g, when it occurred to
him that that was a fit place for executing his design. He stopped at a
solitary spot where four roads met, and made use of his wand to mark out a
large circle, and then two small ones within the larger. In one of these
he fixed himself, appropriating the other for the use of his expected
visitor. He went over the precise range of charms and incantations,
omitting nothing. It was now dark night, between the ninth and tenth
hours. The devil manifested himself by the usual signs of his appearance.
"Wherefore am I called?" said he, "and what is it that you demand?" "I
require," rejoined Faustus, "that you should sedulously attend unto me,
answer my inquiries, and fulfil my behests."

Immediately upon Faustus pronouncing these words, there followed a tumult
overhead, as if heaven and earth were coming together. The trees in their
topmost branches bended to their very roots. It seemed as if the whole
forest were peopled with devils, making a crash like a thousand wagons,
hurrying to the right and left, before and behind, in every possible
direction, with thunder and lightning, and the continual discharge of
great cannon. Hell appeared to have emptied itself to have furnished the
din. There succeeded the most charming music from all sorts of
instruments, and sounds of hilarity and dancing. Next came a report as of
a tournament, and the clashing of innumerable lances. This lasted so long,
that Faustus was many times about to rush out of the circle in which he
had inclosed himself, and to abandon his preparations. His courage and
resolution, however, got the better; and he remained immovable. He pursued
his incantations without intermission. Then came to the very edge of the
circle a griffin first, and next a dragon, which in the midst of his
enchantments grinned at him horribly with his teeth, but finally fell down
at his feet, and extended his length to many a rood. Faustus persisted.
Then succeeded a sort of fireworks, a pillar of fire, and a man on fire at
the top, who leaped down; and there immediately appeared a number of
globes here and there red-hot, while the man on fire went and came to
every part of the circle for a quarter of an hour. At length the devil
came forward in the shape of a gray monk, and asked Faustus what he
wanted. Faustus adjourned their further conference, and appointed the
devil to comes to him at his lodging.

He in the mean time busied himself in the necessary preparations.