THE SOUND OF CHURCH BELLS
EXT. UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS – GRADUATION DAY
FAUSTUS, in full academic regalia, at the centre of a big crowd: UNIVERSITY DIGNITARIES in their academic robes, GRADUATING STUDENTS, PARENTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, etc.
FAUSTUS performs his duties, shakes hands with all he comes across. Tumult. No one can a word he says.
FAUSTUS
(shaking hands with a set of PARENTS)
Now, Faustus, must thou needs be damned
And canst thou not be saved?
What boots it, then, to think of God or heaven?
Away with such vain fancies and despair —
Despair in God and trust in Beelzebub.
Now go not backward, no!
Faustus, be resolute, why waverest thou?
All line up for a GROUP PHOTOGRAPH. FAUSTUS stands with
his STUDENTS.
FAUSTUS
Oh, something sounded in mine ears:
(mimics GOOD ANGEL)
“Abjure this magic, turn to God again!”
Ay, and Faustus will turn to God again.
To God? He loves me not.
FLASH!!!! FLASH!!!! PARENTS and PRESS take photographs.
The STUDENTS throw their CAPS in the air.
FAUSTUS shakes hands with TWO PRIESTS.
FAUSTUS
The God I serve is mine own appetite,
Wherein is fixed the love of Beelzebub.
They don’t hear him. They smile and nod.
FAUSTUS
To him I’ll build an altar and a church
And offer lukewarm blood of newborn babes.
The GOOD ANGEL appears in the sky above.
GOOD ANGEL
Sweet Faustus, leave that execrable art.
The EVIL ANGEL, as a spider, slides down a thread, and dangles
next to his head.
EVIL ANGEL
Go forward, Faustus, in that famous art.
GRADUATION happy pandemonium around him.
FAUSTUS
Contrition, prayer, repentance, what of them?
GOOD ANGEL
Oh, they are means to bring you unto heaven!
EVIL ANGEL
Rather illusions, fruits of lunacy,
That makes men foolish that do trust them most.
GOOD ANGEL
Sweet Faustus, think of heaven and heavenly things.
EVIL ANGEL
No, Faustus, think of honour and wealth!
FAUSTUS, his face transfixed, pushes aside a celebrating STUDENT, who looks after him with surprise.
FAUSTUS
Of WEALTH!
CRANE UP – FAUSTUS elbows his way through the CELEBRATING THRONG.
ON THE STREET
FAUSTUS hurries back to his rooms, past the REPORTER.
She speaks, microphone in hand, to the CAMERA.
REPORTER
So, swollen with cunning, of a self-conceit,
His waxen wings may mount above his reach
Will melting heavens conspire his overthrow?
For falling to a devilish exercise,
And glutted more with learning’s golden gifts,
He surfeits upon cursed necromancy.
Nothing so sweet as MAGIC is to him!
CUT TO —
EXT. THE CLOCK TOWER
The CLOCK shows TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT.
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY
FAUSTUS paces the study as the clock chimes midnight.
FAUSTUS
When Mephistophilis shall stand by me,
What God can hurt me? Faustus, thou art safe;
Cast no more doubts. Come, Mephistophilis,
And bring glad tidings from great Lucifer.
Is’t not midnight? Come, Mephistophilis!
The clock finishes its chime.
MEPHISTOPHILIS appears.
FAUSTUS
Now tell me what says Lucifer, thy lord?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
That I shall wait on Faustus whilst he lives,
So he will buy my services with his soul.
FAUSTUS
Already Faustus hath hazarded that for thee.
MEPHISTOPHILIS comes close, puts his hand on his arm.
FAUSTUS involuntarily shudders and shrinks back.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
But, Faustus, thou must bequeath it solemnly
And write a deed of gift with thine own blood;
For that security craves great Lucifer.
If thou deny it, I will back to hell.
MEPHISTOPHILIS makes as if to go.
FAUSTUS hesitates, forces himself to stop MEPHISTOPHILIS by laying his hand on his arm.
FAUSTUS
Stay, Mephistophilis, and tell me, what good
Will my soul do thy lord.
