ustus into his privy-chamber; where being come, he
said unto him: "Faustus, I have heard much of thee, that thou art
excellent in the black art, and none like thee in my empire; for men say
that thou hast a familiar spirit with thee, and that thou canst do what
thou list. It is, therefore," said the emperor, "my request of thee that
thou let me see proof of thy experience, and I vow unto thee, by the
honour of my imperial crown, none evil shall happen unto thee for so
doing."

Hereupon Dr. Faustus answered his Majesty, that upon those conditions he
was ready in anything that he could to do his highness's command in what
service he could appoint him.

"Well, hear then what I say," quoth the emperor. "Being once solitary
in my house, I called to mind my elders and ancestors, how it was
possible for them to attain to so great a degree and authority, yea, so
high, that we, the successors of that line, are not able to come near.
As for example, the great and mighty monarch of the world, Alexander
Magnus, was such a pattern and spectacle to all his successors, as the
chronicles make mention of, having so great riches, conquering and
subduing so many kingdoms, the which I and those that follow me (I fear)
shall never be able to attain unto; wherefore, Faustus, my hearty desire
is that thou wouldst vouchsafe to let me see that Alexander and his
paramour, the which was praised to be so fair; and I pray thee show me
them in such sort that I may see their personages, shapes, gesture and
apparel, as they used in their lifetime, and that here before my face,
to that end that I may say, I have my long desire fulfilled, and to
praise thee to be a famous man in thy art and experience."

Dr. Faustus answered: "My most excellent lord, I am ready to accomplish
your request in all things, so far forth as I and my spirit are able to
perform; yet your Majesty shall know that their dead bodies are not able
substantially to be brought before you; but such spirits as have seen
Alexander and his paramour alive shall appear unto you in manner and
form as they both lived in their most flourishing time, and herewith I
hope to please your imperial Majesty." Then Faustus went a little aside
and spoke to his spirit, but he returned again presently, saying, "Now,
if it please your Majesty, you shall see them, yet upon this condition,
that you demand no question of them, nor speak unto them;" which the
emperor agreed unto.

Whereupon Dr. Faustus ope