to Jane and offered her his assistance. But she did not require it. The force of the shock had passed away, and she firmly mounted the scaffold. When she was seen there, a groan of compassion arose from the spectators, and prayers were audibly uttered. She then advanced to the rail, and, in a clear distinct voice, spoke as follows: "I pray you all to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman, and that I look to be saved by no other means except the mercy of God, and the merits of the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ. I confess when I knew the word of God I neglected it, and loved myself and the world, and therefore this punishment is a just return for my sins. But I thank God of his goodness that he has given me a time and respite to repent. And now, good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers. Many fervent responses followed, and several of the bystanders imitated Jane's example, as, on the conclusion of her speech, she fell on her knees and recited the Miserere. At its close, Feckenham said in a loud voice, "I ask you, madam, for the last time, will you repent?" "I pray you, sir, to desist," replied Jane, meekly. "I am now at peace with all the world, and would die so." She then arose, and giving the prayer book to Angela, said "When all is over, deliver this to the lieutenant. These," she added, taking off her gloves and collar, "I give to you." "And to me," cried Mauger, advancing and prostrating himself before her according to custom, "you give grace." "And also my head,” replied Jane. "I forgive thee heartily, fellow. Thou art my best friend." "What ails you, madam?" remarked the lieutenant, observing Jane suddenly start and tremble. "Not much," she replied, "but I thought I saw my husband pale and bleeding." "Where?" demanded the lieutenant, recalling Dudley's speech. "There, near the block," replied Jane. "I see the figure still. But it must be mere phantasy." Whatever his thoughts were, the lieutenant made no reply ; and Jane turned to Angela, who now began, with trembling hands, to remove her attire, and was trying to take off her velvet robe, when Mauger offered to assist her, but was instantly repulsed. He then withdrew, and stationing himself by the block, assumed his hideous black mask, and shouldered his ax. Partially disrobed, Jane bowed her head, while Angela tied a kerchief over her eyes, and turned her long tresses over her head to be out of the way. Unable to control herself, she then turned aside, and wept aloud. Jane moved forward in search of the block, but fearful of making a false step, felt for it with her hands, and cried. "What shall I do? Where is it? Where is it?" Sir Thomas Brydges took her hand and guided her to it. At this awful moment, there was a slight movement in the crowd, some of whom pressed nearer the scaffold, and amongst others Sorrocold and Wolfytt. The latter caught hold of the boards to obtain a better view. Angela placed her hands before her eyes, and would have suspended her being, if she could; and even Feckenham veiled his countenance with his robe. Sir Thomas Brydges gazed firmly on. By this time, Jane had placed her head on the block, and her last words were, "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit! The ax then fell, and one of the fairest and wisest heads that ever sat on human shoulders fell likewise. FAUSTUS. BY CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE. [CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE, English dramatist and predecessor of Shakespeare, was the son of a shoemaker of Canterbury, where he was born 1563 or 1564. Having completed his studies in Cambridge, he settled in London and attached himself as dramatist to the "Lord Admiral's Company." Of his subsequent career there is no definite information, but he is said to have led a dissipated life, and was killed by a serving man in a tavern brawl at Deptford (May, 1593). His principal dramatic works are: "Tamburlaine," "Dr. Faustus," "The Jew of Malta," and "Edward II." There are indications that he assisted in writing some of the earlier Shakespearian plays, particularly “Henry VI.” Included in his poetical works are the unfinished "Hero and Leander" (completed by George Chapman), and the popular ditty, "Come, live with me and be my love," frequently quoted and imitated by later writers.] Scene: FAUSTUS discovered in his Study. Faustus-Now, Faustus, must thou needs be damned:. What boots it, then, to think of God or heaven? Now go not backward; no, Faustus, be resolute : Why waver'st thou? O, something soundeth in mine ears, "Abjure this magic, turn to God again!" The god thou serv'st is thine own appetite, Good Angel Enter Good Angel and Evil Angel. Sweet Faustus, leave that execrable art. Faustus Contrition, prayer, repentance-what of them? Good Angel O, they are means to bring thee unto heaven! Evil Angel Rather illusions, fruits of lunacy, That make men foolish that do trust them most. Good Angel. Sweet Faustus, think of heaven and heavenly things. Evil Angel No, Faustus; think of honor and of wealth. Faustus Of wealth! [Exeunt Angels. Why, the signiory of Embden shall be mine. What God can hurt thee, Faustus? Thou art safe; And bring glad tidings from great Lucifer; Is't not midnight?- Come, Mephistophilis, Enter MEPHISTOPHILIS. Now tell me what sayeth Lucifer, thy lord? Mephistophilis That I shall wait on Faustus whilst he lives, So he will buy my service with his soul. Faustus Already Faustus hath hazarded that or thee. |