MEPHISTOPHILIS takes out his cigarette case, and, shrugging,
lights himself a cigarette.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Enlarge his kingdom.
FAUSTUS
Is that the reason why he tempts us thus?
MEPHISTOPHILIS laughs at this.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Misery loves company.
FAUSTUS
Why, have you any pain, that torture others?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
As great as have the human souls of men.
MEPHISTOPHILIS is impatient with this line of thought.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
But tell me, Faustus, shall I have thy soul??
And I will be thy slave, and wait on thee,
And tell thee more than thou hast wit to ask.
FAUSTUS hesitates. Then takes the plunge.
FAUSTUS
Ay, Mephistophilis, I give it thee.
MEPHISTOPHILIS takes a PENKNIFE from FAUSTUS’ DESK.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Then, Faustus, stab thy arm courageously,
And bind thy soul that at some certain day
Great Lucifer may claim it as his own,
And then be thou as great as Lucifer.
FAUSTUS takes the PENKNIFE and nerves himself.
FAUSTUS
Lo, Mephistophilis, for love of thee
(stabs his arm with the knife)
I cut mine arm, and with my proper blood
Assure my soul to be great Lucifer’s,
Chief lord and regent of perpetual night.
View here the blood that trickles from mine arm
And let it be propitious for my wish!
MEPHISTOPHILIS produces a QUILL PEN and PAPER from one pocket.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
But, Faustus, thou must
Write it in manner of a deed of gift.
FAUSTUS, reckless, takes them, dips the pen in his own blood,
and writes.
FAUSTUS
Ay, so I will.
He dips the pen again. Frowns.
FAUSTUS
But Mephistophilis —
My blood congeals and I can write no more.
MEPHISTOPHILIS, anxious to get the deal done, inspects his arm.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
I’ll fetch thee fire to dissolve it straight.
From his other pocket, he produces a HANDFUL OF GLOWING COALS.
FAUSTUS
What might the staying of my blood portend?
Is it unwilling I should write this bill?
Why streams it not, that I might write afresh?
“Faustus gives to thee his soul” — ah, here it stayed.
Why shouldst I not? Is not my soul my own?
Then write again: “Faustus gives to thee his soul.”
MEPHISTOPHILIS listens to this with impatient contempt.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Here’s fire; come, Faustus, set it on.
He waves the coals under FAUSTUS’ wound
FAUSTUS
So: now the blood begins to clear again;
Now will I make an end immediately.
He writes.
MEPHISTOPHILIS is disgusted with himself
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Oh, what will not I do to obtain his soul?
FAUSTUS
Consummatum est. This bill is ended,
And Faustus hath bequeathed his soul to Lucifer.
But what is this inscription on mine arm?
“Man, fly!” Whither should I fly?
If unto God, he’ll throw me down to hell.
My senses are deceived; here’s nothing writ.
I see it plain: here in this place is writ
“Man, fly!” Yet shall not Faustus fly.
MEPHISTOPHILIS hurries to put an end to this waffling.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
I’ll fetch him something to delight his mind.
THE SOUND OF MOTORCYCLES.
FAUSTUS looks up.
A SHOWER OF GOLD falls down on him.
ANGLE ON
TWO HANDSOME YOUNG DEVILS in BLACK LEATHER MOTORCYCLE GEAR appearing on either side of MEPHISTOPHILIS.
They hold an expensive set of clothes, including a BLACK LEATHER JACKET and MOTORCYCLE BOOTS.
With a snap of his fingers, MEPHISTOPHILIS causes the clothes to appear on FAUSTUS.
The TWO DEVILS disappear to the FURTHER ROAR OF MOTORCYCLES.
FAUSTUS
Speak, Mephistophilis, what means this show?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Nothing, Faustus, but to delight thy mind withal
And to show thee what magic can perform.
FAUSTUS admires his new leather jacket and boots.
FAUSTUS
But may I raise up spirits when I please?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Ay, Faustus, and do greater things than these.
FAUSTUS hurries to sign the bond.
MEPHISTOPHILIS watches with contempt a creature so easily bought.
FAUSTUS
Then there’s enough for a thousand souls.
