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CHAP. XIII.
How Dr Faustus began to bethink himself of ⟨the⟩ near approach of his end
Faustus having spun out his twenty-four ⟨years⟩ within a month or two, began to consider ⟨what he⟩ should do to cheat the devil, but could not ⟨find⟩ any way to prevent his miserable end, which ⟨was⟩ now near; whereupon he thus cries out to ⟨himself⟩, O miserable wretch that I am! I have ⟨given⟩ myself to the devil for a few years pleasure ⟨to⟩ satisfy my carnal and devilish desires, and ⟨now I⟩ must pay full dear; now must I have ⟨torment⟩ without any ease; woe is me, for there is no (illegible text) for me; I dare not, I cannot look for mercy ⟨from⟩ God; for I have abandoned him, and have ⟨sold⟩ myself to the devil, to be his for ever; and (illegible text) my time is almost expired; I have had ⟨my desires⟩; my filthy lusts I have satisfied, and I ⟨must⟩ be tormented for ever and ever.
A neighbour of his, a godly old man, ⟨heard⟩ of his way of living, in compassion to his (illegible text) came to him, and with tears besought him to (illegible text) more regard to his precious soul, laying before him the promise of God’s grace and mercy, ⟨he⟩ offered to repenting sinners, and spoke so ⟨feelingly⟩, that Faustus shed tears and promised to t(illegible text) repent. This good man was no sooner ⟨gone than⟩ Mephostophiles found him pensive on his bed, (illegible text) muttering what had happened, began to appr(illegible text) him with breach of covenant to his lord ⟨Lucifer⟩ and thereupon almost twisted his neck ⟨round⟩ threatening him so dreadfully, that through fe(illegible text) confirmed all that he had done before.
