motions as might offend the devil anymore: wherefore on a time he called his spirit Mephistophiles, and saidunto him, "Bring thou hither unto me thy lord Lucifer or Belial. " Hebrought him (notwithstanding) one that was called Belzebub, the whichasked Faustus his pleasure. 

Quoth Faustus, "I will know of thee if I might see hell, and take a viewthereof?"

"That thou shalt, " said the devil, "and at midnight I will fetch thee. "

Well, night being come, Dr. Faustus waited very diligently for thecoming of the devil to fetch him, and thinking that he tarried too long, he went to the window, where he pulled open a casement, and looking intothe element, he saw a cloud in the north more black, and darker, andobscurer than all the rest of the sky, from whence the wind blew mosthorribly right into Faustus's chamber, and filled the whole house withsmoke, that Faustus was almost smothered; hereat fell an exceedingthunder-clap, and withal came a great rugged black bear all curled, andupon his back a chair of beaten gold, and spake to Faustus, saying, "Sir, up and away with me:" and Dr. Faustus that had so long abode thesmoke, wished rather to be in hell than there, got on the devil, and sothey went on together. 

Mark how the devil blinded him, and made him believe he carried him intohell, for he carried him into the lake, where Faustus fell into a soundsleep, as if he had sate into a warm water or bath: at last they came toa place which burneth continually with flashing flames of fire andbrimstone, whereout issued an exceeding mighty clap of thunder, with sohorrible a noise that Faustus awaked. But the devil went forth on hisway, and carried Faustus therein, yea, notwithstanding however it burnt, Dr. Faustus felt no more heat than as it were the glimpse of the sun inMay; there heard he all manner of music to overcome him, but saw noneplaying on them; it pleased him well, but he durst not ask, for he wasforbidden it before. To meet the devil and the guest that came with himcame three other ugly devils, the which ran back again before the bear, to make the way; against whom there came running an exceeding greathart, which would have thrust Faustus out of the chair; but beingdefended by the other three devils, the hart was put to the repulse:thence going on the way, Faustus looked, and behold there was nothingbut snakes, and all manner of venomous beasts about him, which wereexceeding great: unto the which snakes came many storks, and swallowedup the whole multitude of snakes, that they left not one: which whenFaustus saw, he marvelled greatly. But proceeding farther on theirhellish voyage, there came forth out of a hollow clift an exceedinggreat flying bull, the which with such a force hit Faustus's chair withhis head and horns, that he turned Faustus and his bear over and over, so that the bear vanished away: whereat Faustus began to cry, "Oh!woe to me that ever I came here!" For he thought there to have beenbeguiled of the devil; and to make an end before his time appointed orconditioned of the devil: but shortly after came to him a monstrous ape, bidding Faustus to be of good cheer, and said, "Get upon me. "

All the fire in hell seemed to Faustus to have been put out, whereuponfollowed a monstrous thick fog, that he saw nothing, but shortly afterit seemed to him to wax clear, where he saw two great dragons fastenedunto a waggon, in the which the ape ascended and set Faustus therein;forth flew the dragons into an exceeding dark cloud, where Faustus sawneither dragons nor chariot wherein he sate, and such were the cries oftormented souls, with mighty thunder-claps and flashing lightnings abouthis ears, that poor Faustus shook for fear; upon this they came to awater, stinking and filthy, thick like mud, into the which ran thedragons, sinking under with waggon and all; but Faustus felt no water, but as it were a small mist, saving that the waves beat so sore uponhim, that he saw nothing under or over him but only water, in the whichhe lost his dragons, ape, and waggon; and sinking deeper and deeper, hecame at last as it were upon a high rock, where the waters parted andleft him thereon: but when the water was gone, it seemed to him heshould there have ended his life, for he saw no way but death. The rockwas so high from the bottom as heaven is from the earth. There sate he, seeing nor hearing any man, and looked ever upon the rock. At length hesaw a little hole out of which issued fire. Thought he, "How shall I nowdo? I must either fall to the bottom or burn in the fire, or sit indespair. " With that, in his madness he gave a skip into the fire-hole, saying, "Hold, you infernal hags! take here this sacrifice as my lastend, that which I have justly deserved. "

Upon this he was entered, and finding himself as yet unburned or touchedof that fire, he was the better appayed. But there was so great a noisethat he never heard the like before; it passed all the thunder thatever he had heard. And coming down farther to the bottom of the rock, hesaw a fire, wherein were many worthy and noble personages, as emperors, kings, dukes, and lords, and many thousand more tormented souls, at theedge of which fire ran a most pleasant, clear, and cold water to behold;into the which many tormented souls sprang out of the fire to coolthemselves, but being so freezing cold, they were constrained to returnagain into the fire, and thus wearied themselves and spent their endlesstorments out of one labyrinth into another, one while in heat, anotherwhile in cold. But Faustus, standing here all this while gazing on themthat were thus tormented, he saw one leaping out of the fire, shriekinghorribly, whom he thought to have known, wherefore he would fainhave spoken unto him, but remembering he was forbidden, he refrainedspeaking. Then this devil that brought him in, came to him again inlikeness of a bear, with the chair on his back, and bid him sit up, forit was time to depart. So Faustus got up, and the devil carried him outinto the air, where he had so sweet music that he fell asleep by theway. 

His boy Christopher, being all this while at home, and missing hismaster so long, thought his master would have tarried and dwelt with thedevil for ever; but whilst the boy was in these cogitations, his mastercame home; for the devil brought him home fast asleep as he sate in hischair, and threw him on his bed, where (being thus left of the devil) helay until day. When he awaked, he was amazed, like a man who had been ina dark dungeon; musing with himself, if it were true or false that hehad seen hell, or whether he was blinded or not; but he rather persuadedhimself he had been there than otherwise, because he had seen suchwonderful things; wherefore he most carefully took pen and ink, andwrote those things in order as he had seen; which writing was afterwardsfound by his boy in his study, which afterwards was published to thewhole city of Wittenburg in print, for example to all Christians. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

_How Dr. Faustus was carried through the Air, up to the Heavens to seethe whole World, and how the Sky and Planets ruled; after the which hewrote a Letter to his Friend of the same to Liptzig, and how he wentabout the World in eight days. _

This letter was found by a freeman and citizen of Wittenburg, writtenwith his own hand, and sent to his friend at Liptzig, a physician, namedLove Victori, the contents of which were as followeth:

"Amongst other things, my beloved friend and brother, I remember yet theformer friendship we had together when we were schoolfellows andstudents in the university at Wittenburg; whereas you first studiedphysic, astronomy, astrology, geometry, and cosmography, I, to thecontrary, you know, studied divinity, notwithstanding now in any of yourown studies I am sure I have proceeded farther than yourself; for sinceI began I have never erred, for, might I speak it without affectingmine own praise, my calendars and other practices have not only thecommendations of the common sort, but also the chiefest lords and noblesof this our Dutch nation, because (which is chiefly to be noted) I writeand presage of matters to come, which all accord and fall out so right, as if they had already been before. And for thee, my beloved Victori, you write to know my voyage which I made unto the heavens, the which (asyou certify me) you have had some suspicion of, although you partlypersuade yourself that it is a thing impossible; no matter for that, itis as it is, and let it be as it will, once it is done in such a manneras now according, unto your request, I will give you here to understand. I being once laid in my bed, and I could not sleep for thinking on mycalendar and practice, I marvelled with myself how it were possible thatthe firmament should be known, and so largely written of by men, orwhether they write true or false, by their own opinions and suppositions, or by due observation and true course of the heavens; behold, I thoughtmy house would have been blown down, so that all my doors and chestsflew open, whereat I was not a little astonished, for withal I heard agroaning voice, which said, 'Get up; the desire of thy heart, mind, and thought thou shalt see. ' At the which I answered, 'What my heartdesireth that would I fain see; and to make proof if I shall see, I willaway with thee. ' 'Why, then, ' quoth he, 'look out the window, therecometh a messenger for thee. ' That did I; and behold, there stood awaggon with two dragons before it to draw the same, and all the waggonwas of a light burning fire, and for that the moon shone I was thewillinger at that time to depart. But the voice spoke again: 'Sit up, and let us away. ' 'I will, ' said I, 'go with thee, but upon conditionthat I may ask after all things that I see, hear, or think on. ' Thevoice answered: 'I am content for this time. ' Hereupon I got me into thewaggon, so that the dragons carried me up right into the air. 

"The waggon had four wheels, the which rattled so, and made such anoise, as if it had been all this while running on the stones, and roundabout us flew flames of fire; and the higher that I came, the more theearth seemed to be darkened, so that methought I came out of a dungeon;and looking down from heaven, behold Mephistophiles my spirit andservant was behind me; and when he perceived that I saw him, he came andsate by me; to whom I said, 'I pray thee, Mephistophiles, whither shallI go now?' 'Let not that trouble thy mind, ' said he; and yet they carriedus higher up. And now I will tell thee, good friend and schoolfellow, what things I have seen and proved; for on the Tuesday I went out, andon Tuesday seven nights following I came home again, that's eight days, in which time I slept not, no not one wink came within my eyes; and wewent invisible of any man; and as the day began to appear, after thefirst night's journey, I said to my spirit Mephistophiles, 'I pray theehow far have we now ridden? I am sure thou knowest, for methinks wehave ridden exceeding far, the world seemeth so little. ' Mephistophilesanswered me, 'My Faustus, believe me, that from the place from whencethou camest unto this place where we now are is already forty-sevenleagues right in height. ' And as the day increased, I looked down intothe world. Asia, Europe, and Africa, I had a sight of; and being sohigh, quoth I to my spirit, 'Tell me how these kingdoms lie, and whatthey are called?' The which he denied not, saying, 'See this on our lefthand is Hungaria, this is also Prussia on our left hand, and Poland, Muscovia, Tartary, Silesia, Bohemia, Saxony; and here on our right hand, Spain, Portugal, France, England, and Scotland; then right on before uslie the kingdoms of Persia, India, Arabia, the king of Althar, and thegreat Cham. Now we are come to Wittenburg, and are right over the townof Weim, in Austria, and ere long we will be at Constantinople, Tripoli, and Jerusalem, and after will we pierce the frozen zone, and shortlytouch the horizon and the zenith of Wittenburg. ' There looked I on theocean sea, and beheld a great many ships and galleys ready to battle oneagainst another; and thus I spent my journey, and I cast my eyes here, now there, towards south, north, east, and west. I have been in oneplace where it rained and hailed, and in another where the sun shoneexcellent fair; and so I think that I saw most things in and about theworld, with great admiration; that in one place it rained, and inanother hail and snow; on this side the sun shone bright, some hillscovered with snow never consuming, others were so hot that grass andtrees were burned and consumed therewith. Then looked I up to theheavens, and behold they went so swift, that I thought they would havesprung into thousands; likewise it was so clear and so hot, that I couldnot gaze upon it, it so dimmed my sight; and had not my spiritMephistophiles covered me, as it were with a shadowing cloud, I had beenburnt with the extreme heat thereof; for the sky which we behold here, when we look up from the earth, is so fast and thick as a wall, clearand shining bright as crystal, in which is placed the sun, which castethforth his rays and beams over the whole world, to the uttermost confinesof the earth. But we think that the sun is very little; no, it isaltogether as big as the world; indeed the body substantial is butlittle in compass, but the rays or streams that it casteth forth byreason of the thing wherein it is placed, maketh him to extend and showhimself all over the whole world; and we think that the sun runneth hiscourse, and that the heavens stand still; no, it is the heavens thatmoves his course, and the sun abideth perpetually in his place, he ispermanent and fixed in his place; and although we see him beginning toascend in the orient or east, at the highest in the meridian or south, setting in occident or west, yet is he in the lowest in septentrio ornorth, and yet he moveth not, it is the axle of the heavens that moveth, the whole firmament being a chaos or confused thing, and for that proofI will show this example: like as thou seest a bubble made of water andsoap blown out of a quill, it is in form of a confused mass or chaos, and being in this form is moved at pleasure of the wind, which runnethround about that chaos, and moveth him also round; even so the wholefirmament or chaos, wherein are placed the sun and the rest of theplanets, is turned and carried at the pleasure of the spirit of God, which is wind. Yea, Christian reader, to the glory of God, and to theprofit of my soul, I will open unto thee a divine opinion touching therule of this confounded chaos, far more than my rude German author, being possessed with the devil, was able to utter, and prove some of mysentences before to be true; look into Genesis, into the works of God, at the creation of the world, there shalt thou find that the spirit ofGod moved upon the water, before heaven and earth were made. Mark how hemade it, and how by his word every element took his place; these werenot his works, but his words, for all the words he used before, concluded afterwards in one work, which was in making man. Mark, reader, with patience, for thy soul's health, see into all that was done by theword and work of God. Light and darkness was, the firmament stood, andthe great and little light in it; the moist waters were in one place, the earth was dry, and every element brought forth according to the wordof God. Now follow his works: he made man after his own image. How? Outof the earth. The earth will shape no image without water; there was oneof the elements; but all this while there was wind. All elements were atthe word of God. Man was made, and in a form by the work of God, yetmoved not that work before God had breathed the spirit of life into hisnostrils, and made him a living soul. Here was the first wind and spiritof God, out of his own mouth; which we have likewise from the same seedwhich was only planted by God in Adam; which wind, breath, or spirit, when he had received, he was living and moved on earth; for it wasordained of God for his habitation, but the heavens are the habitationof the Lord. And like as I showed before of the bubble or confused chaosmade of water and soap, through the wind and breath of man is turnedround and carried with the wind, even so the firmaments wherein the sunand the rest of the planets are fixed, be moved, turned, and carriedwith the wind, breath, and spirit of God; for the heavens and firmamentsare moveable as the chaos, but the sun is fixed in the firmament. Andfarther, my good schoolfellow, I was thus nigh the heavens, wheremethought every planet was but as half the earth, and under the firmamentruled the spirits in the air. As I came down, I looked upon the worldand heavens, and methought that the earth was inclosed (in comparison)within the firmament as the yolk of an egg within the white; methoughtthat the whole length of the earth was not a span long, and the waterwas as it had been twice as broad and as long as the earth. Even thus, at eight days' end, I came home again, and fell asleep, and so Icontinued sleeping three days and three nights together, and the firsthour I waked, fell fresh again to my calendars, and have made them inright ample manner as you know. And to satisfy your request for that youwrite unto me, I have (in consideration of our old friendship had at theuniversity of Wittenburg) declared unto you my heavenly voyage, wishingno worse unto you than unto myself, that is, that your mind were as minein all respects. Dixi, Dr. Faustus the astrologian. "

CHAPTER XXII. 