Here, Mephistophilis, receive this scroll,
FAUSTUS
A deed of gift of body and soul;
But yet conditionally that thou perform
All articles prescribed between us both.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Faustus, I swear by hell and Lucifer
To effect all promises between us made.
FAUSTUS
Then hear me read them:
(reads the BOND)
“On these conditions following:
First, that Faustus may be a spirit in form and substance.
Secondly, that Mephistophilis shall be his servant and
at his command.
Thirdly, that Mephistophilis shall do for him, and bring
him whatsoever.
Fourthly, that he shall be in his chamber or house
invisible.
Lastly, that he shall appear to the said John Faustus
at all times, in what form or shape soever
he please.
I, John Faustus of Wittenberg, Doctor, by these presents
do give both body and soul to Lucifer,
Prince of the East, and his minister
Mephistophilis, and furthermore grant unto
them, that twenty-four years being expired
the articles above written inviolate, full
power to fetch or carry the said John
Faustus body and soul, flesh, blood, or
goods, into their habitation, wheresoever.
By me, John Faustus.”
Pause.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Speak, Faustus, do you deliver this as your deed?
Pause again.
FAUSTUS
Ay, take it, and the Devil give thee good on’t.
MEPHISTOPHILIS takes the SIGNED BOND.
He tears off a CARBON RECEIPT, and, handing it to FAUSTUS, carefully pockets the original.
MEPHISTOPHILIS snaps his fingers and the study vanishes —
— and becomes —
EXT. A ROCKY PRECIPICE IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE
A MILLION STARS shine overhead.
FAUSTUS looks up, amazed.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Now, Faustus, ask what thou wilt.
FAUSTUS
First will I question with thee about hell.
Tell me, where is the place that men call hell?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Under the heavens.
FAUSTUS
Ay, but whereabouts?
MEPHISTOPHILIS sighs at his slowness.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Within the bowels of these elements,
Where we are tortured and remain forever.
Hell hath no limits, nor is circumscribed
In one self place, for where we are is hell,
And where hell is there must we ever be;
And, to conclude, when all the world dissolves,
And every creature shall be purified,
All places shall be hell that are not heaven.
FAUSTUS, throughout this answer, practices his newfound powers. He finds that with a wave of his hand, he can make a star fall.
He is pleased with himself.
FAUSTUS
Come, I think hell’s a fable.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Ay, think so, till experience change thy mind.
FAUSTUS
(surprised)
Why, thinkst thou then that Faustus shall be damned?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(with exaggerated patience)
Ay, of necessity, for here’s the scroll
(waves the BOND)
Wherein thou hast given thy soul to Lucifer.
FAUSTUS, with a gesture, makes a METEOR SHOWER appear.
He is distracted by this.
FAUSTUS
Ay, and body, too, but what of that?
Thinks thou that Faustus is so fond to imagine
That after this life there is any pain?
Tush, these are trifles, and mere old wives’s tales.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
But, Faustus, I am an instance to prove the contrary.
For I am damned, and am now in hell.
The DESERT VANISHES, leaving, instead —
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY
FAUSTUS looks around himself in surprise.
FAUSTUS
How, now, in hell?
Nay, if this be hell, I’ll willingly be damned.
What, sleeping, eating, walking, and disputing?
MEPHISTOPHILIS shakes his head at the stupidity of man.
FAUSTUS cajoles him.
FAUSTUS
But leaving this, let me have a wife,
the fairest maid in Germany, for I am
wanton and lascivious and cannot live
without a wife.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(humouring him)
Well, Faustus, thou shalt have a wife.
He snaps his fingers, and the TWO DEVILS reappear.
They wheel in the BRIDE OF FAUSTUS on a trolley.
The BRIDE is eight feet tall. A combination sex doll, rock star, and Bride of Frankenstein. She’s wrapped in a wedding cake of barbed wire, and carries a papier-mache rolling pin.
She sees FAUSTUS and screams.
FAUSTUS
What sight is this?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Tell me, Faustus, how dost thou like thy wife?
FAUSTUS
(disgusted)
Here’s a hot whore, indeed! No, I’ll no wife.
