Page:History of the wicked life and horrid death of Dr. John Faustus (6).pdf/8



FTER Faustus had a long conference with his spirit concerning the fall of Lucifer, and the state here, and condition of the fallen angels, and in a vision or dream, saw hell, and all the devils and souls that were tormented there; he also saw hell divided into several cells or deep holes; and for every cell, or deep ward, there was a devil appointed to punish those that were under his custody. Having seen this sight he much marvelled at it; and having Mephostophiles with him, he asked him what sort of people they were that lay in the first deep pit? Mephostophiles told him they were those who pretended themselves to be physicians, and had poisoned many thousands to try practice; and now, saith the spirit, they have the same administred to them, as they did to others, tho' not with the same effect, for they will never die here, saith he. Over their heads was a shelf laden with gallipots full of poison. Having past them, he came to a long entry exceeding dark, where there was a mighty crowd; he asked them what these were? the spirit told him they were pick-pockets; who loved to be in a crowd when they were in the other world, and to content them, they put them in a crowd there; among them were some padders on the high-way, and those of that function. Walking further he saw many thousands of vintners, and some millions of taylors, insomuch, that they could not tell whence to get stowage for them; a great number of pastry-cooks with peels on their heads. Walking further, the spirit opening a great cellar-door, from which arose a terrible noise, he asked what they were? the spirit told him, they were witches, and those