_How Dr. Faustus made his Journey through the principal and most famousLands in the World. _

Dr. Faustus having overrun fifteen years of his appointed time, he tookupon him a journey, with full intent to see the whole world, and callinghis spirit Mephistophiles unto him, he said, "Thou knowest that thou artbound unto me upon conditions, to form and fulfil my desire in allthings, wherefore my intent is to visit the whole face of the earth, visible and invisible, when it pleaseth me; therefore I command andenjoin thee to the same. " Whereupon Mephistophiles answered, "I amready, my lord, at thy command;" and forthwith the spirit changedhimself into the likeness of a flying horse, saying, "Faustus, sit up, Iam ready. "

Dr. Faustus softly sate upon him, and forwards they went. Faustus camethrough many a land and province, as Pannonia, Austria, Germany, Bohemia, Silesia, Saxony, Messene, During, Frankland, Swaalband, Byerland, Sayrir, Corinthia, Poland, Litaw, Lesland, Prussia, Denmark, Muscovia, Tartaria, Turkey, Persia, Cathai, Alexandria, Barbaria, Ginny, Porut, the Straights Maghellane, India, all about the frozen zone, andTerra-incognita, Nova Hispaniola, the Isles of Tereza, Madera, St. Michaels, the Canaries, and the Trenorirolcio into Spain, and Mainland, Portugal, Italy, Campania, the Kingdom of Naples, the Isles of Sicilia, Malta, Majorca, Minorca, to the Knights of the Rhodes, Candy or Crete, Cypress, Corinth, Switzerland, France, Freezeland, Westphalia, Zealand, Holland, Brabant, and all the seventeen provinces in Netherland, England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, and Island, the Gut-Isles ofScotland, the Orcades, Norway, the Bishopric of Bream; and so homeagain. 

All these kingdoms, and provinces, and countries he passed in twenty-fivedays, in which time he saw nothing that delighted his mind; wherefore hetook little rest at home, and burning in desire to see more at large, and to behold the secrets of each kingdom, he set forward again on hisjourney on his swift horse Mephistophiles, and came to Trent, for thathe chiefly desired to see this town, and the monuments thereof, butthere he saw not any wonders, except two fair palaces that belonged untothe bishop, and also a mighty large castle that was built with brick, with three walls, and three great trenches, so strong that it wasimpossible for any prince's power to win it; then he saw a churchwherein was buried Simon and the bishop of Popo. Their tombs are of mostsumptuous stone-marble, closed and joined together with great bars ofiron. From thence he departed to Paris, where he liked well the academy;and what place or kingdom soever fell in his mind, the same he visited. 

He came from Paris to Mentz, where the river of Maine falls into theRhine, notwithstanding he tarried not long there, but went intoCampania, in the kingdom of Neapoly, in which he saw an innumerable sortof cloisters, nunneries, and churches, and great houses of stone, thestreets fair and large, and straight forth from one end of the town tothe other all alike, and all the pavement of the city was of brick, andthe more it rained in the town the fairer the streets were. There saw hethe tomb of Virgil, and the highway that he cut through the mighty hillof stone in one night, the whole length of an English mile, where he sawthe number of galleys and argosies that lay there at the city head, thewindmill that stood in the water, the castle in the water, and thehouses above the water, where many galleys might ride most safely fromrain or wind; then he saw the castle on the hill over the town, and manymonuments therein, also the hill called Vesuvius, whereon groweth allthe Greekish wine and most pleasant sweet olives. 

From thence he came to Venice, whereat he wondered not a little to see acity so famously built standing in the sea, where through every streetthe water came in such largeness that great ships and barques might passfrom one street to another, having yet a way on both sides the waterwhereon men and horses might pass. He marvelled also how it was possibleso much victuals to be found in the town, and so good and cheap, considering that for a whole league nothing grew near the same. Hewondered not a little at the fairness of St. Mark's Place, and thesumptuous church standing thereon, called St. Mark; how all the pavementwas set with coloured stones, and all the rood or loft of the churchdouble gilded over. 

Leaving this, he came to Padua, beholding the manner of their academy, which is called the mother or nurse of Christendom; there heard he thedoctors, and saw most of the monuments of the town, entered his name inthe university of the German nation, and wrote himself Dr. Faustus, theinsatiable speculator. Then saw he the worthiest monument in the worldfor a church, named St. Anthony's Cloister, which for the pinnaclesthereof and the contrivement of the church, hath not the like inChristendom. The town is fenced about with three mighty walls of stoneand earth, betwixt the which runneth goodly ditches of water. Betwixtevery four-and-twenty hours passeth boats betwixt Padua and Venice withpassengers, as they do here betwixt London and Gravesend, and even sofar they differ in distance. Faustus beheld likewise the council-houseand castle, with no small wonder. 

Well, forward he went to Rome, which lay, and doth yet lie, on the riverTibris, the which divideth the city into two parts. Over the river arefour great stone bridges, and upon the one bridge, called Ponte St. Angelo, is the Castle of St. Angelo, wherein are so many great castpieces as there are days in the year, and such pieces as will shootseven bullets off with one fire. To this castle cometh a privy vaultfrom the church and the palace of St. Peter, through the which the pope(if any danger be) passeth from his palace to the castle for safeguard. The city hath eleven gates, and a hill called Vaticinium, whereupon St. Peter's church is built. In that church the holy fathers will hear noconfessions without the penitent bring money in his hand. Adjoining tothe church is the Campo Santo, the which Carolus Magnus built, whereevery day thirteen pilgrims have their dinners served of the best; thatis to say, Christ and his twelve apostles. Hard by this he visited thechurchyard of St. Peter, where he saw that pyramid that Julius Cæsarbrought forth of Africa; it stood in Faustus's time leaning against thechurch-wall of St. Peter's; but Pope Sixtus hath erected it in themiddle of St. Peter's churchyard. It is fourteen fathom long, and at thelower end five fathom four square, and so forth smaller upwards. On thetop is a crucifix of beaten gold, the stone standing on four lions ofbrass. Then he visited the seven churches of Rome, that were St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Sebastian, St. John Lateran, St. Laurence, St. MaryMagdalen, and St. Mary Majora. Then went he without the town, where hesaw the conduits of water that run level through hill and dale, bringingwater into the town fifteen Italian miles off. Other mountains he saw, too many to recite. 

But amongst the rest he was desirous to see the pope's court, and hismanner of service at his table, wherefore he and his spirit madethemselves invisible, and came to the pope's court and privy-chamber, where he was; there saw he many servants attending on his holiness, withmany a flattering sycophant carrying his meat; and there he markedthe pope, and the manner of his service, which he seeing to be sounmeasurable and sumptuous: "Fie, " quoth Faustus, "why had not the devilmade a pope of me?" Faustus saw there notwithstanding such as were liketo himself, proud, stout, wilful gluttons, drunkards, whoremongers, breakers of wedlock, and followers of all manner of ungodly excess;wherefore he said to his spirit, "I thought that I had been alone a hogor pork of the devil's, but he must bear with me a little longer; forthese hogs of Rome are ready fatted, and fitted to make him roast meat;the devil might do well to spit them all, and have them to the fire, andlet him summon the nuns to turn the spits; for as none must confess thenun but the friar, so none should turn the roasting friar but the nun. "Thus continued Faustus three days in the pope's palace, and yet had nolust to his meat, but stood still in the pope's chamber, and saweverything whatsoever it was. 

On a time the pope would have a feast prepared for the Cardinal ofPavia, and for his first welcome the cardinal was bidden to dinner, andas he sate at meat the pope would ever be blessing and crossing over hismouth. Faustus would suffer it no longer, but up with his fist and smotethe pope on his face, and withal he laughed that the whole house mighthear him, yet none of them saw him, or knew where he was. The popepersuaded his company that it was a damned soul, commanding masspresently to be said for his delivery out of purgatory, which was done;the pope sat still at meat, but when the latter mess came to the pope'sboard, Dr. Faustus laid hands thereon, saying, "This is mine, " and so hetook both dish and meat, and flew into the Capitol or Campadolia, calling his spirit unto him, and said, "Come, let us be merry, for thoumust fetch me some wine, and the cup that the pope drinks out of; andhereupon morte caval, we will make good cheer in spite of the pope andall his fat abbey lubbers. "

His spirit hearing this, departed towards the pope's chamber, where hefound them yet sitting, quaking; wherefore he took from before the popethe fairest piece of plate, or drinking goblet, and a flagon of wine, and brought it to Faustus. 

But when the pope and the rest of his crew perceived they were robbed, and knew not after what sort, they persuaded themselves that it was adamned soul that before had vexed the pope so, and that smote him on theface; wherefore he sent commandment through the whole city of Rome, thatthey should say a mass in every church, and ring all the bells, for tolay the walking spirit, and to curse him with bell, book, and candle, that so invisibly had misused the pope's holiness, with the Cardinal ofPavia, and the rest of their company. 

But Faustus notwithstanding made good cheer with that which he hadbeguiled the pope of, and in the midst of the order of St. Bernard's, bare-footed friars, as they were going on procession through themarket-place, called Campo de Fiore, he let fall his plate, dish, andcup, and withal for a farewell he made such a thunder-clap and storm ofrain, as though heaven and earth would have met together, and left Rome, and came to Millain in Italy, near the Alps or borders of Switzerland, where he praised much to his spirit the pleasures of the place, the citybeing founded in so brave a plain, by the which ran most pleasant riverson every side of the same, having besides within the compass of acircuit of seven miles, seven small seas: he saw also therein many fairplaces, and goodly buildings, the duke's palace, and the mighty strongcastle, which is in a manner half the bigness of the town. Moreover, itliked him well to see the hospital of St. Mary, with divers otherthings: he did there nothing worthy of memory, but he departed backagain towards Bologna, and from thence to Florence, where he was wellpleased to see the pleasant walk of merchants, the goodly vaults ofthe city, for that almost the whole city is vaulted, and the housesthemselves are built outwardly in such sort, that the people go underthem as under a vault: then he perused the sumptuous church in theduke's castle, called Nostra Dama, our Lady's church, in which he sawmany monuments, as a marble door most huge to look upon; the gates ofthe castle are bell-metal, wherein are graven the holy patriarchs, withChrist and his twelve apostles, and divers other histories out of theOld and New Testament. 

Then went he to Siena, where he highly praised the church and hospitalof Sancta Maria Formosa, with the goodly buildings, and especially thefairness and greatness of the city, and beautiful women: then came he toLyons in France, where he marked the situation of the city, which laybetween two hills, environed with two waters; one worthy monumentpleased him well, that was the great church, with the image therein; hecommended the city highly for the great resort that it had unto it ofstrangers. 

From thence he went to Cullen, which lieth upon the river of Rhine, wherein he saw one of the ancientest monuments in the world, the whichwas the tomb of the three kings that came by the angel of God, and theirknowledge they had in the stars, to worship Christ, which when Faustussaw, he spake in this manner: "Ah! alas, good men! How have you erred, and lost your way! You should have gone to Palestina, and Bethlehem inJudea; how came you hither? Or belike after your death you were throwninto Mare Mediterraneum, about Tripolis in Syria, and so you steered outof the Straights of Gibralterra, in the ocean seas, and so into the Bayof Portugal. And not finding any rest, you are driven along the coast ofGallicia, Biscay and France, and into the narrow seas: then from thenceinto Mare Germanicum, and taken up I think about the town of Dort inHolland: you were brought to Cullen to be buried, or else (I think) youcame most easily with a whirlwind over the Alps, and being thrown intothe river of Rhine, it conveyed you to this place where you are kept amonument. " Then saw he the church of St. Ursula, where remains amonument of the thousand virgins; it pleased him also to see the beautyof the women. 

Not far from Cullen lieth the town of Ach, where he saw the gorgeoustemple that the Emperor Carolus Quartus built of marble-stone for aremembrance of him, to the end that all his successors should there becrowned. 

From Cullen and Ach he went to Geneva, a city in Savoy, lying nearSwitzerland; it is a town of great traffic, the lord thereof is abishop, whose wine-cellar Faustus and his spirit visited for the love ofhis good wine. 

From thence he went to Strasburg, where he beheld the fairest temple thatever he had seen in his life before, for on every side thereof he mightsee through, even from the covering of the minster to the top of thepinnacle, and it is named one of the wonders of the world; wherefore, hedemanded why it is called Strasburg? His spirit answered, "Because ithath so many highways common to it on every side, for Stros in Dutch isa Highway, and hereof came the name: yea, " said Mephistophiles, "thechurch that thou so wonderest at, hath more revenues belonging to itthan the twelve dukes of Silesia are worth, for there pertain unto thischurch fifty-five towns, and four hundred and sixty-three villages, besides many houses in the town. "

From thence went Faustus to Basil, in Switzerland, where the river ofRhine runneth through the town, parting the same as the river of Thamesdoth London: in the town of Basil he saw many rich monuments, the townwalled with brick round about, without it goeth a great trench: nochurch pleased him but the Jesuits' church, which was sumptuouslybuilded, and set full of alabaster pillars, where the spirit toldFaustus that before the city was founded, there used a Basiliscus, akind of serpent: this serpent killed as many men, women and children ashe took a sight of, but there was a knight that made himself a cover ofcrystal, to come over his head and down to the ground, and being firstcovered with a black cloth, over that he put the crystal, and so boldlywent to see the Basiliscus, and finding the place where she haunted, heexpected her coming even before the mouth of the cave, where standing awhile, the Basiliscus came forth, where when she saw her own venomousshadow in the crystal, she split in a thousand pieces, wherefore theknight was richly rewarded of the emperor, after the which the knightfounded this town upon the place where he had slain the serpent, andgave it the name Basil, in remembrance of his deed. 