MEPHISTOPHILIS snaps his fingers, and the DEVILS wheel the BRIDE away.
Instead, a QUARTET OF BEAUTY QUEENS, in high heels and bathing suits, promenade across the floor.
They are (according to the banners worn across their chests):
MS. BERKELEY, MLLE. SORBONNE, MISS PRINCETON, MISS
OLD HEIDELBERG (in monocle, high-heeled leather boots, and duelling scar).
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Marriage is but a ceremonial toy.
If thou lovest me, think no more of it.
I’ll cull thee out the fairest courtesans
And bring them every morning to thy bed.
FAUSTUS’ eyes pop at the sight of the BEAUTY QUEENS.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
She whom thine eye shall like thy heart shall have,
Be she chaste as was Penelope,
As wise as Sheba, or as beautiful
As was bright Lucifer before his fall.
As MISS OLD HEIDELBERG turns, we see her DEVIL’S TAIL twitch.
The DEVILS quickly move to hide this sight.
One hands an iBOOK COMPUTER to MEPHISTOPHILIS, who distracts FAUSTUS by presenting it to him.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Here, take this book, peruse it well:
The iterating of these lines brings gold.
(hands him a PEN DRIVE)
The framing of this circle on the ground
Brings thunder, whirlwinds, storm, and lightning:
(hands him a MEMORY CARD)
Pronounce this thrice devoutly to thyself,
And men in armour shall appear to thee,
Ready to execute what thou desir’st.
FAUSTUS
Thanks, Mephistophilis, yet fain would I have
a book wherein I might behold all spells
and incantations, that I might raise up spirits
when I please.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(turns on iBOOK; points)
Here they are in this book.
FAUSTUS
Now would I have a book where I might see all
characters and planets of the heavens that I might
know their motions and dispositions.
MEPHISTOPHILIS opens that folder.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Here they are, too.
FAUSTUS
Nay, let me have one book more, and then I
have done, wherein I might see all plants,
herbs, and trees that grow upon the earth
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(manipulates the keyboard)
Here they be.
FAUSTUS
Oh, thou art deceived!
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Tut, I warrant thee.
FAUSTUS laughs with delight at the pictures that roll by
on the laptop screen.
He and MEPHISTOPHILIS bend over it, discussing its wonders.
EXT. QUADRANGLE – DAWN
The OLD MAN emerges from his staircase.
He looks up at the window of FAUSTUS’ study.
Lights flash. MUSIC pounds.
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY – DAWN
The DEVILS and the DEVIL BEAUTY QUEENS cavort in the study, which has been transformed into a DISCOTHEQUE that extends far beyond its boundaries. Flashing STROBE LIGHTS. A revolving GLITTER GLOBE.
MUSIC POUNDS LOUDLY.
MEPHISTOPHILIS acts a DJ.
FAUSTUS, wearing a white satin suit, sits, bleary-eyed, on a raised banquette, watching the action.
In front of him are a platter of half-eaten canapés, a mound of half-snorted cocaine, and a bottle of half-drunk tequila.
He gets up, sways unsteadily, and staggers out.
The MUSIC screeches to a halt.
THE DISCOTHEQUE vanishes, replaced by the STUDY.
The DEVILS look at MEPHISTOPHILIS.
He shrugs.
EXT. THE COLLEGE GARDEN – SUNRISE
The SUN rises and fills the sky with a rose and turquoise glow.
The MOON and the MORNING STAR still hang low on the horizon.
BIRDS sing. DEW glistens on the green leaves.
FAUSTUS appears. Anguished, he looks at the magnificence
of the morning sky.
FAUSTUS
When I behold the heavens, then I repent
And curse thee, Mephistophilis,
Because thou hast deprived me of those joys.
VOICE OF MEPHISTOPHILIS
Why, Faustus,
Thinkst thou heaven is such a glorious thing?
I tell thee, ‘tis not half so fair as thou,
Or any man that breathes on earth.
FAUSTUS looks at his shaking hands. He is disgusted with himself.
FAUSTUS
How provest thou that?
MEPHISTOPHILIS appears on a bench, again lighting a cigarette.
