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The Works of Christopher Marlowe

Dr. Faustus (B Text)

Act: 4 Scene: 2

Wonder of men, renowned magician,

Thrice-learned Faustus, welcome to our court

This deed of thine in setting Bruno free

From his and our professed enemy

Shall add more excellence unto thine art,

Than if by powerful necromantic spells,

Thou could'st command the world's obedience,

Forever be beloved of Carolus.

And if this Bruno thou hast late redeemed

In peace possess the triple diadem,

And sit in Peter's chair, despite of chance,

Thou shalt be famous through all Italy,

And honoured of the German Emperor.

Then, Faustus, as thou late did'st promise us

We would behold that famous conquerour,

Great Alexander, and his paramour,

In their true shapes and state majestical,

That we may wonder at their excellence.

Be it as Faustus please; we are content.

O, pardon me, my thoughts are so ravished

With sight of this renowned Emperor,

That in mine arms I would have compassed him.

But, Faustus, since I may not speak to them,

To satisfy my longing thoughts at full,

Let me this tell thee: I have heard it said

That this fair lady, whil'st she lived on earth,

Had on her neck a little wart or mole.

How may I prove that saying to be true?

Faustus, I see it plain,

And in this sight thou better pleasest me

Than if I gained another monarchy.

O, wondrous sight. See, Duke of Saxony,

Two spreading horns most strangely fastened

Upon the head of young Benvolio.

This sport is excellent. We'll call and wake him.

What ho, Benvolio!

I blame thee not to sleep much, having such a head

of thine own.

Nay, and thy horns hold; no matter for thy

head, for that's armed sufficiently.

Then good Master Doctor,

Let me entreat you to remove his horns;

He has done penance now sufficiently.

Come, Faustus, while the Emperor lives,

In recompense of this thy high desert,

Thou shalt command the state of Germany,

And live beloved of mighty Carolus. Exeunt omnes.