A History of the Emperor Charles V

A History of the Emperor Charles V

and Doctor Faustus

XXIII

Our Emperor Charles the Fifth of that name was come with his court entourage to Innsbruck, whither Doctor Faustus had also resorted. Well acquainted with his arts and skill were divers knights and counts, particularly those whom he had relieved of sundry pains and diseases, so that he was invited, summonsed and accompanied to meat at court. Here the Emperor espied him and wondered who he might be. When someone remarked that it was Doctor Faustus, the Emperor noted it well but held his peace until after meat (this being in the summer and after St. Philip and St. James). Then the Emperor beckoned Faustus into his Privy Chamber and, disclosing to him that he deemed him adept in nigromantia, did therefore desire to be shown a proof in something which he would like to know. He vowed unto Faustus by his Imperial Crown that no ill should befall him, and Doctor Faustus did obediently acquiesce to oblige his Imperial Majesty.

Now hear me then, quoth the Emperor. In my camp I once did stand pondering on my ancestors who before me had risen to such high degree and sovereignty as would scarcely be attainable for me and my successors, especially how Alexander the Great, of all monarchs the most mighty, was a light and an ornament among all Emperors. Ah, it is well known what great riches, how many kingdoms and territories he did possess and acquire, the which to conquer and to organize again will fall most difficult for me and my succession, such territories being now divided into many separate kingdoms. It is my constant wish that I had been acquainted with this man and had been able to behold him and his spouse in the person, figure, form, mien and bearing of life. I understand that thou be an adept master in thine art, able to realize all things according to matter and complexion, and my most gracious desire is that thou give me some answer now in this regard.

Most gracious Lord, quoth Faustus, I will, in so far as I with my spirit am able, comply with Your Imperial Majesty's desire as concerns the personages of Alexander and his spouse, their aspect and figure, and cause them to appear here. But Your Majesty shall know that their mortal bodies cannot be present, risen up from the dead, for such is impossible. Rather, it will be after this wise: the spirits are experienced, most wise and ancient spirits, able to assume the bodies of such people, so transforming themselves that Your Imperial Majesty will in this manner behold the veritable Alexander.

Faustus then left the Emperor's chamber to take counsel with his spirit. Being afterward come in again to the Emperor's chamber, he indicated to him that he was about to be obliged, but upon the one condition that he would pose no questions, nor speak at all, the which the Emperor agreed unto. Doctor Faustus opened the door. Presently Emperor Alexander entered in the very form which he had borne in life--namely: a well-proportioned, stout little man with a red or red-blond, thick beard, ruddy cheeks and a countenance as austere as had he the eyes of the Basilisk. He stepped forward in full harness and, going up to Emperor Charles, made a low and reverent curtesy before him. Doctor Faustus restrained the Emperor of Christendom lest Charles rise up to receive him. Shortly thereafter, Alexander having again bowed and being gone out at the door, his spouse now approached the Emperor, she, too, making a curtesy. She was clothed all in blue velvet, embroidered with gold pieces and pearls. She, too, was excellent fair and rosy-cheeked, like unto milk and blood mixed, tall and slender, and with a round face.

Emperor Charles was thinking the while: Now I have seen the two personages whom I have long desired to know, and certainly it cannot be otherwise but that the spirit hath indeed changed into these forms, and he doth not deceive me, it being even as with the woman who raised the prophet Samuel for Saul.

But the Emperor, desiring to be the more certain of the matter, thought to himself: I have often heard tell that she had a great wen on her back. If it is to be found upon this image also, then I would believe it all the better.

So, stepping up to her, he did lift her skirt, and he found the wen. For she stood stock still for him, disappearing again afterwards. Thus the Emperor's desire was granted withal, and he was sufficiently content.