The Works of Christopher Marlowe

Dr. Faustus (A Text)


Act: 2 Scene: 10
My gracious sovereign, though I must confess myself far inferior to the report men have published, and nothing answerable to the honour of your imperial majesty, yet for that love and duty binds me thereunto, I am content to do whatsoever your majesty shalt command me.
My gracious lord, I am ready to accomplish your request so far forth as by art, and power of my Spirit, I am able to perform.
But, if it like your grace, it is not in my ability to present before your eyes the true substantial bodies of those two deceased princes, which long since are consumed to dust.
But such spirits as can lively resemble Alexander and his paramour shalt appear before your grace in that manner that they both lived in, in their most flourishing estate; which I doubt not shalt sufficiently content your imperial majesty.
How then, sir?
No, sir, but when Actaeon died, he left the horns for you. Mephistophilis, begone.
[Exit MEPHISTOPHILIS.
I'll meet with you anon for interrupting me so. Here they are, my gracious lord.
Re-enter MEPHISTOPHILIS with Spirits in the shaft of ALEXANDER and his Paramour.
Your highness may boldly go and see.
Will't please your highness now to send for the Knight that was so pleasant with me here of late?
O, not so fast, sir; there's no haste; but, good, are you remembered how you crossed me in my conference with the Emperor? 1 think I have met with you for it.
My gracious lord, not so much for the injury he offered me here in your presence, as to delight you with some mirth, hath Faustus worthily requited this injurious Knight: which, being all I desire, I am content to release him of his horns: and, Sir Knight, here-after speak well of scholars. Mephistophilis, transform htm straight. [MEPHISTOPHILIS removes the horns.] Now, my good lord, having done my duty I humbly take my leave.