From Basil, Faustus went to Costnitz in Sweitz, at the head of theRhine, where is a most sumptuous bridge that goeth over the Rhine, evenfrom the gates of the town to the other side of the stream; at the headof the river of Rhine, is a small sea, called of the Switzers the BlackSea, twenty thousand paces long, and fifty hundred paces broad. The townCostnitz took the name of this; the emperor gave it a clown forexpounding of his riddle: wherefore the clown named the town Costnitz, that is in English, "Cost me nothing. "

From Costnitz he came to Ulm, where he saw the sumptuous town housebuilt by two-and-fifty of the ancient senators of the city; it took thename Ulm, because the whole land thereabouts is full of Elms: butFaustus minding to depart from thence, his spirit said unto him, "Faustus, think of the town as you will; it hath three dukedomsbelonging to it, the which they have bought with ready money. "

From Ulm he came unto Watzberg, the chiefest town in Frankland, whereinthe bishop altogether keepeth his court, through the which town passeththe river Mayne, that runs into the Rhine; thereabouts groweth strongand pleasant wine, the which Faustus well proved: the castle standeth ona hill on the north side of the town, at the foot thereof runneth theriver. This town is full of beggarly friars, nuns, priests, and Jesuits;for there are five sorts of begging friars, besides three cloisters ofnuns; at the foot of the castle stands a church, in the which there isan altar, where are engraven all the four elements, and all the ordersand degrees in heaven, that any man of understanding whosoever, thathath a light thereof, may say that it is the artificialist thing thatever he beheld. 

From thence he went to Norenberg, whither as he went by the way hisspirit informed him that the town was named of Claudius Tiberius, theson of Nero the Tyrant. In the town are two famous cathedral churches, one called St. Sabelt, the other St. Laurence; in which church standsall the relics of Carolus Magnus, that is to say, his cloak, his hose, his doublet, his sword and crown, the sceptre and apple. It hath a veryglorious gilded conduit in the market-place of St. Laurence; in whichconduit is the spear that thrust our Saviour into the side, and a pieceof the holy cross; the wall is called the fair wall of Norenberg, andfive hundred and twenty-eight streets, a hundred and sixty wells, fourgreat and two small clocks, six great gates, two small doors, eightstone bridges, twelve small hills, ten fair market-places, thirteencommon hot-houses, ten churches; within the town are twenty wheels ofwater-mills, it hath a hundred and thirty-eight tall ships, two mightytown walls of hewed stone and earth, with very deep trenches: the wallshave a hundred and eighty towers about them, and four fair platforms, ten apothecaries, ten doctors of the common law, fourteen doctors ofphysic. 

From Norenberg he went to Auspurg, where at the break of the day hedemanded of his spirit whereupon the town took his name. "This town, "quoth he, "hath had many names; when it was first built, it was calledVindelica; secondly, it was called Zizaria, the iron-bridge; lastly, bythe Emperor Octavus Augustus, it was called Augusta, and by thecorruption of language, the Germans had named it Auspurg. "

Now, for because that Faustus had been there before, he departed(without seeing their monuments) to Ravensberg, where his spiritcertified him that the city had seven names: the first Diperia, thesecond Quadratis, the third Heaspolis, the fourth Reginipolis, the fifthImbripolis, the sixth Ratisbona, the last is Ravensberg. The situationof this city pleased Faustus well, also the strong and sumptuousbuilding; by the walls thereof runneth the river Danubius, in Dutchcalled Danow, into which not far from the compass of the city fallethnear hand threescore other small rivers and fresh waters. Faustus alsoliked the sumptuous stone bridge over the same water, with the churchstanding thereon, the which was founded Anno 1115, the name whereof iscalled St. Remedian; in the town Faustus went into the cellar of aninn-holder, and let out all the beer and wine that was in the cellar. 

After which feat, he returned into Mentz in Bavaria, a right princelytown: the town appeared as if it were new, with great streets therein, both of breadth and length from Mentz to Salisburg, where the bishop isalways resident: here saw he all the commodities that were possible tobe seen, for at the hill he saw the form of a bell made in crystal, ahuge thing to look upon, that every year groweth bigger and bigger, byreason of the freezing cold. 

From thence he went to Vienna in Austria; the town is of greatantiquity, that it is not possible to find the like. "In this town, "said the spirit, "is more wine than water, for all under the town arewells, which are filled every year with wine, and all the water thatthey have runneth by this town; this is the river Danubius. "

From thence he went into Prage, the chief city of Bohemia; this isdivided into three parts, that is old Prage, little Prage, and newPrage. Little Prage is the place where the emperor's court is placed;upon an exceeding high mountain there is a castle, where are two fairchurches; in the one he found a monument which might well have been amirror for himself, and that was the sepulchre of a notable conjurer, which by his magic had so enchanted his sepulchre that whosoever set footthereon, should be sure never to die in their beds. From this castle hecame and went down over the bridge; this bridge has twenty-four arches, and in the middle of the bridge stands a very fair monument, being across builded of stone, and most artificially carved. From thence hewent into the old Prage, the which is separated from the new Prage, withan exceeding deep ditch, and round about enclosed with a wall of brick;unto this is adjoining the Jews' town, wherein are thirteen thousandmen, women, and children, all Jews; there he viewed the college and thegardens, where all manner of savage beasts are kept; and from thence hefetched a compass round about the three towns, whereat he wonderedgreatly to see so mighty a city stand all within the walls. 

From Prage he flew into the air, and bethought himself what hemight do, or which way to take; so looked round about, and behold heespied a passing fair city, which lay not far from Prage, about somefour-and-twenty miles, and that was Bressaw in Silesia, in which when hewas entered, it seemed to him that he had been in Paradise, so neat andclean were the streets, and so sumptuous were their buildings. In thecity he saw not many wonders, except the brazen Virgin that standethon a bridge over the water, and under which standeth a mill like apaper-mill, which Virgin is made to do execution upon those disobedienttown-born children that be so wild that their parents cannot bridlethem; which, when any such are found with some heinous offence, turningto the shame of their parents and kindred, they are brought to kiss theVirgin, which openeth her arms. The person then to be executed kissethher, then doth she close her arms together with such violence, that shecrusheth out the breath of the party, breaketh his bulk, and so hedieth; but being dead she openeth her arms again, and letteth the partyfall into the mill, where he is stamped into small morsels, which thewater carrieth away, so that no part is found again. 

From Bressaw he went toward Cracovia, in the kingdom of Polionia, wherehe beheld the academy, the which pleased him wonderful well. In the citythe king most commonly holdeth his court at a castle, in which castleare many famous monuments; there is a most sumptuous church in the same, in which standeth a silver altar gilded and set with rich stones, andover it is a covenance full of all manner of silver ornaments belongingto mass. In the church hangeth the jaw-bones of a huge dragon, that keptthe rock before the castle was edified thereon: it is full of all mannerof munition, and hath always victuals for three years to serve threethousand men; through the town runneth a river, called the Vessnal orWessel, where over is a fair wooden bridge; this water divideth thetown and Gasmere; in this Gasmere dwell the Jews, being a small walledtown by themselves, to the number of twenty-five thousand men, women andchildren; within one mile of the town there is a salt mine, where theyfound stones of pure salt, one thousand pound, two thousand pound, ormore in weight, and that in great quantity: this salt is as black as theNewcastle coal when it comes out of the mines, but being beaten topowder, it is as white as snow. The like they have four miles fromthence at a town called Buckma. 

From thence Faustus went to Sandentz, the Captain thereof was called DonSpicket Jordan. In this town are many monuments, as the tomb andsepulchre of Christ, in as ample a manner as that is at Jerusalem, atthe proper costs of a gentleman that went thrice a year to Jerusalemfrom that place and returned again. Not far from that town is a new townwherein is a nunnery of the order of St. Dioclesian, into which ordermay none come except they be gentlewomen, and well formed, and fair tolook upon, which pleased Faustus well; but having a will to travelfurther, and to see more wonders, mounting up towards the east, overmany lands and provinces, as in Hungaria, Transilvania, Shede, Ingatz, Sardinia, and so into Constantinople, where the Turkish emperor kept hiscourt. 

This city was surnamed by Constantine, the founder thereof, beingbuilded of very fair stone. In the same the Great Turk hath three fairpalaces: the walls are strong, the pinnacles are very huge, and thestreets very large. But this liked not Faustus that one man should haveas many wives as he would. The sea runneth hard by the city; the wallhath eleven gates. Faustus abode there a certain time to see the mannerof the Turkish emperor's service at his table, where he saw his royalservice to be such that he thought if all the Christian princes shouldbanquet together, and every one adorn the feast to the utmost, thatthey were not able to compare with the Turk and his table, and the restof his country service. Wherefore it so affrighted Faustus that he vowedto be revenged on him, for his pomp, he thought, was more fit forhimself; wherefore as the Turk sate at meat Faustus showed them a littleapish play, for round about the privy-chamber he sent forth flashingflames of fire, insomuch that the whole company forsook their meat andfled, except only the Great Turk himself; him Faustus charmed in suchsort that he could neither rise nor fall, neither could any man pull himup. With this was the hall so light as if the sun had shined in thehouse. Then came Faustus in form of a pope to the Great Turk, saying, "All hail, emperor, now art thou honoured, that I so worthily appearunto thee as thy Mahomet was wont to do. " Hereupon he vanished, andforthwith it thundered that the whole palace shook. The Turk greatlymarvelled what this should be that so vexed him, and was persuaded bythe chiefest counsellors that it was Mahomet, his prophet, which had soappeared unto them; whereupon the Turk commanded them to fall down ontheir knees and to give him thanks for doing them so great honour as toshow himself unto them. But the next day Faustus went into the castlewhere he kept his wives and concubines, in which castle might no man, upon the pain of death, come, except those that were appointed by theGreat Turk to do him service, and they were all eunuchs, which whenFaustus perceived, he said to his spirit Mephistophiles, "How likestthou this sport? Are not these fair ladies greatly to be pitied thatthus consume their youth at the pleasure of one only man?"

"Why, " quoth the spirit, "mayst not thou instead of the emperor embracethese fair ladies? Do what thy heart desireth herein, and I will aidthee, and what thou wishest thou shalt have it performed. "

Wherefore Faustus (being before this counsel apt enough to put suchmatters in practice) caused a great fog to be round about the castle, both within and without, and he himself appeared amongst the ladies inall points as they used to paint Mahomet; at which sight the ladies fellon their knees and worshipped him. Then Faustus took the fairest by thehand, and when he had delighted himself sufficiently with her, he puther away, and made his spirit bring him another; and so he passed awaysix days, all which time the fog was so thick and so stinking that theywithin the house thought that they had been in hell for the time, andthey without wondered thereat, in such sort that they went to theirprayers, calling on their God Mahomet, and worshipping of the image;where the sixth day Faustus exalted himself into the air like a pope, inthe sight of the Great Turk and all his people, and he had no soonerdeparted the castle but the fog vanished away. Whence presently the Turkwent to his wives and concubines, demanding of them if they knew thecause why the castle was beset with a mist so long. They said it was theGod Mahomet himself that had caused it, and how he was in the castlepersonally six days. The Turk, hearing this, fell down upon his kneesand gave Mahomet thanks, desiring him to forgive him for being offendedwith his visiting his castle and wives these six days. 

From thence Faustus went to Alker, the which before times was calledChairam, or Memphis. In this city the Egyptian Soldan holdeth his court;from thence the river Nilus hath his head and spring. It is the greatestfresh water river that is in the whole world, and always when the sun isin Cancer it overfloweth the whole land of Egypt. 

Then he returned again towards the north-east, and to the town of Osenand Sebasa in Hungaria. This Osen is the closest city in Hungaria, andstanding in a fertile soil, wherein groweth most excellent wine; and notfar from the tower there is a well called Zipzan, the water whereofchangeth iron into copper. There are mines of gold and silver and allmanner of metal. We Germans call this town Osen, but in the Hungarianspeech it is Start. In the town standeth a very fair castle, and verywell fortified. 

From thence he went to Austria, and so through Silesia into Saxony, unto the towns of Magdeburg, and Lipzig, and Lubeck. Magdeburg is abishopric. In this city is one of the pitchers wherein Christ changedthe water into wine in Cana in Galilee. At Lipzig nothing pleasedFaustus so well as the great vessel in the castle made of wood, thewhich is bound about with twenty-four iron hoops, and every hoop weighedtwo hundred pound weight. You must go upon a ladder thirty steps highbefore you can look into it. He saw also the new churchyard where it waswalled, and standeth upon a fair plain. The yard is two hundred paceslong, and round about the side of the wall are good places, separatedone from each other to see sepulchres in, which in the middle of theyard standeth very sumptuous; therein standeth a pulpit of white workand gold. 

From thence he went to Lubeck and Jamberg, where he made no abode, butaway again to Erford in Duriten, where he visited the Frescold; and fromErford he went home to Wittenburg, when he had seen and visited many astrange place, being from home one year and a half, in which time hewrought more wonders than are here declared. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus had sight of Paradise. _

After this Dr. Faustus set forth again to visit the countries of Spain, Portugal, France, England, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Muscovy, India, Cataia, Africa, Persia, and lastly, into Barbaria, amongst theBlack Moors; and in all his wandering he was desirous to visit theancient monuments and mighty hills, amongst the rest, beholding the highhill called Theno Reise, was desirous to rest upon it. From thence hewent into the Isle of Britain, wherein he was greatly delighted to seethe fair water and warm baths, the divers sorts of metal, with manyprecious stones and divers other commodities, the which Faustus broughtthence with him. He was also at the Orcades behind Scotland, where hesaw the tree that bringeth forth fruit, that when it is ripe, openethand falleth in the water, wherein engendereth a certain kind of fowl andbirds. These islands are in number twenty-three, but ten of them are nothabitable, the other thirteen were inhabited. 

From thence he went to the hill Caucasus, which is the highest in allthat tropic: it lieth near the borders of Scythia. Hereon Faustus stoodand beheld many lands and kingdoms. Faustus, being on such a high hill, thought to look over all the world, and beyond, for he went to Paradise, but he durst not commune with his spirit thereof; and being on the hillCaucasus, he saw the whole land of India and Scythia, and as he lookedtowards the east, he saw a mighty clear streak of fire coming fromheaven upon earth, even as if it had been one of the beams of the sun. He saw in the water four mighty waters springing, one had his coursetowards India, the second towards Egypt, the third and fourth towardsArmenia. When he saw these he would needs know of his spirit what watersthey were, and from whence they came?

