Page:Famous history of the learned Friar Bacon (2).pdf/14

 window in a flaſh of flame, with horrible bellowings. The gentleman, ſeeing himſelf in this caſe, began to weep bitterly, and and wiſhed he had been contented in his ſad condition, rather than have taken ſuch a deſperate way to enrich himſelf; and was almoſt at his wits-end.

Friar Bacon, knowing by his art what had paſt came to comfort him; and having heard the whole ſtory, bid him not deſpair, but pray, and repent of his ſins, and he would contrive to ſhew the Devil a trick that ſhould releaſe him from his obligation. This greatly comforted the gentleman, and he promiſed to do whatever the Friar ſhould order him. Then, ſays he, meet at the time appointed, and I will be near to offer to put the deciſion of the controverſy to the next that comes by, and that ſhall be myſelf; and I will find a way infallibly to give it on your ſide. Accordingly he met, and the Devil conſented to put it to arbitration. Then Friar Bacon appearing, Lo, ſaid the gentleman, here's a proper judge: this learned Friar ſhall determine it: and if it goes againſt me you have free liberty to do with me as you pleaſe. Content, ſaid the Devil. Then each of them told their ſtory, and the writing was produced, with all the acquittances he had taken; for the Devil, contrary to his knowledge, had ſtolen them and the other writings belonging to his Eſtate, out of his cloſet. The Friar, weighing