and to know if he could obtain so
much of his lord: "Therefore speak farther, that I may do thy whole
desire to my prince; for it is not in my power to fulfil without his
leave."

"Show me the cause why?" said Faustus.

The spirit answered Faustus: "Thou shalt understand, that with us it is
even as well a kingdom as with you on earth; yea, we have our rulers and
servants, as I myself am one; and we have our whole number the legion,
for although that Lucifer is thrust and fallen out of heaven, through
his pride and high mind, yet he hath notwithstanding a legion of devils
at his command, that we call the Oriental Princes, for his power is
infinite; also there is a power in meridie, in septentrio, in occidente,
and for that Lucifer hath his kingdom under heaven; we must change and
give ourselves to men, to serve them at their pleasure. It is also
certain, 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 given
any man any gift, or learned him anything, except he promise to be
ours."

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

The spirit answered: "Then shalt thou want thy desire, and yet art thou
mine 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's
farewell, and Crisman with thee; yet I conjure thee, that thou be here
at evening, and bethink thyself of what I have asked thee; ask thy
prince's counsel therein."

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

CHAPTER IV.

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

Faustus continued in his devilish cogitations, never moving out of the
place 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 authority
from his prince, to do whatsoever he would request; if so be Faustus
would promise to be his. "This answer I bring