His spirit gave him gently an answer, saying, "It is Paradise that liethso far in the east, the garden that God himself hath planted with allmanner of pleasure; and the fiery streams which thou seest is the wallor fence of the garden; but the clear light which thou seest afar of, that is the angel that hath the custody thereof with a fiery sword; andalthough thou thinkest thyself to be hard by, thou are yet furtherthither from hence than thou hast ever been. The water that thou seestdivided in four parts, is the water that issueth out of the well in themiddle of Paradise. The first is called Ganges or Pison, the secondGihon, the third Tygris, and the fourth Euphrates; also thou seest thathe standeth under Libra and Aries, right towards the Zenith; and uponthis fiery wall standeth the angel Michael with his flaming sword, tokeep the tree of life, which he hath in charge. But, " the spirit saidto Faustus, "neither thou, nor I, nor any after us, yea, all menwhatsoever, are denied to visit, or come any nearer than we be. "

CHAPTER XXIV. 

_Of a certain Comet that appeared in Germany, and how Dr. Faustus wasdesired by certain Friends of his to know the meaning thereof. _

In Germany, over the town of St. Elzeben, was seen a mighty great comet, whereat the people wondered, but Dr. Faustus being there, was asked ofcertain of his friends his judgment or opinion in the matter; whereuponhe answered: "It falleth out often by the course and change of the sunand moon, that the sun is under the earth, and the moon above; but whenthe moon draweth near the change, then is the sun so strong that ittaketh away the light of the moon in such sort as she is red as blood;and, on the contrary side, after they have been together, she soontaketh her light from him, and so increasing in light to the full, shewill be as red as the sun was before, and change herself into divers andsundry colours, of which springeth the prodigal monster, or, as youcall it, a comet, which is a figure or token appointed of God as aforewarning of his displeasure: as at one time he sendeth hunger, plague, sword, or such like, being all tokens of his judgments, whichcomet cometh through the conjunction of the sun and moon, and begettetha monster, whose father is the sun, and whose mother is the moon: moonand sun. "

CHAPTER XXV. 

_Another Question put forth to Dr. Faustus concerning the Stars. _

There was a learned man of the town of Halberstat, named N. W. , whoinvited Dr. Faustus to his table, but falling into communication beforesupper was ready, they looked out of the window, and seeing many starsin the firmament, this man being a doctor of physic, and a goodastrologian, said: "Dr. Faustus, I have invited you as my guest, hopingyou will take in good part with me, and withal, I request you to impartsome of your experience in the stars and planets;" and seeing a starfall, he said: "I pray you, Faustus, what is the condition, quality, orgreatness of the stars in the firmament?"

Faustus answered him: "My friend and brother, you see that the starsthat fall from heaven, when they come to the earth, they be very smallto our thinking as candles, but being fixed in the firmament, they aremany as great as a city, some as great as a province or dukedom, othersas great as the whole earth, other some far greater than the earthtwelve times, and from the height of the heavens there is scarce anyearth to be seen--yea, the planets in the heavens are some so great asthis land, some so great as the whole empire of Rome, some as Turkey, yea, some as great as the whole world. "

CHAPTER XXVI. 

_How Faustus was asked a Question concerning the Spirits that vexedMen. _

"That is most true, " said he to Faustus, "concerning the stars andplanets; but, I pray you, in what kind or manner do the spirits use tovex men so little by day and so greatly by night?"

Dr. Faustus answered: "Because the spirits are of God forbidden thelight; their dwelling is in darkness, and the clearer the sun shineth, the farther the spirits have their abiding from it, but in the nightwhen it is dark, they have their familiarity and abiding near unto usmen. For although in the night we see not the sun, yet the brightnessthereof so lighted the first moving of the firmament, as it doth hereon earth in the day, by which reason we are able to see the stars andplanets in the night, even so the rays of the sun piercing upwards intothe firmament, the spirits abandon the place, and so come near us onearth, the darkness filling our heads with heavy dreams and fond fancies, with shrieking and crying in many deformed shapes: and sometimes whenmen go forth without light, there falleth to them a fear, that theirhairs standeth up on end, so many start in their sleep, thinking thereis a spirit by them, groping or feeling for him, going round about thehouse in their sleep, and many such like fancies, and all this is, because in the night the spirits are more familiarly by us than we aredesirous of their company, and so they carry us, blinding us, andplaguing us more than we are able to perceive. "

CHAPTER XXVII. 

_How Dr. Faustus was asked a Question concerning the Stars that fellfrom Heaven. _

Dr. Faustus being demanded the cause why the stars fall from heaven, heanswered: "That it is but our opinion; for if one star fall, it is thegreat judgment of God upon us, as a forewarning of some great thing tocome: for when we think that a star falleth, it is but as a spark thatissueth from a candle or flame of fire; for if it were a substantialthing, we should not so soon lose the sight of them as we do. Butlikewise if so be that we see as it were a stream of fire fall from thefirmament, as it oft happeneth, yet are they not stars, but as it were aflame of fire vanishing, but the stars are substantial; therefore arethey firm and not falling; if there fall any, it is a sign of some greatmatter to come, as a scourge to a people or country; and then such starsfalling, and the gates of heaven are opened, and the clouds send forthfloods and other plagues, to the damage of the whole land and people. "

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

_How Faustus was asked a Question concerning Thunder. _

In the month of August there was over Wittenburg a mighty greatlightning and thunder; and as Dr. Faustus was jesting merrily in themarket-place with certain of his friends and companions, beingphysicians, they desired him to tell them the cause of that weather. Faustus answered: "It hath been commonly seen heretofore that, before athunder-clap, fell a shower of rain or a gale of wind; for commonlyafter a wind falleth rain, and after rain a thunder-clap, such thicknesscome to pass when the four winds meet together in the heavens, the airyclouds are by force beaten against the fixed crystal firmament, but whenthe airy clouds meet with the firmament, they are congealed, and sostrike, and rush against the firmament, as great pieces of ice when theymeet on the water; then each other sounded in our ears, and that we callthunder, which indeed was none other than you have heard. "

THE THIRD AND LAST OF DR. FAUSTUS HIS MERRY CONCEITS, SHOWING AFTER WHATSORT HE PRACTISED NECROMANCY IN THE COURTS OF GREAT PRINCES: AND, LASTLY, OF HIS FEARFUL AND PITIFUL END. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

_How the Emperor Carolus Quintus requested of Faustus to see some of hisCunning, whereunto he agreed. _

The Emperor Charles the Fifth of that name, was personally, with therest of the nobles and gentlemen, at the town of Intzbrack, where hekept his court, unto the which also Dr. Faustus resorted, and beingthere well known of divers nobles and gentlemen, he was invited in thecourt to meat, even in the presence of the emperor, whom when theemperor saw, he looked earnestly upon him, thinking by his looks he wassome wonderful fellow; wherefore he asked one of his nobles whom heshould be? He answered, that he was called Dr. Faustus. Whereupon theemperor held his peace until he had taken his repast; after which hecalled unto him Faustus into his privy-chamber; where being come, hesaid unto him: "Faustus, I have heard much of thee, that thou artexcellent in the black art, and none like thee in my empire; for men saythat thou hast a familiar spirit with thee, and that thou canst do whatthou list. It is, therefore, " said the emperor, "my request of thee thatthou let me see proof of thy experience, and I vow unto thee, by thehonour of my imperial crown, none evil shall happen unto thee for sodoing. "

Hereupon Dr. Faustus answered his Majesty, that upon those conditions hewas ready in anything that he could to do his highness's command in whatservice he could appoint him. 

"Well, hear then what I say, " quoth the emperor. "Being once solitaryin my house, I called to mind my elders and ancestors, how it waspossible for them to attain to so great a degree and authority, yea, sohigh, that we, the successors of that line, are not able to come near. As for example, the great and mighty monarch of the world, AlexanderMagnus, was such a pattern and spectacle to all his successors, as thechronicles make mention of, having so great riches, conquering andsubduing so many kingdoms, the which I and those that follow me (I fear)shall never be able to attain unto; wherefore, Faustus, my hearty desireis that thou wouldst vouchsafe to let me see that Alexander and hisparamour, the which was praised to be so fair; and I pray thee show methem in such sort that I may see their personages, shapes, gesture andapparel, as they used in their lifetime, and that here before my face, to that end that I may say, I have my long desire fulfilled, and topraise thee to be a famous man in thy art and experience. "

Dr. Faustus answered: "My most excellent lord, I am ready to accomplishyour request in all things, so far forth as I and my spirit are able toperform; yet your Majesty shall know that their dead bodies are not ablesubstantially to be brought before you; but such spirits as have seenAlexander and his paramour alive shall appear unto you in manner andform as they both lived in their most flourishing time, and herewith Ihope to please your imperial Majesty. " Then Faustus went a little asideand spoke to his spirit, but he returned again presently, saying, "Now, if it please your Majesty, you shall see them, yet upon this condition, that you demand no question of them, nor speak unto them;" which theemperor agreed unto. 

Whereupon Dr. Faustus opened the privy-chamber door, where presentlyentered the great and mighty emperor, Alexander Magnus, in all things tolook upon as if he had been alive; in proportion, a strong set thickman, of a middle stature, black hair, and that both thick and curled, head and beard, red cheeks, and a broad face, with eyes like a basilisk;he had a complete harness furnished and engraven, exceeding rich to lookupon; and so passing towards the Emperor Carolus he made a low andreverend courtesy; whereat the Emperor Carolus would have stood up toreceive and greet him with the like reverence. Faustus took hold on him, and would not permit him to do it. Shortly after Alexander made humblereverence, and went out again, and coming to the door, his paramour methim. She coming in, made the emperor likewise reverence. She was clothedin blue velvet, wrought and embroidered with pearls and gold; she wasalso excellent fair, like blood and milk mixed, tall and slender, with aface as round as an apple, and thus passed they certain times up anddown the house, which the emperor marking, said to himself, "Now I haveseen two persons which my heart hath long wished to behold; and sure itcannot otherwise be, " said he to himself, "but that the spirits havechanged themselves into these forms, and have but deceived me, " callingto mind the woman that raised the prophet Samuel. And for that theemperor should be more satisfied in the matter, he said, "I have oftenheard that behind in her neck she had a great wart or wen;" wherefore hetook Faustus by the hand without any words, and went to see if it wereable to be seen on her or not; but she perceiving that he came to her, bowed down her neck, where he saw a great wart, and hereupon shevanished, leaving the emperor and the rest well contented. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

_How Dr. Faustus, in the sight of the Emperor, conjured a Pair of Hart'sHorns upon a Knight's Head, that slept out at a casement. _

When Dr. Faustus had accomplished the emperor's desire in all things ashe was requested, he went forth into the gallery, and leaning over arail to look into the privy garden, he saw many of the emperor'scourtiers walking and talking together, and casting his eyes now thisway, now that way, he espied a knight leaning out of the window of thegreat hall, who was fast asleep (for in those days it was hot); but theperson shall be nameless that slept, for that he was a knight, though itwas all done to no little disgrace of the gentleman. It pleased Dr. Faustus, through the help of his spirit Mephistophiles, to fix on hishead as he slept a huge pair of hart's horns; and as the knight awaked, thinking to pull in his head, he hit his horns against the glass, that the panes thereof flew about his ears. Think here how this goodgentleman was vexed, for he could neither get backward nor forward;which, when the emperor heard, all the courtiers laughed, and came forto see what had happened. The emperor also, when he beheld the knightwith so fair a head, laughed heartily thereat, and was therewith wellpleased. At last Faustus made him quit of his horns again, but theknight perceived not how they came. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

_How the above-mentioned Knight went about to be revenged of Dr. Faustus. _

Dr. Faustus took his leave of the emperor and the rest of the courtiers, at whose departure they were sorry, giving him many rewards and gifts;but being a league and a half out of the city, he came into a wood, where he beheld the knight that he had jested with at the court withothers in harness, mounted upon fair palfreys, and running with fullcharge towards Faustus; but he seeing their intent ran towards thebushes, and before he came among the bushes he returned again, runningas it were to meet them that chased him: whereupon suddenly all thebushes were turned into horsemen, which also ran to encounter with theknight and his company, and coming to them, they enclosed the knight andthe rest, and told them they must pay their ransom before they departed;whereupon the knight seeing himself in such distress, besought Faustusto be good to them, which he denied not but let them loose; yet he socharmed them, that every one, knight and other, for the space of a wholemonth did wear a pair of goat's horns on their brows, and every palfreya pair of ox's horns on his head; and this was their penance appointedby Faustus. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

_How three young Dukes being together at Wittenburg, to behold theUniversity, requested Faustus to help them at a Wish to the Town ofMuncheon, in Bavaria, there to see the Duke of Bavaria's Son's Wedding. _

Three worthy young dukes, the which are not here to be named, but beingstudents all together, at the university of Wittenburg, met on a timeall together, where they fell in reasoning concerning the pomp and braverythat should be in the city of Muncheon in Bavaria, at the wedding ofthe duke's son, wishing themselves there but one half hour to see themanner of their jollity; to whom one replied, saying to the two othergentlemen, "If it please you to give me the hearing, I will give yougood counsel, that you may see the wedding, and be here again to-night, and this is my meaning: let us send to Dr. Faustus, make him a presentof some rare thing, and open our minds unto him, desiring him to assistus in our enterprise, and assure ye he will not deny to fulfil ourrequest. " Hereupon they all concluded: sent for Faustus, told him theirminds, and gave him a gift, and invited him to a sumptuous banquet, wherewith Faustus was well contented, and promised to further theirjourney to the uttermost: and when the time was come that the threeyoung gentlemen came into his house, commanding them that they would puton their best apparel, and adorn themselves as rich as they could. Hetook off his great large cloak, went into the garden that was adjoiningunto his house, and set the three young dukes upon his cloak, and hehimself in the midst: but he gave them in charge, that in anywise theyshould not at once open their mouths to speak, or make answer to any manso soon as they went out, not so much as if the Duke of Bavaria or hisson should speak to them, or offer them courtesy, they should give noword or answer again; to which they all agreed. 

