23
thought it might have been prevented. He told them he had a desire several times to have disclosed this intrigue; but the devil told him, that if he did, he would presently fetch him away; he also told them, he had a desire to join with the godly, and to leave off that wicked course; but immediately the devil used to come and torment him, &c. “ But now, saith Faustus, it is but in vain for me to talk of what I did intend, for I have sold myself to the devil, body and soul is his.” No sooner had he spoken these words, but suddenly it fell a thundering and lightening, the like was never heard; whereupon Faustus went into the great hall, the doctors and masters staying in the next room, intending to hear his end. About twelve o’clock the house shook so terribly that they thought it would have been down upon them, and suddenly the house windows were broken to pieces, so that they trembled and wished themselves elsewhere whereupon a great clap of thunder, with a whirlwind the doors flew open, and a mighty rushing of wind entered with the hissing of serpents, shrieks and cries, upon which he lamentably cried out, Murder, and there was such roaring in the hall as if all the devils in hell had been there. When daylight appeared, they took the boldness to enter into the room, and found his brains beaten out