Again, he offers one to FAUSTUS.
FAUSTUS shakes his head.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
It was made for man; therefore is man more excellent.
FAUSTUS
If it were made for man, ‘twas made for me.
I will renounce this magic and repent.
A rustling from the trees above.
The VOICES OF THE GOOD ANGEL and the BAD ANGEL sound.
VOICE OF GOOD ANGEL
Faustus, repent: yet will God pity thee.
VOICE OF EVIL ANGEL
Thou art a spirit; God cannot pity thee.
FAUSTUS
Who buzzeth in mine ears I am a spirit?
Be I a devil, yet God may pity me.
Ay, God will pity me, if I repent.
TILT UP TO THE TREE
We see the SPIDER’S WEB OF THE EVIL ANGEL.
THE GOOD ANGEL is trapped. Her wings flutter helplessly.
The EVIL ANGEL scuttles across the web toward her.
EVIL ANGEL
(laughing)
Ay, but Faustus never shall repent!
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY – DAY
FAUSTUS sits, depressed. MEPHISTOPHILIS sits next to him.
FAUSTUS
My heart’s so hardened, I cannot repent.
Scarce can I name salvation, faith, or heaven,
But fearful echoes thunder in mine ears:
“Faustus, thou art damned!” Then swords and knives,
Poison, guns, halters, and envenomed steel
Are laid before me to dispatch myself,
And long ere this I should have slain myself
Had not sweet pleasure conquered deep despair.
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves a hand, and, once again, the STUDY VANISHES, leaving —
EXT. A TEMPLE IN ANCIENT GREECE
On the steps, under the massive pillars, MEPHISTOPHILIS and FAUSTUS sit. Both wear TOGAS.
FAUSTUS
Have I not made blind Homer sing to me
Of Alexander’s love and Oenon’s death,
And hath not he that built the walls of Thebes,
With ravishing sound of his melodious harp,
Made music with my Mephistophilis?
Why should I die, then, or basely despair?
I am resolved. Faustus shall not repent.
Come, Mephistophilis, let us dispute again
And argue of divine astrology.
Tell me, are there many heavens above the moon?
Are all celestial bodies but one globe,
As is the substance of this centric earth?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
As are the elements, such are the spheres,
Mutually folded in each other’s orb;
And jointly move upon one axletree
Whose boundary is termed the world’s wide pole;
Nor are the names of Saturn, Mars, or Jupiter
Feigned, but are erring stars.
ANGLE ON – A GROUP OF LEARNED GREEKS who nod sagely at MEPHISTOPHILIS’ words.
FAUSTUS
Tush, these slender trifles Wagner can decide!
Hath Mephistophilis no greater skill?
Tell me, hath every sphere a dominion, or intelligence?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Ay.
Waves his hand again, and ANCIENT GREECE VANISHES, replaced by —
INT. SPACE STATION
In orbit around SATURN.
Airless, deserted, punctured with holes. Long deserted by its makers.
MEPHISTOPHILIS and FAUSTUS stare out the cracked picture window at the huge gas planet below.
FAUSTUS
How many heavens or spheres are there?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Nine: the seven planets, the firmament, and
the empyreal heaven.
FAUSTUS
Resolve me in this question: why have we not
conjunctions, oppositions, aspects, eclipses
all at one time, but in some years we have
more, in some less?
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(yawns)
Unequal motion in relation to the whole.
FAUSTUS is depressed. He knows all of this.
But he can’t think of how to ask about what he doesn’t know.
FAUSTUS
Well, I am answered.
Pause.
FAUSTUS thinks of a real question.
FAUSTUS
Tell me, who made the world.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
I will not.
FAUSTUS
(coaxes)
Sweet Mephistophilis, tell me.
BEHIND THEM – THE GIANT PLANET SATURN FILLS THE SCREEN.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Move me not, for I will not tell thee.
FAUSTUS
Villain, have I not bound thee to tell me
anything?
SATURN VANISHES. They are back in —
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Ay, that is not against our kingdom. But this is.
The BACK WALL OF FAUSTUS’ STUDY FALLS AWAY.