These conditions being made, Dr. Faustus began to conjure, and on asudden arose a mighty wind, heaving up the cloak, and so carried themaway in the air, and in due time they came unto Muncheon to the duke'scourt; where being entered into the utmost court, the marshal had espiedthem, who presently went to the duke, showing his grace that all thelords and gentlemen were ready set at the table, notwithstanding therewere newly come three goodly gentlemen with one servant, the which stoodwithout in the court, wherefore the good old duke came out unto them, welcoming them, requiring what they were, and whence? But they made noanswer at all; whereat the duke wondered, thinking they had been alldumb: notwithstanding for his honour's sake he took them into the court, and feasted them. Faustus notwithstanding spake to them, "If anythinghappen otherwise than well, when I say, Sit up, then fall you all on thecloak, and good enough. "

Well, the water being brought, and that they must wash, one of the threehad some manners as to desire his friend to wash first, which whenFaustus heard, he said, "Sit up;" and all at once they got on the cloak, but he that spoke fell off again, the other two with Dr. Faustus wereagain presently at Wittenburg: but he that remained was taken and laidin prison: wherefore the other two gentlemen were very sorrowful fortheir friend, but Faustus comforted them, promising that on the morrowhe should also be at Wittenburg. 

Now all this while was the duke taken in great fear, and strucken intoan exceeding dumps, wondering with himself that his hap was so hard tobe left behind, and not the rest: and now being locked and watched withso many keepers: there was also certain of the guests that fell toreasoning with him to know what he was, and also what the other werethat were vanished away? But the poor prisoner thought with himself, "IfI open what they are, then it will be evil also with me. " Wherefore allthis while he gave no man any answer, so that he was there a whole dayand gave no man a word: wherefore the old duke gave charge that the nextmorning they should rack him until he had confessed; which when theyoung duke heard, he began to sorrow, and to say with himself, "It maybe, that to-morrow (if Dr. Faustus come not to aid me) I shall be rackedand grievously tormented, insomuch that I shall be constrained by forceto say more than willingly I would do. "

But he comforted himself with hope that his friends would entreat Dr. Faustus about his deliverance, as also it came to pass: for that beforeit was day, Dr. Faustus was by him, and he conjured them that watchedhim into such a heavy sleep, that he with his charms made open all thelocks in the prison, and therewithal brought the young duke again insafety to the rest of his fellows and friends, where they presentedFaustus with a sumptuous gift, and so departed one from another. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus borrowed Money of a Jew, and laid his own Leg in Pawnfor it. _

It is a common proverb in Germany that, although a conjurer have allthings at command, the day will come that he shall not be worth a penny:so it is like to fall out with Dr. Faustus in promising the devil solargely; but as the devil is the author of all lies, even so he ledFaustus his mind in practising things to deceive the people, andblinding them, wherein he took his whole delight, thereby to bringhimself to riches. Notwithstanding, in the end he was never the richer;and although during twenty-four years of his time that the devil set himhe wanted nothing, yet was he best pleased when he might deceiveanybody; for out of the mightiest potentates' courts in all thesecountries he would send his spirit to fetch away their best cheer. 

And on a time, being in his merriment, where he was banqueting withother students in an inn, thereunto resorted many Jews; which when Dr. Faustus perceived, he was minded to play a merry jest to deceive a Jew, desiring one of them to lend him some money for a time. The Jew wascontent, and lent Faustus threescore dollars for a month, which timebeing expired, the Jew came for his money and interest; but Dr. Faustuswas never minded to pay the Jew again. At length the Jew coming home tohis house, and calling importunately for his money, Dr. Faustus made himthis answer: "Jew, I have no money, nor know I how to pay thee; butnotwithstanding to the end thou mayst be contented, I will cut off alimb of my body, be it arm or leg, and the same thou shalt have in pawnfor thy money; yet with this condition, that when I shall pay thee thymoney again, then thou shalt give me my limb. "

The Jew, that was never a friend to a Christian, thought with himself, 'This fellow is right for my purpose, that will lay his limbs inpawn for money, ' and was therewith very well content. Wherefore Dr. Faustus took a saw and therewith seemed to cut off his leg, beingnotwithstanding nothing so. Well, he gave it to the Jew, yet upon thiscondition, when he got money to pay the Jew should deliver him his leg, to the end he might set it on again. 

The Jew was with this matter very well pleased, took his leg anddeparted; and having to go far home he was somewhat weary, and by theway he thus bethought him: "What helpeth me a knave's leg? If I shouldcarry it home it would stink and infect my house; besides, it is toohard a piece of work to set it on again: wherefore, what an ass wasFaustus to lay so great a pawn for so small a sum of money! And for mypart, " quoth the Jew to himself, "this will never profit me anything;"and with these words he cast the leg away from him into a ditch. 

All this Dr. Faustus knew right well, therefore within three days aftersent for the Jew to make him payment of his sixty dollars. The Jewcame, and Dr. Faustus demanded his pawn--there was his money ready forhim. The Jew answered, "The pawn was not profitable nor necessary foranything, so I cast it away. " But Faustus, threatening, replied, "I willhave my leg again, or else one of thine for it. " The Jew fell tointreat, promising him to give him what money he would ask if he wouldnot deal strictly with him. Wherefore the Jew was constrained to givehim sixty dollars more to be rid of him; and yet Faustus had his leg on, for he had but blinded the Jew. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

_How Dr. Faustus deceived the Horse-courser. _

After this manner he deceived a horse-courser at a fair, calledPheifering: for Faustus, through his conjuring, had gotten an excellentfair horse, whereupon he rid to the fair, where he had many chapmen thatoffered him money; lastly, he sold him for forty dollars, and willinghim that bought him, that in anywise he should not ride him over thewater. But the horse-courser marvelled with himself that Faustus badehim ride over no water. "But, " quoth he, "I will prove;" and forthwithhe rid him into the river. Presently the horse vanished from under him, and he was left on a bottle of straw, insomuch that the man was almostdrowned. 

The horse-courser knew well where he lay that had sold him his horse;whereupon he went angerly to his inn, where he found Dr. Faustus fastasleep and snorting on a bed. But the horse-courser could no longerforbear him, but took him by the leg and began to pull him off the bed;but he pulled him so that he pulled his leg from his body, insomuch thatthe horse-courser fell backwards in the place. Then began Dr. Faustus tocry with open throat, "He hath murdered me. " Hereat the horse-courserwas afraid, and gave the flight, thinking no other with himself but thathe had pulled his leg from his body. By this means Dr. Faustus kept hismoney. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

_How Dr. Faustus ate a Load of Hay. _

Dr. Faustus being at a town in Germany called Zwickow, where he wasaccompanied with many doctors and masters, and going forth to walkafter supper, they met with a clown that drew a load of hay. 

"Good even, good fellow, " said Faustus to the clown, "what shall I givethee to let me eat my bellyful of hay?" The clown thought with himself, "What a madman is this to eat hay. " Thought he with himself, "Thou wiltnot eat much. " They agreed for three farthings he should eat as much ashe could. 

Wherefore Dr. Faustus began to eat, and so ravenously, that all the restof the company fell a-laughing; blinding so the poor clown that he wassorry at his heart, for he seemed to have eaten more than half of thehay; wherefore the clown began to speak him fair, for fear he shouldhave eaten the other half also. Faustus made as though he had pity onthe clown, and went away. When the clown came in the place where hewould be, he had his hay again as he had before, a full load. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

_How Dr. Faustus served the Twelve Students. _

At Wittenburg, before Faustus's house, there was a quarrel between sevenstudents, and five that came to part the rest, one part stronger thanthe other. Wherefore Dr. Faustus, seeing them to be over-matched, conjuredthem all blind, insomuch that the one could not see the other, and hedealt so with them, that they fought and smote at one another still;whereat all the beholders fell a-laughing; and thus they continuedblind, beating one another until the people parted them and led each oneto his own house, where being entered into their houses, they receivedtheir sight presently again. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

_How Dr. Faustus served the Drunken Clowns. _

Dr. Faustus went into an inn wherein were many tables full of clowns, the which were tippling can after can of excellent wine; and to beshort, they were all drunken; and as they sate, they so sang andholloaed, that one could not hear a man speak for them. This angered Dr. Faustus; wherefore he said to them that called him in, "Mark, mymasters, I will show a merry jest. "

The clowns continued still holloaing and singing; he conjured themthat their mouths stood as wide open as it was possible for them tohold them, and never a one of them was able to close his mouth again;by-and-by the noise was gone; the clowns notwithstanding looked earnestone upon another, and knew not what was happened. One by one they wentout, and so soon as they came without, they were all as well as everthey were, but none of them desired to go in any more. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus sold five Swine for six Dollars apiece. _

Dr. Faustus began another jest. He made ready five fat swine the whichhe sold to one for six dollars apiece, upon this condition, that theswine-driver should not drive them into the water. Dr. Faustus wenthome again, and as the swine had fouled themselves in the mud, theswine-driver drove them into the water, where presently they werechanged into so many bundles of straw, swimming upright in the water. The buyer looked wistfully upon them, and was sorry in his heart; buthe knew not where to find Faustus; so he was content to let all go, andlose both money and hogs. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

_How Dr. Faustus played a merry Jest with the Duke of Anhalt in hisCourt. _

Dr. Faustus on a time went to the Duke of Anhalt, who welcomed himvery courteously. This was in the month of January; where sitting attable, he perceived the duchess to be with child; and forbearing himselfuntil the meat was taken from the table, and that they brought in thebanqueting dishes, Dr. Faustus said to the duchess, "Gracious lady, Ihave always heard that women with child do always long for somedainties; I beseech therefore your grace, hide not your mind from me, but tell me what you desire to eat. "

She answered him: "Dr. Faustus, now truly I will not hide from you whatmy heart doth much desire; namely, that if it were now harvest, I wouldeat my fill of grapes and other dainty fruit. "

Dr. Faustus answered hereupon: "Gracious lady, this is a small thing forme to do, for I can do more than this. " Wherefore he took a plate andset it upon one of the casements of the window, holding it forth, whereincontinent he had his dish full of all manner of fruit, as red andwhite grapes, pears, and apples, the which came from out of strangecountries. All these he presented to the duchess, saying: "Madam, I prayyou vouchsafe to taste of this dainty fruit, the which came from a farcountry, for there the summer is not yet ended. " The duchess thankedFaustus highly, and she fell to her fruit with full appetite. 

The Duke of Anhalt notwithstanding could not withhold to ask Faustuswith what reason there were such young fruits to be had at that time ofthe year?

Dr. Faustus told him: "May it please your grace to understand, that theyear is divided into two circles of the whole world, that when with usit is winter, in the contrary circle it is notwithstanding summer; forin India and Saba there falleth or setteth a sun, so that it is so warm, that they have twice a year fruit; and, gracious lord, I have a swiftspirit, the which can in a twinkling of an eye fulfil my desire inanything; wherefore I sent him into those countries, who hath broughtthis fruit as you see;" whereat the duke greatly admired. 

CHAPTER XL. 

_How Dr. Faustus, through his Charms, made a great Castle in thepresence of the Duke of Anhalt. _

Dr. Faustus desired the Duke of Anhalt to walk a little forth of thecourt with him; wherefore they went together in the field, where Dr. Faustus (through his skill) had placed a mighty castle, which when theduke saw he wondered thereat, so did the duchess and all the beholders, that on that hill which is called Rohumbuel, should on the sudden be sofair a castle. At length Dr. Faustus desired the duke and duchess towalk with him into the castle, which they denied not. This castle was sowonderful strong, having about it a great deep trench of water, thewhich was full of fish, and all manner of water-fowl, as swans, ducks, geese, bitterns, and such like; about the wall was five stone doors, andtwo other doors also; within was a great open court, wherein wasenchanted all manner of wild beasts, especially such as was not to befound in Germany, as apes, bears, buffes, antelopes, and many morestrange beasts; also there were harts, hinds, roebucks, and does, andwild swine; all manner of land-fowl that any man could think on, whichflew from one tree to another. 

After all this he set his guests to the table, being the duke andduchess, with all their train, for he had provided them a most sumptuousfeast both of meat, and also of drink; for he set nine messes of meatupon the board at once. And all this must his Wagner do, to place allthings on the board, the which was brought unto him by the spiritinvisibly, of all things their hearts could desire, as wild-fowl, venison, and all manner of dainty fish that could be thought on. Of winealso great plenty, and of divers sorts, French wine, Cullen wine, Crabashir wine, Renish wine, Spanish wine, Hungarian wine, Waszburgwine, Malmsey, and Sack; in the whole there was one hundred cansstanding round about the house. 

This sumptuous banquet the duke took thankfully, and afterwards hedeparted homeward; but to their thinking they had neither eat nor drank, so were they blinded while they were in the castle. But as they were intheir palace, they looked towards the castle, and beheld it all on aflame of fire, and all those that saw it wondered to hear so strange anoise, as if a great ordnance had been shot off. And thus the castleburned and consumed clean away; which done, Dr. Faustus returned to theduke, who gave him great thanks for showing of him so great a courtesy, and gave him a hundred dollars, and liberty to depart or stay there athis own discretion. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

_How Dr. Faustus, with his Company, visited the Bishop of Salisburg'sWine-cellar. _

Dr. Faustus having taken leave of the duke, he went to Wittenburg, near about Shrovetide, and being in company with certain students, Dr. Faustus was himself the God of Bacchus, who having well feasted thestudents before with dainty fare, after the manner of Germany, where itis counted no feast unless all the bidden guests be drunk, which Dr. Faustus intending, said, "Gentlemen, and my guests, will it please youto take a cup of wine with me in a place or cellar whereunto I willbring you?" They all said willingly, "We will;" which, when Dr. Faustusheard, he took them forth, set each of them upon a holly-wand, and sowas conjured into the Bishop of Salisburg's cellar, for thereabouts grewexcellent pleasant wine. There fell Faustus and his company a-drinkingand swilling, not of the worst, but of the best. 

