Quote 40
FAUSTUS
Then in this show let me an actor be,
That this proud Pope may Faustus' cunning see. (3.1.75-76)
Faustus claims to want to hang around the Pope's chambers so that he can make a show of his cunning. Yet, when he actually interacts with the Pope, he's either in disguise or completely invisible. Faustus seems to want to play tricks here more than he really desires to be renowned for cunning. Why the change of heart?
EMPEROR
Wonder of men, renowned magician,
Thrice-learned Faustus, welcome to our court.
This deed of thine, in setting Bruno free
From his and our professed enemy
Shall add more excellence unto thine art
Than if by powerful necromantic spells
Thou couldst command the world's obedience. (4.1.47-53)
The praise the emperor heaps upon Faustus here is exactly what Faustus wished for in Act 1, Scene 1. Flattery will get you everywhere with this guy. But there's just one problem with that flattery. The emperor makes the point that the good, useful deed Faustus has done in setting Bruno free is much more important than the magic itself. Of course this important lesson falls on deaf ears. No one ever said Faustus was a good listener.
FAUSTUS
O, say not so, sir. The doctor has no skill,
No art, no cunning to present these lords
Or bring before this royal Emperor
The mighty monarch, warlike Alexander.
If Faustus do it, you are straight resolved
In bold Actaeon's shape to turn a stag. (4.2.136-141)
Faustus is angry with Benvolio for mocking him by doubting his magical mojo. For this reason, he puts horns on the guy's head. The fact that Faustus is unable to let Benvolio's teasing roll off his back shows just how important his abilities are to him. He can't stand to let someone even imply that he doesn't have the skills.