_How Doctor Faustus set his blood in a saucer on warm ashes, and writ as followeth_ I, Johannes Faustus, Doctor, do openly acknowledge with mine own hand, to the greater force and strengthening of this Letter, that siththence I began to study and speculate the course and order 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 desires: and for that I find, that men are unable to instruct me any farther in the matter, now have I Doctor John Faustus, unto the hellish prince of Orient and his messenger Mephostophiles, given both body and soul, upon such condition, that they shall learn me, and fulfil my desire in all things, as they have promised and vowed unto me, with due obedience unto me, according unto the Articles mentioned between us. Further, I 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 meantime, 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 them full 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 lives; and again I say it, and it shall be so. And to the more strengthening of this writing, I have written it with mine 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 Mephostophiles came for his writing, and in what manner he appeared, and his sights he shewed him: and how he caused him to keep a copy of his own writing_ Doctor Faustus sitting pensive, having but one only boy with him, suddenly there appeared his Spirit Mephostophiles, in likeness of a fiery man, from whom issued most horrible fiery flames, in so much that the boy was afraid, but being hardened by his master, he bade him stand still and he should have no harm: the Spirit began to blare as in a singing manner. This pretty sport pleased Doctor Faustus well, but he would not call his Spirit into his Counting house, until he had seen more: anon was heard a rushing of armed men, and trampling of horses: this ceasing, came a kennel of hounds, and they chased a great Hart in the hall, and there the Hart was slain. Faustus took heart, came forth, and looked upon the Hart, but presently before him there was a Lion and a Dragon together fighting, so fiercely, that Faustus thought they would have brought down the house, but the Dragon overcame the Lion, and so they vanished.