Page:History of the devil, ancient and modern (1).pdf/23

23 a terrible, and an immortal spirit; he is himself called a Prince, the Prince of the Power of the Air, the Prince of darkness, the Prince of Devils, and the like. Some think the Devil is in our company visible or invisible. The following was sent in a letter to me lately.

SIR,

WE had one day, very early in the morning, and for the most part of the day, a great deal of rain with a high wind, and the clouds very thick and dark all day.

In the evening, the cloudy thick weather continued. not the rain; when, being in a friend's house in ————lane, London and several ladies and some gentlemen in the room, besides two or three servants, (for we had been eating) the following interlude happened for our entertainment:—— When the cloth was taken away, two large candles were brought upon the table, and placed there, with some bottles and glasses for the gentlemen, who it seems were intending to drink and be very merry. Two large wax candles were also set on another table, the ladies ing going to cards, there were also two large candles sconces [sic] over or near the chimney; and one more in a looking-glass scone on a pier by the window.

With all this apparatus, the company separating, sat down; the gentlemen at their table, and the ladies at theirs, play as above; when, after some time, the gentleman  the house said hastily to the servant, "What a p——— s the candles?" and turning to the servant, raps out an th or two, and bids him snuff the candles, for they burnt as if the Devil was in them.

The fellow going to snuff one of the candles snuffs it out; at which his master being in a passion, the fellow lights it again immediately at the other candle; and then being in a little hurry, going to snuff the other candle, fed that out too.

The first candle that was re-lighted (as is usual in such es) burned dim and dull for a good while, and the other being out, the room was much darker than before; n a wench that stood by the ladies table, bawls out to mistress, La! Madam, the candles burn blue!" An Lady that sat by, says, "Aye, Betty, so they do. Up this one of the ladies starts up; Mercy upon us! (says ) what is the matter?" In this unlucky moment, servant without orders, went to the great pier sconesconce; [sic]