And as they were merry in the cellar, came to draw drink the bishop'sbutler; which when he perceived so many persons there, he cried with aloud voice, "Thieves, thieves!" This spited Dr. Faustus wonderfully, wherefore he made every one of his company to sit on their holly-wand, and so vanished away. And in parting, Dr. Faustus took the butler by thehair of the head, and carried him away with them, until they came to amighty high-lopped tree; and on the top of that huge tree he set thebutler, where he remained in a most fearful perplexity. 

Dr. Faustus departed to his house, where they took their valete oneafter another, drinking the wine that they had stolen in their bottlesout of the bishop's cellar. The butler, that had held himself by thehands upon the lopped tree all the night, was almost frozen with thecold, espying the day, and seeing the tree of huge great highness, thought with himself, "It is impossible to come off this tree withoutperil of death. " At length, espying certain clowns passing by, he cried, "For the love of God help me down!" The clowns, seeing him so high, wondered what madman would climb up so huge a tree; wherefore, as athing most miraculous, they carried tidings to the Bishop of Salisburg. Then was there great running on every side to see him on the tree, andmany devices they practised to get him down with ropes, and beingdemanded of the bishop how he came there, he said that he was broughtthither, by the hair of the head, by certain thieves that were robbingof the wine-cellar, but what they were he knew not; "for, " said he, "they had faces like men, but they wrought like devils. "

CHAPTER XLII. 

_How Dr. Faustus kept his Shrovetide. _

There were seven students and masters that studied divinity, jurisprudentiæ, and medicinæ. All these having consented, were agreed tovisit Dr. Faustus, and to celebrate Shrovetide with him; who being cometo his house, he gave them their welcome, for they were his dearfriends, desiring them to sit down, where he served them with a verygood supper of hens, fish, and other roast, yet were they but slightlycheered; wherefore Dr. Faustus comforted his guests, excusing himselfthat they had stolen upon him so suddenly, that he had not leisure toprovide for them so well as they were worthy. "But, my good friends, "quoth he, "according to the use of our country, we must drink all thisnight; and so a draught of the best wine bedwards is commendable. Foryou know that in great potentates' courts they use at this night greatfeasting, the like will I do for you; for I have three great flagons ofwine: the first is full of Hungarian wine, containing eight gallons; thesecond of Italian wine, containing seven gallons; the third containingsix gallons of Spanish wine; all the which we will tipple up before itbe day. Besides, we have fifteen dishes of meat, the which my spiritMephistophiles hath fetched so far, that it was cold before he broughtit, and they are all full of the daintiest things that one's heart candevise. But, " saith Faustus, "I must make them hot again; and you maybelieve me, gentlemen, that this is no blinding of you; whereas youthink that this is no natural food, verily it is as good and as pleasantas ever you eat. "

And having ended his tale, he commanded his boy to lay his cloth, whichdone, he served them with fifteen messes of meat, having three dishes ina mess; in the which were all manner of venison, and dainty wild-fowl;and for wine there was no lack, as Italian wine, Hungarian wine, andSpanish wine; and when they were all made drunk, and that they had eatentheir good cheer, they began to sing and dance until it was day. And sothey departed every one to his own habitation; at whose departing, Dr. Faustus desired them to be his guests again the next day following. 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus feasted his Guests on Ash Wednesday. _

Upon Ash Wednesday came unto Dr. Faustus his bidden guests, the students, whom he feasted very royally, insomuch that they were all full andlusty, dancing and singing as the night before; and when the highglasses and goblets were caroused one to another, Dr. Faustus began toplay them some pretty feats, insomuch that round about the hall washeard most pleasant music, and that in sundry places: in this corner alute, in another a cornet, in another a cittern, clarigols, harp, hornpipe, in fine, all manner of music was heard there in that instant;whereat all the glasses and goblets, cups, and pots, dishes, and allthat stood upon the board began to dance. Then Dr. Faustus took tenstone pots and set them down on the floor, where presently they began todance, and to smite one against another, that the shivers flew roundabout the whole house, whereat the whole company fell a-laughing. Thenbegan he another jest: he set an instrument upon the table, and caused amighty great ape to come among them, which ape began to dance and skip, showing them merry conceits. 

In this and such pastime they passed away the whole day. When nightbeing come Dr. Faustus bid them all to supper, which they lightly agreedunto, for students in these cases are easily intreated; wherefore hepromised to feast them with a banquet of fowl, and afterwards they wouldgo all about with a mask. Then Dr. Faustus put forth a long pole out ofthe window, whereupon presently there came innumerable numbers of birdsand wild-fowl, and so many as came had not the power to fly away again;but he took them and flung them to the students, who lightly pulled offthe necks of them, and being roasted, they made their supper, whichbeing ended, they made themselves ready for the mask. 

Dr. Faustus commanded every one to put on a clean shirt over the otherclothes, which being done, they looked one upon another. It seemed toeach one of them that they had no heads; and so they went forth untocertain of their neighbours, at which sight the people were mostwonderfully afraid; and as the use of Germany is, that wheresoever amask entereth the good man of the house must feast him, so as thesemaskers were set to their banquet, they seemed again in their formershape with heads, insomuch that they were all known whom they were; andhaving sat and well eat and drank, Dr. Faustus made that every one hadan ass's head on, with great long ears, so they fell to dancing and todrive away the time until it was midnight, and then every one departedhome; and as soon as they were out of the house, each one was in hisnatural shape, and so they ended and went to sleep. 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

_How Dr. Faustus the Day following was feasted by the Students, and ofhis merry Jests with them while he was in their Company. _

The last bacchanalia was held on Thursday, where ensued a great snow, and Dr. Faustus was invited unto the students that were with him the daybefore, where they prepared an excellent banquet for him, which banquetbeing ended, Dr. Faustus began to play his old projects. And forthwithwas in the place thirteen apes, that took hands and danced round ina ring together; then they fell to tumbling and vaulting one afteranother, that it was most pleasant to behold; then they leaped out ofthe window and vanished away. Then they set before Dr. Faustus a roastedcalf's head, which one of the students cut a piece off, and laid it onDr. Faustus his trencher, which piece was no sooner laid down but thecalf's head began to cry mainly out like a man, "Murder, murder! Out, alas! what dost thou to me?" Whereat they were all amazed, but after awhile, considering of Faustus's jesting tricks, they began to laugh, andthey pulled asunder the calf's head and eat it up. 

Whereupon Dr. Faustus asked leave to depart, but they would in nowiseagree to let him go, except that he would promise to come againpresently. Then Faustus, through his cunning, made a sledge, the whichwas drawn about the house with four fiery dragons. This was fearful forthe students to behold, for they saw Faustus ride up and down, as thoughhe would have fired and slain all them that were in the house. Thissport continued until midnight, with such a noise that they could nothear one another; the heads of the students were so light that theythought themselves to be in the air all that time. 

CHAPTER XLV. 

_How Dr. Faustus showed the fair Helena unto the Students upon theSunday following. _

The Sunday following came the students home to Dr. Faustus his ownhouse, and brought their meat and drink with them. Those men were rightwelcome guests unto Faustus, wherefore they all fell to drinking of winesmoothly; and being merry, they began some of them to talk of beauty ofwomen, and every one gave forth his verdict what he had seen, and whathe had heard. So one amongst the rest said, "I was never so desirous ofanything in this world as to have a sight (if it were possible) of fairHelena of Greece, for whom the worthy town of Troy was destroyed andrazed down to the ground; therefore, " saith he, "that in all men'sjudgments she was more than commonly fair, because that when she wasstolen away from her husband there was for her recovery so greatbloodshed. "

Dr. Faustus answered: "For that you are all my friends, and are sodesirous to see that stately pearl of Greece, fair Helena, the wife toKing Menelaus, and daughter of Tyndarus and Leda, sister to Castor andPollux, who was the fairest lady of all Greece, I will therefore bringher into your presence personally, and in the same form and attire asshe used to go when she was in her chiefest flower and choicest primeof youth. The like have I done for the Emperor Carolus Magnus; at hisdesire I showed him Alexander the Great, and his paramour. But, " saidDr. Faustus, "I charge you all that upon your perils you speak not aword, nor rise up from the table so long as she is in your presence. "

And so he went out of the hall, returning presently again, after whomimmediately followed the fair and beautiful Helena, whose beauty wassuch that the students were all amazed to see her, esteeming her ratherto be an heavenly than an earthly creature. This lady appeared beforethem in a most rich gown of purple velvet, costly embroidered; her hairhanging down loose, as fair as the beaten gold, and of such length thatit reached down to her hams; having most amorous coal-black eyes; asweet and pleasant round face, with lips as red as any cherry; hercheeks of a rose colour, her mouth small; her neck white like a swan, tall and slender of personage; in sum, there was no imperfect place inher. She looked round about her with a rolling hawk's eye, a smiling andwanton countenance, which near hand inflamed the hearts of all thestudents, but that they persuaded themselves she was a spirit, whichmade them lightly pass away such fancies; and thus fair Helena andFaustus went out again one with another. 

But the students, at Faustus entering in the hall again, requested himto let them see her again the next day, for that they will bring withthem a painter to take a counterfeit, which he denied, affirming that hecould not always raise up his spirit, but only at certain times. "Yet, "said he, "I will give unto you her counterfeit, which shall be as goodto you as if yourself should see the drawing thereof;" which theyreceived according to his promise, but soon after lost it again. Thestudents departed from Faustus to their several lodgings, but none ofthem could sleep that night for thinking of the beauty of fair Helena;therefore a man may see how the devil blindeth and inflameth the heartoftentimes, that men fall in love with harlots, from which their mindscan afterwards be hardly removed. 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

_How Dr. Faustus conjured the four Wheels from the Clown's Waggon. _

Dr. Faustus was sent for to come to the Marshal of Brunswick, who wasmarvellously troubled with the falling sickness. Now Faustus had thisquality, he seldom rid, but commonly walked afoot to ease himself whenhe list; and as he came near unto the town of Brunswick there overtookhim a clown with four horses and an empty waggon, to whom Dr. Faustus(jestingly, to try him) said: "I pray thee, good fellow, let me ride alittle to ease my weary legs;" which the buzzardly ass denied, sayingthat his horse was weary; and he would not let him get up. 

Dr. Faustus did this but to prove this clown if there were any courtesyto be found in him if need were; but such churlishness is usually foundamong clowns. But he was well requited by Faustus, even with the likepayment: for he said to him, "Thou dotish clown, void of all humanity, seeing thou art of so churlish a disposition, I will pay thee as thouhast deserved, for the four wheels of thy waggon thou shalt have takenfrom thee; let me see then how thou canst shift. " Whereupon his wheelswere gone, his horses fell also down to the ground as though they hadbeen dead; whereat the clown was sore affrighted, measuring it as ajust scourge of God for his sins and churlishness. Wherefore with atrembling and wailing he humbly besought Dr. Faustus to be good untohim, confessing he was worthy of it; notwithstanding if it pleased himto forgive him he would hereafter do better. Which submission madeFaustus his heart to relent, answering him on this manner: "Well, do sono more; but when a poor man desireth thee, see that thou let him ride. But yet thou shalt not go altogether clear, for although thou have againthy four wheels, yet thou shalt fetch them at the four gates of thecity. " So he threw dust on the horses and revived them again. And theclown for his churlishness was fain to fetch his wheels, spending histime with weariness; whereas if before he had showed a little kindnesshe might quietly have gone about his business. 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

_How four Jugglers cut one another's Heads off, and set them on again, and Faustus deceived them. _

Dr. Faustus came in Lent unto Frankland fair, where his spiritMephistophiles gave him to understand that in an inn were four jugglersthat cut one another's heads off: and after their cutting off sent themto the barber to be trimmed, which many people saw. 

This angered Faustus, for he meant to have himself the only cook in thedevil's banquet, and went to the place where they were, to beguile them, and as the jugglers were together, ready one to cut off another's head, there stood also the barber ready to trim them, and by them upon thetable stood likewise a glass full of stilled waters, and he that was thechiefest among them stood by it. Thus they began; they smote off thehead of the first, and presently there was a lily in the glass ofdistilled water, where Faustus perceived this lily as it was springing, and the chief juggler named it the tree of life. Thus dealt he with thefirst, making the barber wash and comb his head, and then he set it onagain. Presently the lily vanished away out of the water; hereat the manhad his head whole and sound again. The like did he with the othertwo; and as the turn and lot came to the chief juggler, that he alsoshould be beheaded, and that this lily was most pleasant, fair, andflourishing green, they smote his head off, and when it came to bebarbed, it troubled Faustus his conscience, insomuch that he could notabide to see another do anything, for he thought himself to be theprincipal conjurer in the world; wherefore Dr. Faustus went to the tablewhereat the other jugglers kept that lily, and so he took a small knifeand cut off the stalk of the lily, saying to himself, "None of themshall blind Faustus. " Yet no man saw Faustus to cut the lily; but whenthe rest of the jugglers thought to have set on their master's head, they could not; wherefore they looked on the lily, and found itbleeding. By this means the juggler was beguiled, and so died in hiswickedness; yet no one thought that Dr. Faustus had done it. 

CHAPTER XLVIII. 

