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The Works of Christopher Marlowe

Dr. Faustus (B Text)

Act: 1 Scene: 3

Now, Faustus, what would'st thou have me do?

I am a servant to great Lucifer,

And may not follow thee without his leave.

No more than he commands must we perform.

No, I came now hither of mine owe accord.

That was the cause, but yet per accidens;

For when we hear one rack the name of God,

Abjure the scriptures, and his Savior Christ,

We fly in hope to get his glorious soul;

Nor will we come, unless he use such means

Whereby he is in danger to be damned.

Therefore the shortest cut for conjuring

Is stoutly to abjure all godliness

And pray devoutly to the Prince of Hell.

Arch-regent and commander of all spirits.

Yes, Faustus, and most dearly loved of God.

O, by aspiring pride and insolence,

For which God threw him from the face of heaven.

Unhappy spirits that live with Lucifer,

Conspired against our God with Lucifer,

And are for ever damned with Lucifer.

In hell.

Why this is hell, nor am I out of it.

Think'st thou that I that saw the face of God

And tasted the eternal joys of heaven

Am not tormented with ten thousand hells,

In being deprived of everlasting bliss?

O, Faustus, leave these frivolous demands,

Which strike a terror to my fainting soul.

I will, Faustus. Exit.