<P> The 1616 version omits 36 lines but adds 676 new lines, making it roughly one third longer than the 1604 version . Among the lines shared by both versions, there are some small but significant changes in wording; for example, "Never too late, if Faustus can repent" in the 1604 text becomes "Never too late, if Faustus will repent" in the 1616 text, a change that offers a very different possibility for Faustus's hope and repentance . </P> <P> Another difference between texts A and B is the name of the devil summoned by Faustus . Text A states the name is generally "Mephistopheles", while the version of text B commonly states "Mephostophilis". The name of the devil is in each case a reference to Mephistopheles in Faustbuch, the source work, which appeared in English translation in about 1588 . </P> <P> The relationship between the texts is uncertain and many modern editions print both . As an Elizabethan playwright, Marlowe had nothing to do with the publication and had no control over the play in performance, so it was possible for scenes to be dropped or shortened, or for new scenes to be added, so that the resulting publications may be modified versions of the original script . </P> <P> In the past, it was assumed that the comic scenes were additions by other writers . However, most scholars today consider the comic interludes an integral part of the play, regardless of their author, and so they continue to be included in print . Their tone shows the change in Faustus's ambitions, suggesting Marlowe did at least oversee the composition of them . The clown is seen as the archetype for comic relief . </P>

The tragic history of the life and death of doctor faustus