_How an old Man, the Neighbour of Faustus, sought to persuade him tomend his Life, and to fall unto Repentance. _

A good Christian, an honest and virtuous old man, a lover of the HolyScriptures, who was neighbour to Dr. Faustus, when he perceived thatmany students had their recourse in and out unto Dr. Faustus, hesuspected his evil life, wherefore like a friend he invited Dr. Faustusto supper unto his house, to which he agreed, and having entered theirbanquet, the old man began with these words:

"My loving friend and neighbour, Dr. Faustus, I am to desire of you afriendly and Christian request, beseeching you would vouchsafe not to beangry with me, but friendly resolve me in my doubt, and take my poorinviting in good part. "

To whom Dr. Faustus answered, "My good neighbour, I pray you say yourmind. "

Then began the old patron to say, "My good neighbour, you know in thebeginning how that you have defied God and all the host of heaven, andgiven your soul to the devil, wherewith you have incurred God's highdispleasure, and are become from a Christian far worse than a heathenperson. Oh! consider what you have done, it is not only the pleasure ofthe body, but the safety of the soul that you must have respect unto; ofwhich, if you be careless, then are you cast away, and shall remain inthe anger of the Almighty God. But yet it is time enough, O Faustus! ifyou repent, and call upon the Lord for mercy, as we have example in theActs of the Apostles, the eighth chapter, of Simon in Samaria, who wasled out of the way, affirming that he was Simon homo sanctus. This mannotwithstanding in the end, was converted, after he had heard the sermonof Philip, for he was baptized and saw his sin and repented. Likewise Ibeseech you, good brother, Dr. Faustus, let my rude sermon be unto you aconversion, and forget thy filthy life that thou hast led, repent, askmercy, and live: for Christ saith, 'Come unto me all ye that are wearyand heavy laden, and I will refresh you. ' And in Ezekiel, 'I desire notthe death of a sinner, but rather that he will convert and live. ' Let mywords, good brother Faustus, pierce into your adamant heart, and desireGod for his Son Christ his sake to forgive you. Wherefore have you livedso long in your devilish practices, knowing that in the Old and NewTestament you are forbidden, and men should not suffer any such to live, neither have any conversation with them, for it is an abomination untothe Lord, and that such persons have no part in the kingdom of God. "

All this while Dr. Faustus heard him very attentively, and replied:"Father, your persuasions like me wondrous well, and I thank you withall my heart for your good will and counsel, promising you, as far as Imay, to allow your discipline. " Whereupon he took his leave, and beingcome home, he laid him very pensive on his bed, bethinking himself ofthe words of this old man, and in a manner began to repent that he hadgiven his soul to the devil, intending to deny all that he had promisedto Lucifer. 

Continuing in these cogitations, suddenly his spirit appeared unto him, clapping him upon the head, and wrung it as though he would have pulledhis head from his shoulders, saying unto him, "Thou knowest, Faustus, that thou hast given thyself, body and soul, to my lord Lucifer, andthou hast vowed thyself an enemy to God and to all men; and now thoubeginnest to hearken to an old doting fool, which persuadeth thee as itwere to good, when indeed it is too late, for thou art the devil's, andhe hath great power presently to fetch thee. Wherefore he hath sent meunto thee to tell thee, that seeing thou hast sorrowed for that whichthou hast done, begin again, and write another writing with thine ownblood; if not, then will I tear thee in pieces. "

Hereat Dr. Faustus was sore afraid, and said, "My Mephistophiles, I willwrite again what thou wilt. " Then presently he sat him down, and withhis own blood wrote as followeth: which writing was afterwards sent to adear friend of Faustus, being his kinsman. 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

_How Dr. Faustus wrote the second time with his own Blood, and gave itto 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 rightwillingly held, and have been an utter enemy to God and all men; thewhich I once again confirm, and give fully and wholly myself unto thedevil, both body and soul, even unto great Lucifer, and that at the endof seven years ensuing after the date hereof, he shall have to do withme according as it pleaseth him, either to lengthen or shorten my lifeas it pleaseth him; and hereupon I renounce all persuaders, that seek towithdraw 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 ortemporal, that moveth any matter for the salvation of my soul. Of allthis writing, and that therein contained, be witness my blood, whichwith my own hands I have begun and ended. Dated at Wittenburg, the 25thof July. _

And presently upon the making of this writing, he became so great anenemy to the poor old man, that he sought his life by all meanspossible; but this good old man was strong in the Holy Ghost, that hecould not be vanquished by any means; for about two days after that hehad exhorted Faustus, as the poor old man lay in his bed, suddenly therewas 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! whatbarbarian cry is this? Oh, fair bird! what foul music is this? A fairangel, that could not tarry two days in this place? Beginnest thou nowto turn into a poor man's house, where thou hast no power, and wert notable to keep thine own two days?" With these and such like words thespirit departed; and when he came home, Faustus asked him how he hadsped with the old man, to whom the spirit answered: "The old man washarnessed so, that he could not once lay hold upon him;" but he wouldnot tell how the old man had mocked him, for the devils can never abideto hear of their fall. Thus doth God defend the hearts of all honestChristians that betake themselves to his tuition. 

CHAPTER L. 

_How Dr. Faustus made a Marriage between two Lovers. _

In the city of Wittenburg was a student, a gallant gentleman, named N. N. This gentleman was far in love with a gentlewoman, fair and proper ofpersonage: this gentlewoman had a knight that was a suitor unto her, andmany other gentlemen, which desired her in marriage, but none couldobtain her. So it was that in despair with himself, that he pined awayto skin and bones. 

But when he opened the matter to Dr. Faustus, he asked counsel of hisspirit Mephistophiles, the which told him what to do. Hereupon Dr. Faustus went home to the gentleman, who bade him be of good cheer, forhe should have his desire, for he would help him to that he wishedfor, and that this gentlewoman should love none other but him only:wherefore Dr. Faustus so changed the mind of the damsel by the practicehe wrought, that she could do no other thing but think on him whombefore she had hated, neither cared she for any man but him alone. Thedevice was thus: Faustus commanded the gentleman that he should clothehimself in all the best apparel that he had, and that he should go untothe gentlewoman and show himself, giving him a ring, commanding him inanywise that he should dance with her before he departed; who followinghis counsel, went to her, and when they began to dance, they that weresuitors began to take every one his lady by the hand; this gentlemantook her who before had so disdained him, and in the dance he put thering into her hand that Faustus had given him, which she no soonertouched, but she fell presently in love with him, smiling at him in thedance, and many times winking at him, rolling her eyes, and in the endshe asked him if he could love her, and make her his wife. He gladlyanswered that he was content; whereupon they concluded, and were marriedby the means and help of Faustus, for which the gentleman well rewardedhim. 

CHAPTER LI. 

_How Dr. Faustus led his Friends into his Garden at Christmas, andshowed them many strange Sights, in the nineteenth Year. _

In December, about Christmas, in the city of Wittenburg, were many younggentlemen, which were come out of the country to be merry with theirfriends, amongst whom there were certain well acquainted with Dr. Faustus, who often invited them home unto his house. They being there on a certaintime, after dinner he had them into his garden, where they beheld allmanner of flowers and fresh herbs, and trees bearing fruit, and blossomsof all sorts; who wondered to see that his garden should so flourish atthat time, as in the midst of the summer, when abroad in the streets andall the country lay full of snow and ice; wherefore this was noted ofthem as a thing miraculous, every one gathering and carrying away allsuch things as they best liked, and so departed, delighted with theirsweet-smelling flowers. 

CHAPTER LII. 

_How Dr. Faustus gathered together a great Army of Men in his extremity, against a Knight that would have Conjured him on his own Journey. _

Dr. Faustus travelled towards Evzeleben, and when he was nigh half theway, he espied seven horsemen, and the chief of them he knew to be theknight with whom he had jested in the emperor's court, for he had lefta great pair of hart's horns upon his head; and when the knight now sawthat he had a fit opportunity to be revenged of Faustus, he ran uponhim, and those that were with him, to mischief himself, intendingprivily to slay him; which when Faustus espied, he vanished away into awood that was hard by them, but when the knight perceived that hewas vanished away, he caused his men to stand still; but where theyremained, they heard all manner of warlike instruments of music, asdrums, flutes, trumpets, and such like, and a certain troop of horsemenrunning towards them; then they turned another way, and were also met onthat side; then another way, and yet were freshly assaulted, so thatwhich way soever they turned themselves, they were encountered, insomuchthat when the knight perceived that he could escape no way, but that hisenemies lay on him which way soever he offered to fly, he took goodheart, and ran amongst the thickest, and thought with himself better todie than to live with so great infamy; therefore being at handy blowswith them, he demanded the cause why they should so use them? But noneof them would give him answer, until Dr. Faustus showed himself unto theknight; whereupon they enclosed him round, and Dr. Faustus said untohim, "Sir, yield your weapon and yourself, otherwise it will go hardwith you. "

The knight knew no other but that he was conjured with a host of men, whereas indeed they were none other but devils, yielded; then Faustustook away his sword, his piece, and horse, with all the rest of hiscompanions. And farther he said unto him: "Sir, the chiefest general ofour army hath commanded me to deal with you, according to the law ofarms; you shall depart in peace, whither you please. " And then he gavethe knight a horse, after the manner, and set him thereon, so he rode, the rest went on foot, until they came to their inn where he beingalighted, his page rode on his horse to the water, and presently thehorse vanished away, the page being almost sunk and drowned, but heescaped; and coming home, the knight perceiving the page to be bemired, and on foot, asked where his horse was; who answered, that he wasvanished away. Which when the knight heard, he said, "Of a truth this isFaustus his doing, for he serveth me now, as he did before at the court, only to make me a scorn and laughing-stock. "

CHAPTER LIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus used Mephistophiles, to bring him seven of the fairestWomen he could find in all the Countries he had travelled the twentyYears. _

When Dr. Faustus called to mind that his time from day to day drew nigh, he began to live a swinish and epicurish life. Wherefore he commandedhis spirit Mephistophiles to bring him seven of the fairest women thathe had seen in all the times of his travel; which being brought, heliked them so well that he continued with them in all manner of love, and made them to travel with him all his journeys. These women were twoNetherland, one Hungarian, one Scottish, two Walloon, one Franklander. And with these sweet personages he continued long, yea, even to his lastend. 

CHAPTER LIV. 

_How Dr. Faustus found a Mass of Money, when he had consumed twenty-twoof his Years. _

To the end that the devil would make Faustus his only heir, he showedunto him where he should go and find a mighty huge mass of money, andthat he should find it in an old chapel that was fallen down, half amile distance from Wittenburg. There he bade him to dig, and he shouldfind it, which he did; and having digged reasonable deep, he saw amighty huge serpent, which lay on the treasure itself; the treasureitself lay like a huge light burning; but Dr. Faustus charmed theserpent, that he crept into a hole, and when he digged deeper to get upthe treasure, he found nothing but coals of fire. There he also saw andheard many that were tormented; yet notwithstanding he brought away thecoals, and when he was come home, it was turned into silver and gold;and after his death it was found by his servant, which was almost, byestimation, one thousand guilders. 

CHAPTER LV. 

_How Dr. Faustus made the Spirit of fair Helena of Greece his ownParamour in his twenty-third Year. _

To the end that this miserable Faustus might fill the lust of his fleshand live in all manner of voluptuous pleasure, it came in his mind, after he had slept his first sleep, and in the twenty-third year pastof his time, that he had a great desire to lie with fair Helena ofGreece, especially her whom he had seen and shown unto the students atWittenburg; wherefore he called his spirit Mephistophiles, commandinghim to bring to him the fair Helena, which he also did. 

Whereupon he fell in love with her, and made her his common companion, for she was so beautiful and delightful that he could not be an hourfrom her; if he should therefore have suffered death, she had stolenaway his heart, and to his seeming in time she had child, whom Faustusnamed Justus Faustus. The child told Dr. Faustus many things which weredone in foreign countries, but in the end, when Faustus lost his life, the mother and the child vanished away both together. 

CHAPTER LVI. 

_How Dr. Faustus made his Will, in which he named his Servant Wagner tobe his Heir. _

Dr. Faustus was now in his twenty-fourth and last year, and he hada pretty stripling to his servant, which had studied also at theuniversity of Wittenburg. This youth was very well acquainted withhis knaveries and sorceries, so that he was hated as well for hisown knavery as also for his master's, for no man would give himentertainment into his service because of his unhappiness but Faustus. This Wagner was so well beloved of Faustus that he used him as his son, for do what he would, his master was always therewith contented. 

And then when the time drew nigh that Faustus should end, he called untohim a notary and certain masters, the which were his friends and oftenconversant with him, in whose presence he gave this Wagner his house andgarden. Item, he gave him in ready money sixteen thousand guilders. Item, one farm. Item, a gold chain, much plate, and other householdstuff, that gave he to his servant, and the rest of his time he meant tospend in inns and students' company, drinking and eating, with otherjollity. And thus he finished his will at that time. 

CHAPTER LVII. 

_How Dr. Faustus fell in talk with his Servant, touching his Testament, and the Covenants thereof. _

Now when this will was made, Dr. Faustus called unto his servant, saying, "I have thought upon thee in my testament, for that thou hastbeen a trusty servant unto me, and faithful, and hast not opened mysecrets. And yet farther, " said he, "ask of me before I die what thouwilt, and I will give it unto thee. "

His servant rashly answered, "I pray you, let me have your cunning. "

To which Dr. Faustus answered, "I have given thee all my books, uponthis condition, that thou wouldst not let them be common, but use themfor thy own pleasure, and study carefully in them; and dost thou alsodesire my cunning? That thou mayst peradventure have, if thou love andperuse my books well. "

"Farther, " said Dr. Faustus, "seeing that thou desirest of me thisrequest, I will resolve thee. My spirit Mephistophiles his time is outwith me, and I have nought to command him, as touching thee. Yet I willhelp thee to another if thou like well thereof. "

And within three days after he called his servant unto him, saying, "Artthou resolved? wouldst thou verily have a spirit? Then tell me in whatmanner or form thou wouldst have him. " To whom his servant answered thathe would have him in the form of an ape. Whereupon appeared presently aspirit unto him in manner and form of an ape, the which leaped about thehouse. 

Then said Faustus, "See, there thou hast thy request; but yet he willnot obey thee until I be dead, for when my spirit Mephistophiles shallfetch me away, then shall thy spirit be bound unto thee, if thou agree, and thy spirit shalt thou name Aberecock, for so he is called. Butall this upon a condition, that you publish my cunning and my merryconceits, with all that I have done (when I am dead) in an history, andif thou canst not remember all, the spirit Aberecock will help thee; soshall the acts that I have done be made manifest unto the world. "

CHAPTER LVIII. 

_How Dr. Faustus having but one Month of his appointed Time to come, fell to Mourning and Sorrowing with himself for his devilish exercise. _

Time ran away with Faustus, as the hour-glass; for he had but one monthto come of his twenty-four years, at the end whereof he had givenhimself to the devil, body and soul, as is before specified. Here wasthe first token, for he was like a taken murderer, or a thief, thewhich finding himself guilty in conscience before the judge has givensentence, fears every hour to die; for he was grieved, and in wailingspent the time, went talking to himself, wringing of his hands, sobbingand sighing. His flesh fell away, and he was very lean, and kept himselfclose; neither could he abide, see, or hear of his Mephistophiles anymore. 

