The history of the damnable life and deserved death of Doctor John Faustus, 1592, together with The second report of Faustus, containing his appearances and the deeds of Wagner, 1594.

by Unknown

CHAPTER IV

Wagner’s cozenage committed upon the sellers of his Master’s goods

According to the Law of the country the goods of Faustus were to be confiscate and applied to the Treasury, by an Edict published against Conjurers by Sigismund, Duke of Saxony. According to the tenor thereof Faustus’ goods were to be alienated, but Wagner so handled the matter that the spear being stuck up,[50] and his goods set to be sold, Wagner had provided bidders and money of his own, the one were such as never were seen more, and the other but round counters. The Messengers being thus cozened by Wagner, durst not for shame report it, nor he for fear of further punishment vaunt of it: the one contented to put up the loss quietly, and the other to enjoy them without further contradiction.

Footnotes

[50] The sign of an auction in ancient Rome.

---