THE FIRES OF HELL appear.
MEPHISTOPHILIS
Think thou on hell, Faustus, for thou art
damned!
FAUSTUS
(bawls out in revenge)
Think, Faustus, upon God that made the world!
MEPHISTOPHILIS
(points at the WALL OF FLAME)
Remember this!
He walks into the FLAMES.
FAUSTUS shouts after him.
FAUSTUS
Ay, go accursed spirit, to ugly hell;
‘Tis thou has damned distressed Faustus’ soul!
He turns and runs into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
INT. FAUSTUS’ BEDROOM
FAUSTUS stands, not knowing what to do next.
FAUSTUS
(whispers)
Is’t not too late?
The GOOD ANGEL and the EVIL ANGEL appear. The GOOD ANGEL is covered with cobwebs, but intact.
EVIL ANGEL
Too late.
GOOD ANGEL
Never too late, if Faustus can repent.
EVIL ANGEL
If thou repent, devils shall tear thee in pieces.
GOOD ANGEL
Repent, and they shall never raze thy skin.
They disappear.
FAUSTUS falls to his knees beside his bed, clutching his hands together in prayer.
FAUSTUS
Ah Christ, my Saviour!
Seek to save distressed FAUSTUS’ soul!
A loud knock at the door.
FAUSTUS jumps up.
In walk LUCIFER and BEELZEBUB. They are dressed in beautiful chalk stripe suits, like rich bankers or politicians.
LUCIFER is tanned, elegant, and relaxed: the ultimate in suave experience.
BEELZEBUB is his bodyguard. He keeps one hand in his pocket.
LUCIFER
Christ cannot save thy soul, for he is just;
There’s none but I have interest in the same.
FAUSTUS
Oh, who art thou that lookst so terrible?
LUCIFER
I am Lucifer,
And this is my companion prince in hell.
FAUSTUS
(terrified)
Oh, Faustus, they are come to fetch away thy soul!
LUCIFER puts his arm around FAUSTUS’ shoulder. He speaks soothingly.
LUCIFER
We come to tell thee thou dost injure us:
Thou callst on Christ, contrary to thy promise.
Thou shouldst not think of God; think of the Devil.
BEELZEBUB hefts whatever weapon it is he has in his pocket.
BEELZEBUB
And of his dam, too.
BEELZEBUB grins. His mouth is full of gold teeth.
Suddenly, LUCIFER and BEELZEBUB look like gangsters.
LUCIFER snaps his fingers.
INT. FAUSTUS’ STUDY
The THREE appear.
MEPHISTOPHILIS arranges TWO THRONES in front of a SMALL STAGE.
Walls and arches have opened up to reveal an infinity of magnificent rooms.
FAUSTUS gapes at the grandeur of his transformed study.
FAUSTUS
(trembling; subservient)
Nor will I henceforth. Pardon me in this,
And Faustus vows never to look to heaven,
Never to name God or pray to him,
To burn his Scriptures, slay his ministers,
And make my spirits pull his churches down.
MEPHISTOPHILIS rolls his eyes.
LUCIFER quells him with a look, and goes back to soothing FAUSTUS.
LUCIFER
Do so, and we will highly gratify thee.
Faustus, we are come from hell to show thee some
pastime: sit down, and thou shalt see all the Seven
Deadly Sins appear in their proper shapes.
FAUSTUS sits on a throne.
FAUSTUS
(fawningly)
That sight will be as pleasing unto me as
paradise was to Adam, the first day of his
creation.
LUCIFER clears his throat, indicating to FAUSTUS that he should
not seat himself before his betters.
FAUSTUS jumps up, bows low, as LUCIFER seats himself.
Looking for permission from BEELZEBUB, FAUSTUS receives it,
and seats himself gingerly on his own throne.
LUCIFER
Talk not of paradise or creation, but mark this
show; talk of the Devil and nothing else.
Come, away!
MEPHISTOPHILIS pulls the red velvet curtain that covers the stage.
The TWO DEVILS shine lights on it.
BEELZEBUB appears, dressed as THE SIN OF PRIDE.