CHAPTER LIX. 

_How Dr. Faustus complained that he should in his lusty Time, andyouthful Years, die so miserably. _

The sorrowful time drawing near, so troubled Dr. Faustus, that he beganto write his mind, to the end he might peruse it often and not forgetit, which was in manner as followeth:--"Ah! Faustus, thou sorrowful andwoeful man, now must thou go to the damnable company in unquenchablefire, whereas thou mightest have had the joyful immortality of thy soul, the which now thou hast lost! Ah! gross understanding and wilful will!What seizeth upon thy limbs, other than robbing of my life? Bewail withme, my sound and healthful body, will, and soul; bewail with me, mysenses, for you have had your part and pleasure as well as I. Oh! envyand disdain! How have you crept both at once upon me, and now for yoursakes I must suffer all these torments! Ah! whither is pity and mercyfled? Upon what occasion hath heaven repaid me with this reward, bysufferance, to suffer me to perish? Wherefore was I created a man? Thepunishment I see prepared for me of myself, now must I suffer. Ah!miserable wretch! There is nothing in this world to show me comfort!Then woe is me! What helpeth my wailing?"

CHAPTER LX. 

_How Dr. Faustus bewailed to think on Hell, and the miserable Painstherein provided for him. _

Now thou Faustus, damned wretch! how happy wert thou if, as an unreasonablebeast, thou mightest die with a soul? so shouldest thou not feel anymore doubts; but now the devil will take thee away, both body and soul, and set thee in an unspeakable place of darkness; for although othersouls have rest and peace, yet I, poor damned wretch, must suffer allmanner of filthy stench, pains, cold, hunger, thirst, heat, freezing, burning, hissing, gnashing, and all the wrath and curse of God; yea, all the creatures God hath created are enemies to me. And too late Iremember that my spirit Mephistophiles did once tell me there was greatdifference amongst the damned, for the greater the sin the greater thetorment; as the twigs of a tree make greater flames than the trunkthereof, and yet the trunk continueth longer in burning, even so themore that a man is rooted in sin, the greater is his punishment. Ah!thou perpetual damned wretch! how art thou thrown into the everlastingfiery lake that shall never be quenched! there must I dwell in allmanner of wailing, sorrow, misery, pain, torment, grief, howling, sighing, sobbing, running at the eyes, stinking at the nose, gnashing ofteeth, snare to the ears, horror to the conscience, and shaking both ofhand and foot? Ah! that I could carry the heavens upon my shoulders, sothat there were time at last to quit me of this everlasting damnation. Oh! what can deliver me out of the fearful tormenting flame, the which Isee prepared for me? Oh! there is no help, nor can any man deliver me;nor my wailing of sins can help me; neither is there rest for me to befound day or night! Ah! woe is me! for there is no help for me, noshield, no defence, no comfort; where is my help? Knowledge dare I nottrust; and for a soul to Godwards, that have I not, for I ashame tospeak unto him; if I do, no answer shall be made me; but he will hidehis face from me, to the end that I should not behold the joys of thechosen. What mean I then to complain, where no help is? No, I know nohope resteth in my groanings; I had desired it would be so, and God hathsaid, Amen, to my misdoings; for now I must have shame to comfort me inmy calamities. 

CHAPTER LXI. 

_Here followeth the Miserable and Lamentable End of Doctor Faustus, bywhich all Christians may take an Example and Warning. _

The full time of Dr. Faustus, his four-and-twenty years being come, hisspirit appeared unto him, giving him his writing again, and commandinghim to make preparation, for that the devil would fetch him against acertain time appointed. 

Dr. Faustus mourned and sighed wonderfully, and never went to bed, norslept a wink for sorrow. 

Wherefore his spirit appeared again, comforting him, and saying: "MyFaustus, be not thou so cowardly minded; for although thou lovest thybody, it is long unto the day of judgment, and thou must die at thelast, although thou live many thousand years. The Turks, the Jews, andmany an unchristian emperor are in the same condemnation; therefore, myFaustus, be of good courage, and be not discomforted, for the devil hathpromised that thou shalt not be in pains, as the rest of the damnedare. " This and such like comfort he gave him, for he told him false, andagainst the saying of the Holy Scriptures. 

Yet Dr. Faustus, that had no other expectation but to pay his debt, withhis own skin, went (on the same day that his spirit said the devil wouldfetch him) unto his trusty and dearly beloved brethren and companions, as masters and bachelors of art, and other students more, the which didoften visit him at his house in merriment; these he intreated that theywould walk into the village called Rimlich, half a mile from Wittenburg, and that they would there take with him for their repast a smallbanquet; the which they agreed unto; so they went together, and thereheld their dinner in a most sumptuous manner. 

Dr. Faustus with them, dissemblingly was merry, but not from the heart;wherefore he requested them that they would also take part of his rudesupper, the which they agreed unto; "for, " quoth he, "I must tell youwhat is the victualler's due;" and when they slept (for drink was intheir heads) then Dr. Faustus paid the shot, and bound the students andmasters to go with him into another room, for he had many wonderfulmatters to tell them; and when they were entered the room, as herequested, Dr. Faustus said unto them as followeth:

CHAPTER LXII. 

_An Oration of Dr. Faustus to the Students. _

"My trusty and well-beloved friends, the cause why I have invited you inthis place is this: forasmuch as you have known me these many years, what manner of life I have lived; practising all manner of conjurationsand wicked exercises, the which I obtained through the help of thedevil, into whose devilish fellowship they have brought me; the whichuse, the art, and practice, urged by the detestable provocation of myflesh and my stiff-necked and rebellious will, with my filthy infernalthoughts, the which were ever before me, pricking me forward soearnestly that I must perforce have the consent of the devil to aid mein my devices. And to the end I might the better bring my purpose topass, to have the devil's aid and furtherance, which I never have wantedin my actions, I have promised unto him at the end, and accomplishmentof twenty-four years, both body and soul, to do therewith at hispleasure. 

"This dismal day, these twenty-four years are fully expired; for nightbeginning, my hour-glass is at an end, the direful finishing whereof Icarefully expect; for out of all doubt, this night he will fetch me towhom I have given myself in recompense of his service, body and soul, and twice confirmed writings with my proper blood. 

"Now have I called you, my well-beloved lords, friends and brethren, before that fatal hour, to take my friendly farewell, to the end that mydeparture may not hereafter be hidden from you, beseeching you herewith(courteous loving lords and brethren) not to take in evil part anythingdone by me, but with friendly commendations to salute all my friends andcompanions wheresoever, desiring both you and them, if ever I havetrespassed against your minds in anything, that you would heartilyforgive me; and as for those lewd practices, the which these fulltwenty-four years I have followed, you shall hereafter find them inwriting: and I beseech you let this my lamentable end, to the residueof your lives, be a sufficient warning, that you have God alwaysbefore your eyes, praying unto him, that he will defend you from thetemptation of the devil, and all his false deceits, not fallingaltogether from God, as I wretched and ungodly damned creature havedone; having denied and defied baptism, the sacrament of Christ's body, God himself, and heavenly powers, and earthly men: yea, I have deniedsuch a God, that desireth not to have one lost. Neither let the evilfellowship of wicked companions mislead you, as it hath done me: visitearnestly and often the church; war and strive continually against thedevil, with a good and steadfast belief in God and Jesus Christ, and useyour vocation and holiness. 

"Lastly, to knit my troubled oration, this is my friendly request, thatyou would go to rest, and let nothing trouble you: also if you chance tohear any noise or rumbling about the house, be not therewith afraid, forthere shall no evil happen unto you; also I pray you rise not out ofyour beds; but above all things, I intreat you, if hereafter you find mydead carcass, convey it unto the earth, for I die both a good and badChristian, though I know the devil will have my body, and that would Iwillingly give him, so that he would leave my soul to quiet; wherefore Ipray you, that you would depart to bed, and so I wish you a quiet night, which unto me, notwithstanding, shall be horrible and fearful. "

This oration was made by Dr. Faustus, and that with a hearty and resolutemind, to the end he might not discomfort them; but the students wonderedgreatly thereat, that he was so blinded, for knavery, conjuration, andsuch foolish things, to give his body and soul unto the devil, for theyloved him entirely, and never suspected any such thing, before he hadopened his mind unto them. 

Wherefore one of them said unto him, "Ah! friend Faustus, what have youdone to conceal this matter so long from us? We would by the help ofgood divines, and the grace of God, have brought you out of this net, and have torn you out of the bondage and chains of Satan, whereas wefear now it is too late, to the utter ruin both of body and soul. "

Dr. Faustus answered, "I durst never do it, although often minded tosettle myself to godly people, to desire counsel and help; and once myold neighbour counselled me, that I should follow his learning, andleave all my conjurations: yet when I was minded to amend, and to followthat good counsel, then came the devil, and would have had me away, asthis night he is like to do: and said, so soon as I turned again to God, he would dispatch me altogether. Thus, even thus (good gentlemen anddear friends) was I inthralled in that fanatical bond, all good desiresdrowned, all piety vanished, all purposes of amendment truly exiled, bythe tyrannous oppression of my deadly enemy. "

But when the students heard his words, they gave him counsel to donothing else but call upon God, desiring him, for the love of his sweetSon Jesus Christ his sake, to have mercy upon him: teaching him thisform of prayer: "O God! be merciful unto me, poor and miserable sinner;and enter not into judgment with me, for no flesh is able to standbefore thee; although, O Lord! I must leave my sinful body unto thedevil, being by him deluded, yet thou in mercy may preserve my soul. "

This they repeated to him, yet he could take no hold; but even as Cain, he also said, that his sins were greater than God was able to forgive, for all his thought was on the writing: he meant he had made it toofilthy in writing with his own blood. 

The students and the others that were there, when they had prayed forhim, they wept, and so went forth. But Faustus tarried in the hall; andwhen the gentlemen were laid in bed, none of them could sleep, for thatthey attended to hear if they might be privy of his end. 

It happened that between twelve and one o'clock of midnight, there blewa mighty storm of wind against the house, as though it would have blownthe foundation thereof out of its place. 

Hereupon the students began to fear, and go out of their beds, but theywould not stir out of the chamber, and the host of the house ran out ofdoors, thinking the house would fall. 

The students lay near unto the hall wherein Dr. Faustus lay, and theyheard a mighty noise and hissing, as if the hall had been full of snakesand adders. With that the hall door flew open wherein Dr. Faustus was. Then he began to cry for help, saying, "Murder, murder!" but it was witha half voice, and very hollow. Shortly after they heard him no more. 

But when it was day, the students, that had taken no rest that night, arose and went into the hall in which they left Dr. Faustus, wherenotwithstanding they found not Faustus, but all the hall sprinkled withblood, the brains cleaving to the wall, for the devil had beaten himfrom one wall against another. In one corner lay his eyes, in anotherhis teeth, a fearful and pitiful sight to behold. 

Then began the students to wail and weep for him, and sought for hisbody in many places. Lastly, they came into the yard, where they foundhis body lying on the horse dung, most monstrously torn, and fearful tobehold, for his head and all his joints were dashed to pieces. Theforenamed students and masters that were at his death, obtained so much, that they buried him in the village where he was so grievouslytormented. 

After the which they turned to Wittenburg, and coming into the house ofFaustus they found the servant of Faustus very sad, unto whom theyopened all the matter, who took it exceedingly heavy. There they foundthis history of Dr. Faustus noted, and of him written, as is beforedeclared, all save only his end, the which was after by the studentsthereunto annexed. Farther, what his servant noted thereof was made inanother book. And you have heard he held by him, in his life, the spiritof fair Helena, who had by him one son, the which he named JustusFaustus: even the same day of his death they vanished away, both motherand son. The house before was so dark that scarce anybody could abidetherein. The same night Dr. Faustus appeared unto his servant lively, and showed unto him many secret things which he had done and hidden inhis lifetime. Likewise there were certain which saw Dr. Faustus look outof the window by night as they passed by the house. 

And thus ended the whole history of Dr. Faustus, his conjuration, andother acts that he did in his life, out of which example every Christianmay learn, but chiefly the stiff-necked and high-minded, may therebylearn to fear God, and to be careful of their vocation, and to be atdefiance with all devilish works, as God hath most precisely forbidden. To the end we should not invite the devil as a guest, nor give himplace, as that wicked Faustus hath done, for here we have a wickedexample of his writing, promise, and end, that we may remember him, thatwe may not go astray, but take God always before our eyes, to call aloneupon him, and to honour him all the days of our life, with heart andhearty prayer, and with all our strength and soul to glorify his holyname, defying the devil and all his works; to the end we may remain withChrist in all endless joy. Amen, amen. That wish I to every Christianheart, and God's name be glorified. Amen. 

THE END. 

FOOTNOTES

 1: The names of four of these cities were--Ubeda, Abela, Baeza, and Granada. 

 2: There is another ballad which represents Gayferos, now grown to be a man, as coming in the disguise of a pilgrim to his mother's house, and slaying his stepfather with his own hand. The Countess is only satisfied as to his identity by the circumstance of _the finger_--

 El dedo bien es aqueste, aqui lo vereys faltar La condesa que esto oyera empezole de abraçar. 

 3: Sansueña is the ancient name of Zaragoza. 

 4: The arms of Leon. 

 5: The arms of Castile. 

 6: The arms of France. 

 7: "Per ecclesias proclamare fecit. " This may either mean that a notice was fastened to the church door, or given out from the pulpit. The last is most probable. 

 8: As these are probably the only verses on record of the devil's composition (at least, so well authenticated), I transcribe them for the information of the curious. 

 "Nexus ovem binam, per spinam traxit equinam; Læsus surgit equus, pendet utrumque pecus. Ad molendinum, pondus portabat equinum, Dispergendo focum, se cremat atque locum. Custodes aberant; singula damna ferant. "

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE

Contemporary spellings have been retained even where inconsistent;missing punctuation has been silently added. The following additionalchanges have been made to the text:

 let it brought before these Sees let it be brought before these Sees

 Durenda Durendal

 Thou till shouldst prop Thou still shouldst prop