It is, evidently, on this popular tradition, that Goethe’s Faust covenants in blood with Mephistopheles.
MEPHISTOPHELES.
“But one thing!—accidents may happen; hence
A line or two in writing grant, I pray.”
FAUST.
. . . . . . . . . .
“Spirit of evil! what dost thou require?
Brass, marble, parchment, paper, dost desire?
Shall I with chisel, pen, or graver, write?
Thy choice is free; to me ’tis all the same.”