LUCIFER
Now, Faustus, examine them of their several
names and dispositions.
FAUSTUS
(eager to be pleased)
What art thou, the first?
PRIDE
I am PRIDE. I disdain to have parents.
But fie, what a scent is here! I’ll not speak
another word except the ground were
perfumed and covered with cloth of gold!
The curtain closes.
FAUSTUS
Thou art a proud knave indeed!
Curtain opens on BEELZEBUB dressed as COVETOUSNESS.
FAUSTUS
What art thou, the second?
COVETOUSNESS
I am Covetousness, begotten of an old churl
in a leather bag; and might I now obtain my wish,
this house, you, and all should turn to gold, that
I might lock you safe into my chest. Oh, my
sweet gold!
Continue as before. The SINS, all played by BEELZEBUB, surround him. FAUSTUS, eager to show his appreciation throughout, never stops laughing and applauding.
FAUSTUS
What art thou, the third?
WRATH
I am Wrath. I had neither father nor mother;
I am leaped out of a lion’s mouth when I was
scarce an hour old, and ever since I have run
up and down the world with this sword,
wounding myself when I had nobody to
fight with. I was born in hell, and look
to it, for some of you shall be my father.
FAUSTUS
What art thou, the fourth?
ENVY
I am Envy. I cannot read, and therefore wish
all books were burned. I am lean with seeing
others eat. Oh that there would come a famine
through all the world, that all might die, and
I live alone; then thou shouldst see how fat
I would be! But must thou sit, and I stand?
FAUSTUS
Away, envious rascal! What art thou,
the fifth?
GLUTTONY
Who, I, sir? I am Gluttony. My parents are
all dead, and they have left me but a bare
pension: that is thirty meals a day and ten
bevvies — a small trifle to suffice nature.
Faustus, wilt thou bid me to supper?
FAUSTUS pounds his knee, laughing.
FAUSTUS
No, I’ll see thee hanged! Thou wilt eat up
all my victuals.
GLUTTONY
Then the Devil choke thee!
LUCIFER, joking, makes as if to choke FAUSTUS.
FAUSTUS laughs with nervous appreciation.
FAUSTUS
Choke thyself, glutton! What art thou, the
sixth?
SLOTH
I am Sloth. I was begotten on a sunny
bank, where I have lain ever since, and
you have done me a great injury to
bring me from thence. I’ll not speak
another word for a king’s ransom.
The CURTAIN shuts, and opens again, with BEELZEBUB dressed
as a sexy woman — LECHERY.
FAUSTUS
What are you, mistress minx, the seventh
and the last?
LECHERY
(seductively)
Who, I, sir?
(purrs)
The first letter of my name begins with L —
echery!
His tongue snakes out.
FAUSTUS shouts his approval, gives a standing ovation to the show.
LUCIFER
Now, Faustus, how dost thy like this?
FAUSTUS
Oh, this feeds my soul!
BEELZEBUB quivers with excitement at the word ‘soul’.
The TWO DEVILS pack away the props.
LUCIFER takes FAUSTUS aside for a quick word.
LUCIFER
Tut, Faustus, in hell is all manner of delight.
FAUSTUS
Oh, that I might see hell and return again,
how happy were I then!
LUCIFER
Thou shalt. I will send for thee at midnight.
In meantime, take this…
He reaches out, and MEPHISTOPHILIS hands him yet another ELECTRONIC TOY, which he gives to a grateful FAUSTUS.
LUCIFER
…peruse it thoroughly, and thou shalt
turn thyself into any shape thou wilt.
FAUSTUS
Great thanks, mighty Lucifer;
This I will keep as chary as my life.
LUCIFER waves a fond finger at FAUSTUS.
LUCIFER
Farewell, Faustus, and think of the devil.
He and BEELZEBUB disappear.
FAUSTUS
Farewell, great Lucifer.
Pause.
FAUSTUS and MEPHISTOPHILIS are now alone.
FAUSTUS, his confidence fully returned, draws himself up to full height and snaps his fingers at MEPHISTOPHILIS.
FAUSTUS
Come, Mephistophilis!
He vanishes.
MEPHISTOPHILIS follows.